Scotland’s Golf Coast partners with the Scottish Borders and Northumberland

Scotland’s Golf Coast has the greatest concentration of Championship links golf courses in the world. However, the region is lucky to have fantastic neighbours. The Scottish Borders and Northumberland are fascinating regions, and a natural extension to Scotland’s Golf Coast. The golf courses are spectacular too.

Partnering Scotland’s Golf Coast are Eyemouth, Dunstanburgh Castle, Goswick, and Bamburgh Castle. The Scotland’s Golf Coast destination gets better and better and now with 100 miles of coast, and 25 courses, that’s a golf course every four miles. The regions are a great addition.

Accessibility is key. From Edinburgh to Newcastle, there is a lot of golf to be played. The three regions allow you to take your pick of destination for a short break, stop off at the many courses en route, or take a longer trip, incorporating the very best of both English and Scottish links golf.  A veritable cornucopia and smorgasbord of golfing delight. The Scottish Borders and Northumberland coast provide a great Gateway to Scotland – and Scotland’s Golf Coast.

It is only two hours and 30 minutes between Edinburgh and Newcastle, so no matter how you arrive, the golf is easy to reach. Edinburgh and Newcastle both have international airports, and Newcastle has the ferry port too, perfect for those driving from Europe.

Eyemouth Golf Club is the only coastal course in the Scottish Borders, and what a location. Number 6 is the signature hole, a par 3 crossing a ravine. From tee to green is the North Sea, so club selection is crucial. The course hugs the beautiful coast on the front nine, then the back nine enjoys the natural undulations of the rolling countryside. As always, the weather will play an important role, but don’t forget, some holes are against the wind, but others are with!

Heading down the coast, and just across the border is Goswick. A James Braid masterpiece, Goswick is beautifully disguised by its biggest challenge. The dunes. A golf course designed by the great man, but as much by Mother Nature. The holes have been sculpted from the ups and downs of the links terrain, and arguably provide the truest representation of seaside golf. A Regional Open Qualifier in 2024, this is a stern test. Like all truly great links golf courses, all holes are playable and scoreable. Depending on the wind direction though, these characteristics change by the hour.

How you play holes 4 to 10 at Dunstanburgh Castle very much dictate your final score. Curving around the bay, the holes are at the mercy of the wind rolling in from the North Sea. The castle serves as the goal on the horizon and is present in every shot. James Braid has once again had influence on the design, and that is evident with the use of the gorse and the guarding bunkers. However, Dunstanburgh Castle has evolved over time. The land is firm and well-drained, and the club is popular and welcoming. Dunstanburgh Castle is another representation of the extent of great golf in the area.

Our final stop is Bamburgh Castle. The views of the North Sea are to be cherished. Depending on the light, the vista changes from hour to hour, day to day and season to season. Bamburgh Castle has a unique course introduction. Two par 3s and two par 5s make up the first four holes, so your start can set the tone. The Grade 1 listed 11th century Bamburgh Castle is the backdrop and is one of over 70 castles in Northumberland. Further out to sea is Lindisfarne, Holy Island, well worth a visit when not on the course. A slightly shorter course, its charm and challenge are the appeal.

The Scotland’s Golf Coast website is an impressive compendium of information, and there is also a handy Golfer’s Guide to download. Stay and Play packages are offered. In Northumberland, Marshall Meadows Manor enjoys Georgian splendour, together with modern and luxurious eco pods. The Manor is an ideal base, or perfect as a stop off.