Golf Guide: East Lothian
The East Lothian region, known as Scotland’s “Golf Coast,” offers a golf experience rich in tradition, challenge, and natural beauty. Located just a short drive from Edinburgh, this area is home to some of the world’s finest links courses.
Muirfield, one of the oldest and most revered courses, provides a stern test for even the most accomplished golfers, with its demanding layout and deep bunkers. Nearby, historic North Berwick Golf Club offers a unique experience with its quirky, ancient design, including the famous “Redan” hole, which has been replicated around the globe. Gullane, with its three courses, present breathtaking views of the Firth and Forth and a variety of challenges, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
East Lothian’s golf courses are known for their fast-running fairways, tricky greens, and the ever present coastal winds that can turn any round into a true test of skill and patience. Beyond the golf itself, the region offers a warm Scottish welcome, with charming towns, historic sites, and cosy pubs where golfers can relax after a round. Whether you’re playing a championship course or a hidden gem, East Lothain provides an authentic Scottish golf experience that’s both rewarding and memorable.
Hidden Gem Courses
There are some exceptional hidden gem golf courses in and around North Berwick that deliver an authentic links experience, featuring challenging greens, breathtaking coastal views, and rich historical significance.
Kilspindie Golf Club
7.5 miles from Marine North Berwick
A traditional links course with stunning views over the Firth and Forth. It’s one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, dating back to 1867, and offers a mix of challenging holes and natural beauty.
Why it’s a Gem: It’s less crowded than more famous courses nearby but still provides a classic Scottish links experience. The course is known for being playable year-round and offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Longniddry Golf Club
10 miles from Marine North Berwick
Longniddry is a combination of parkland and links, offering a unique and varied golf experience. The course is relatively short but requires precision and strategy.
Why it’s a Gem: The course is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, but its layout and challenging greens make it a delight for golfers looking for something different.
Dunbar Golf Club
14 miles from Marine North Berwick
Located further east along the coast, Dunbar Golf Club offers a classic links course with some of the best coastal views in Scotland. It’s a challenging course that’s open to the elements, offering a true test of links golf.
Why it’s a Gem: While it’s well-regarded, it’s often less busy than Gullane or North Berwick, allowing for a more relaxed round. The combination of history, scenery, and challenge make it a standout.
Luffness New Golf Club
5.6 miles from Marine North Berwick
Luffness New is a traditional links course known for its firm fairways, flat greens, and strategic bunkering. The course has a classic feel and offers a pure golf experience.
Why it’s a Gem: It’s a member’s club that’s less known to tourists, offering an exclusive feel without the high-profile reputation of courses like Muirfield. The quality of the course is superb, and it’s a favourite among locals.
Craigielaw Golf Club
8 miles from Marine North Berwick
Craigielaw is a relatively modern links course, designed to offer a tough but fair challenge with wide fairways and tricky greens. The course is built on a spectacular piece of coastland, with views across the Firth of Forth.
Why it’s a Gem: Despite its newer status, Craigielaw offers a top-quality links experience that’s often overlooked by visitors. It also has excellent practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse.
Gullane Golf Club
4.6 miles from Marine North Berwick
With three superb courses—No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3—Gullane offers a variety of challenges set against breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth. It features firm fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and fast, undulating greens, with the iconic 7th hole offering one of the best panoramic views in Scottish golf.
Why it’s a Gem: The club’s welcoming atmosphere, excellent practice facilities, and stunning natural setting ensure an unforgettable round for golfers of all levels.
Five-Day Golf Itinerary
A golf trip to East Lothian offers the perfect blend of championship links, hidden gems, and rich golfing history. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round on the West Links or discovering a new favourite course along the coast, North Berwick delivers an unforgettable golf experience in one of Scotland’s most scenic and storied golf destinations.
Day One
Morning arrival in East Lothian; settle into your accommodation in Marine North Berwick. Visit the historic town of Musselburgh, then enjoy an afternoon tee time at Musselburgh Links, a nine-hole course where golf has been played since 1672. Dinner at The Golf Tavern, a historic pub that has served golfers for centuries.
Day Two
Morning tee time at Gullane No. 1, known for its challenging layout and breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth. After your round, visit nearby Dirleton Castle, a medieval fortress with beautiful gardens. Then enjoy dinner at La Potiniere, a fine dining experience in Gullane that offers a seasonal menu with a focus on local ingredients.
Day Three
Morning tee time at North Berwick Golf Club, one of the world’s most famous links courses, known for its quirky holes and stunning coastal views. After golf, explore the dramatic ruins of Tantallon Castle, perched on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. Enjoy a relaxed evening meal at The Lawn, with a menu and marries the flavours of Italy with quality Scottish produce.
Day Four
Experience one of the world’s most exclusive and historic courses, Muirfield, home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. After a morning tee time at Muirfield, take a leisurely drive along the East Lothian coast, stopping in charming villages like Aberlady and Port Seton. Then head back to Gullane for dinner at The Bonnie Badger, Tom Kitchin’s Michelin-starred pub that offers a mix of classic Scottish dishes and innovative cuisine.
Day Five
Morning tee time at Archerfield Links – choose between the Fidra or Dirleton courses, both of which offer a private, serene setting. Enjoying a relaxed lunch at the Archerfield Clubhouse and perhaps a visit to the Fletcher’s Cottage Spa to unwind. Enjoy afternoon tea Bass Rock Bar before your journey home.
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