Scotland’s No.1 Golf Destination

From Edinburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east, Scotland’s Golf Coast has something for everyone. Not only does the coast offer the highest concentration of Championship links golf courses in the world, but it also has a selection of golf for all abilities and budgets.

It will be another big year on the coast, as the Genesis Scottish Open arrives in July. The Renaissance Club will once again host the Rolex Series event, co-sanctioned by the DP World and PGA Tours. This will be the ninth time in the past eleven years that East Lothian has hosted the Scottish Open, with 2024 memorably celebrating a home winner, as Robert MacIntyre held off a late challenge from Adam Scott.

Where to play?

Thanks to its dry weather and famous micro-climate, the region offers golf 365 days a year. The firm links turf of the coastal courses, combined with the superbly drained inland courses, allows for quality golf and tremendous value for money, no matter the season.

East Lothian has golf woven into its very fabric. From Musselburgh Links, which celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2022, to Muirfield, host of the Open 16 times, the region is rich in history.

To begin, Gullane boasts three (No’s 1, 2, and 3) varied and stunning links layouts laid out over unspoilt coastal land, and offering dramatic coastal views back to Edinburgh. The three meander merrily in and around Gullane Hill, all with their own style and challenge.

From the top of the hill on No.1, look east to the North Berwick Law and the famous Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. In existence since 1744, the club moved to Muirfield in 1891. Old Tom Morris, and subsequently Harry Colt, created what is regarded by many as one of the best links’ golf courses in the world.

Another Old Tom Morris classic, Luffness New, sits in the heart of East Lothian and represents the quintessential links experience. There is no better golf course to keep the ball in play, and to craft a shot. A little further along the coast, North Berwick, is home to two exceptional links courses. The East Links at the Glen Golf Club has the iconic 13th, with special views of the Bass Rock. Along the beach is the tour pro’s bucket-list favourite, the West Links at North Berwick Golf Club.

The East Links provides a beautiful combination of holes spread out across the shoreline and headland, whilst the West Links presents one of the most unique and enjoyable golf experiences you will find anywhere in the world. Hole 13, Pit, is a golf photographer’s dream, with the wall protecting the green, and the fairway hugging the rocks providing the ideal shot. The West regularly finds itself atop the many ranking lists.

Out towards the North Sea, Dunbar also has two golf courses. Winterfield, although appearing short presents a fantastically good-value challenge. The1st features a 220-yard carry over a ravine to reach the pin, whilst holes 12 to 16 are particularly scenic. The dramatic Open qualifier, Dunbar hugs the coastline with the sound of nearby crashing waves providing a delight for all the senses. The course condition at Dunbar is always one of the best in the country and many East Lothian aficionados have Dunbar in their top three on the coast.

Musselburgh Links is a must-play historical golf experience. The nine-hole circuit located within Musselburgh Racecourse offers players the opportunity to use classic hickory clubs and play the course like Willie Park Jr.

Towards Edinburgh, you'll find Longniddry, an unusual yet delightful woodland links combination, and Craigielaw, a Donald Steel-designed newcomer that opened its fairways in 2001. Craigielaw hosted the Scottish Senior Open in 2018 and 2019 and is now a firm favourite. Craigielaw’s neighbour, Kilspindie is tucked away on the same peninsula, reaching out into the Forth and offering outstanding coastal views and tough conditions. The par 3 1st is a calm start, before you turn to Edinburgh for holes two to four, where you don’t want the wind to be too strong.

Nearby inland courses include The Musselburgh, the closest Scotland’s Golf Coast course to Edinburgh and an Open qualifier, as well as Royal Musselburgh, (the sixth oldest club in the world). Gifford offers a 9-hole gem, boasting charming parkland views of the Lammermuir Hills.

At Archerfield's twin links, the two courses offer a relaxed golfing experience. Fidra is a unique blend of pine forest and fast-running links, whilst the Dirleton provides a more traditional links experience with sweeping fairways and imposing bunkers.

As mentioned, thanks to its location, Scotland's Golf Coast welcomes golfers all year round. In winter, wrap up, enjoy the links turf, and master the bump and runs before heading in to warm up with a dram next to the roaring fire. In summer, it’s light until 10 in the evening, so there is plenty of time to play 36 in a day, or 18 in the morning, lunch and a fun 9 in the afternoon.

How to get there?

Edinburgh International Airport provides easy access. The furthest golf course from the airport is only 50 minutes, and all 21 courses are within 30 minutes of each other. For those arriving from Europe, the ferry to Newcastle is only two hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh. Appealingly, this brings into play the fantastic courses in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. Scotland’s Golf Coast has partnered with Eyemouth, Bamburgh Castle, Goswick and Dunstanburgh Castle golf clubs. This partnership sees the destination grow to 25 courses in 100 miles, that’s a golf course every four miles.

Where to eat and drink?

The golfing towns of Aberlady, Gullane, North Berwick, and Dunbar are perfectly situated to access all the Scotland’s Golf Coast courses and offer a delightful array of bars, pubs, and restaurants. East Lothian is not only a golfer's paradise but also a food and drink haven, boasting exceptional local produce and unparalleled hospitality.

If classic local grub is what you're after, then pop into the No12 Hotel & Bistro in North Berwick for a traditional homemade meal accompanied by a fine selection of drinks and a warm welcome.

Perched overlooking the West Links in North Berwick, the Marine has the stylish Bass Rock Bar. Contemplating the 18 holes to come, the bar’s Old Fashioned is enough to calm the nerves.

Post-round, the Lodge at Craigielaw affords spectacular views of the course, a delicious Cullen skink and the temptation of a further nine. Whilst Garleton Lodge sits proudly above the courses boasting an unrivalled wine and whisky selection, and food and comfort that are ideal for a golf trip. The Leddie too is proud of its food provenance and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.

Where to stay?

East Lothian offers a wide range of stay-and-play packages with accommodation to suit every taste and budget. The comprehensive website, where you can also download a full guide, is the ideal compendium. There is an array of options, from luxury bed and breakfasts like Garleton Lodge, self-catering apartments, or exclusive use properties such as Papple Steading to the luxury of The Marine in North Berwick and Archerfield House. The golf resort at Craigielaw has 30 bedrooms, whilst North Berwick Golf Lodge is a short walk to the West Links. The Leddie in Aberlady is a recent addition, having been full remodelled and refurbished. All accommodation providers are proud of their golf knowledge and their special golf region.