East Lothian

Muirfield is one of the finest links courses in the world, a place where tradition is honoured and the challenge remains as pure as ever. It has produced an exceptional list of Open champions and continues to set the standard for strategic links golf.

The routing is a masterpiece, moving in two loops that constantly shift your angle and the direction of the wind. Positioning is vital, and the bunkering is some of the best in the game, with wide gathering slopes that punish even small errors.

A day at Muirfield is also known for its hospitality, with a clubhouse lunch often described as one of the very best in golf. Timeless, demanding and unforgettable.

North Berwick West Links is one of the most celebrated seaside courses in Scotland and a landmark of world golf. Stretching along the shoreline of the Firth of Forth, it offers a rare blend of history, charm and natural beauty that has captivated golfers for generations.

The layout is famous for its originality and character. Ancient stone walls come into play, fairways ripple across firm coastal turf and greens present some of the most imaginative contours anywhere. Signature holes such as the Redan and the par 4 thirteenth showcase strategic design that has influenced course architects around the world.

What makes the West Links truly special is how naturally it fits the land. Every hole feels part of the landscape, shaped by wind, tide and time. The setting is unforgettable, with sea views throughout the round and a welcoming town that sits right beside the closing stretch.

For anyone planning golf in East Lothian, North Berwick West Links is an essential experience. It is fun, challenging and endlessly memorable, offering a perfect example of why links golf holds such a timeless appeal.

Around thirty minutes east of Gullane sits the seaside town of Dunbar, affectionately known as Sunny Dunny. Dunbar Golf Club has a strong championship pedigree, having hosted the Scottish Amateur Open, the British Boys Championship and final Open Qualifying.

The opening holes run behind an old stone deer wall before the course opens out into a true out and back links. The setting is remarkable, with the sea close enough that you can feel the salt spray on windy days. Expect firm turf, excellent conditioning throughout the year and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.

For golfers exploring East Lothian, Dunbar offers classic links golf in a dramatic coastal setting and is a course that consistently leaves a lasting impression.

Gullane No. 1 is one of Scotland’s most historic and admired links. Founded in 1884, the course has hosted many major championships, including the Scottish Open and Open Qualifying, and remains a favourite for golfers seeking classic East Lothian terrain and first class conditioning.

The layout is defined by its sweeping elevation changes, fast running fairways and beautifully contoured greens. Early holes climb steadily to the top of Gullane Hill where the views stretch for miles, then descend into a flowing sequence of natural, linksy challenges. The breeze plays a constant role and the course rewards confident driving, precise iron play and a thoughtful approach to strategy.

Immaculately presented throughout the year and known for its warm welcome, Gullane No. 1 offers a memorable blend of tradition, scenery and pure links golf.

Gullane No. 2, designed by Willie Park Jr. in 1898, is often considered the connoisseur’s choice. While No. 1 may be better known, many members quietly prefer No. 2 for its variety, strategy and charm.

The opening climb to the top of Gullane Hill delivers one of the finest views in Scottish golf, with neighbouring courses, the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh spread out below. From there, the course offers a thoughtful test, with clever bunkering, contoured greens and changes in elevation that keep you engaged throughout.

A little shorter than No. 1 yet every bit as characterful, Gullane No. 2 blends history, beauty and subtle challenge into a memorable links experience.

Gullane No. 3 may measure just over 5,100 yards, but it is far from an easy stroll. This shorter layout delivers a thoughtful and engaging test that highlights strategy, accuracy and imagination. There is only one par 5, yet the mix of par 4s and the excellent set of par 3s provide real variety throughout the round.

The greens are the smallest on the hill and well protected, demanding precise approach play. Firm, fast fairways place a premium on positioning rather than power, rewarding golfers who think their way around.

Compact, clever and full of charm, Gullane No. 3 offers a fun and memorable links experience.

Gullane and Muirfield often take centre stage, yet just a short drive away sits a timeless gem. Luffness New is a classic links crafted by Old Tom Morris in 1894, and it still plays with the same character and charm he intended.

The course unfolds across firm fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and greens that ask for a thoughtful touch. The opening holes set the challenge early with narrow driving lines and smart angles, while the closing stretch, usually played into the prevailing wind, delivers a memorable test. It is a layout that rewards accuracy and carries a strong sense of golf’s golden era.

Lunch in the clubhouse is a wonderful experience. It has a reputation for being one of the finest anywhere, and it more than lives up to it.

Musselburgh Old is widely recognised as the world’s oldest golf course and offers one of the most authentic historic rounds in Scotland. It hosted The Open Championship six times in the 1800s and still feels closely tied to the roots of the game. Much of the layout sits inside the town racecourse, a reminder that it was never designed for modern equipment, which is why many golfers choose to play it with hickory clubs for the full experience.

The bunkering is excellent, the greens have lovely natural slopes, and the long dogleg 4th beside Mrs Forman’s pub is a highlight. Musselburgh Old is golf at its most simple, charming and memorable.

Kilspindie offers one of the most joyful rounds in East Lothian. Golf has been played on this stretch of coast since the mid-1800s, and the present layout, created by Willie Park Jr. and Ben Sayers in 1898, remains a welcoming and beautifully natural links.

The course feels open and inviting, with fairways blending into greens and rough that rarely punishes. The sea is ever present, adding both scenery and a gentle breeze, and the relaxed rhythm encourages conversation as much as concentration.

Short par fours tempt you from the tee, while the par threes are excellent, especially the eighth beside the water. Fast, scenic and full of charm, Kilspindie proves great golf doesn’t need to be long to be memorable.