The clamour for sought after 2026 tee times is upon us. February sees the first of the ‘top ranking’ courses open their diaries for next year. Bucket-list courses are of course in demand, and on Scotland’s Golf Coast we are lucky to have several. No matter where you are travelling from, a trip to Scotland doesn’t have to be uniquely about a whistle-stop tour of Open venues. The Scottish golf experience is more than that.
We are not undervaluing our signature courses, far from it. To play the classic par 3s at Muirfield, a wedge over the wall at 13 on North Berwick, completing the true links test of 2015 and 2018 Scottish Open host, Gullane No.1, are all special and fantastic experiences. And experience is where we must continue. After all, experiential travel is very 2025.
Once-In-A-Lifetime
For some, understandably, golf in Scotland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Scotland is The Home of Golf after all. It is essential, however, and relatively easy, to immerse yourself in true Scottish golf that is way beyond the Top 100 in the World.
It’s important to note, this is a Scotland’s Golf Coast blog, so these are Scotland’s Golf Coast examples. There are 550 golf courses in Scotland. Although we are the No.1 Golf Destination in Scotland, there are many more fantastic regions in our beautiful country and many more experiences, it just so happens we have some of the best.
Musselburgh Links, The Old Course – Our History
As a starter for ten, we give you Musselburgh Links, a 9-hole, par 3 links course. 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, golf has been played here for over 350 years. Between 1874 and 1889, Musselburgh hosted six Opens, with champions including Willie Park Jr. and Mungo Park. Rent a set of hickories and enjoy golf as it was in the 19th century.
Gullane No.3 – Craft and Guile
There is craft, creativity, guile, patience and luck involved in links golf. Depending on the weather, a 500-yard par 5 into the teeth of the wind can be tough. Yet not all links golf courses have to be a battle. Playing the 5252-yard, par 68 Gullane No.3, is not about brute force, it is about seeing the shots, feeling the course, and savouring the contours. Accuracy is rewarded, then trust in your shot choice and the mercy of the beautifully firm links turf. Big is not always best.
Gifford Golf Club – An Amble and a Chat
And then there’s the people. A tale is never too far away in Scotland. A laugh, a joke, a question, a word of advice, a warm welcome. Head to Gifford Golf Club, where the perfectly quaint and cosy clubhouse is a honeytrap for the locals. A few will not play, just enjoying a coffee and a chat, but those who do, thoroughly enjoy the nine holes framed by the Lammermuir Hills. For the majority, golf is for leisure, so why not make it leisurely. Amble, don’t drive. Chat, don’t photograph (apart from #scotgolfcoast on Insta). Relax, don’t rush. Gifford has been shortlisted again for this year’s ‘Best 9-Hole Course’ in the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.
Magic Memories Made On The Coast
Finally, it’s about memory. Stand at the water’s edge, the sea laps at your feet. The fresh Scottish air wisps, perhaps whistles through your hair. Thoughts of missed putts linger in your mind, the promise of holed ones to come makes you smile. Look across the water to a sight that will live with you forever. Your fellow golfers and friends chat, as you take it all in. A pint or two, a warm fire to enjoy, a sumptuous meal to be enjoyed, an experience forever.
A good walk spoiled. We don’t think so. The Scottish golf experience is more than that.
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