Edinburgh & East Lothian, Scotland Golf Vacations

Par 71, yardage 6,420. North Berwick is the 13th oldest club in the world and is second only to St. Andrews for continuous play. The club was formed in 1832 but golf had been played here long before. The course hosts qualifying when the Open is held at Muirfield and requires a fair amount of skill and shot execution in order to score a good round. North Berwick is similiar to Scottish seaside links courses with holes laid out among the dunes and hills by the North Sea. What makes the course unique are the ancient stone walls that dissect many of the holes, severe undulations, plus large rock surfaces among fairways and along some greens. 

Hole #13 "The Pit" is one of the most distinctive holes at North Berwick and certainly one of the most photographed.  One of the stone walls runs in front of a sunken green area framed by large dunes behind the green.  Hole #15 "The Redan Hole" is the last par-3 on the course and famously the most replicated hole in golf course architecture, with many of the top 100 courses in the world featuring a Redan hole, but the original stands alone.  The Redan  green slopes significantly right-to-left and away from the player and player approaches must land on the raised right hand side to propel ball to left and towards center of the sunken green.  But the most unique green on the course is on the 16th hole "The Gate".  The green is made up of two islands with a 3-foot deep trench dividing both sections making approaches very challenging to hold a small area of the green.  

Golfers will always find North Berwich Golf Club genuinely welcoming and enjoyable to spend the day.  A sign at the front of the Clubhouse reads, "Your green fee ticket entitles you to temporary membership of the North Berwick Golf Club where you will be made welcome by members."    

Par 71, yardage 6,466. While Muirfield may be the jewel in East Lothian's golfing crown, Gullane No. 1 is not far behind it, as many of those who have played here in the Open Championship qualifying, Men's and Women's Scottish Opens over the years have testified. It is links golf at its best, the difficulty factor being increased at some holes by their undulating nature and breezes from across the Firth of Forth. The climb alone is worth it, though, when you can stand on the seventh tee and enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh, the Forth Bridges and Fife.  Golf has been played over the links of Gullane for more than 350 years.  Gullane peninsula is blessed with spectacular elevations and seaside views, superb turf and climate that allows year round golf.  

The three golf courses at Gullane Golf Club are simply known by number reflecting their age.  Gullane No. 1 is carved over picturesque elevations, ancient links turf along the craggy edges of the Firth, pot bunkers, wispy grasses and smooth-rolling greens.  The architect of Gullane No. 1 is unknown but nature had much to do with the course layout!  Gullane No. 2 was laid out by the legendary Willie Park Jr. and has been hosted Open Championship Qualifying as well as Seniors Open Qualifying and Amateur Tournaments.  Gullane No. 3 is the shortest of the three courses, but provides a wonderful test based on shot-making skills rather than power.

Gullane Golf Club offers a unique range of golf experiences for its members and visitors alike, combining a major role in the history of Scottish golf, great golfing conditions and a truly spectacular environment.

Par 71, yardage 6,404. Laid out by Old Tom Morris around 1850, Dunbar Golf Club links on the estuary of the Firth of Forth, is a breathtaking layout of a Championship links course that stretches across yards of coastal terrain. Well defined links holes play along the natural contours of the coastline, and between ancient stone walls and multiple holes.  Being by the sea shore naturally means that the wind plays a main factor with the course itself; a light breeze can transform this course into a serious challenge, producing a new playing experience with every round. 

 Inspired by the great links courses of the UK & Ireland, particularly those on land which are less dominated by dunes, Craigielaw is equal to many of the finest examples of such courses; some of which are conveniently located nearby in the East Lothian area.

Designed by Donald Steel & Co. the course opened in 2001 and in this short period has been host to many national events, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship, qualifying course for the 2007 Senior Open at Muirfield and the Scottish Senior Open in 2018 and 2019.

With challenging greens, cavernous bunkers and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife, Craigielaw Golf Club is an experience not to be missed.

Just fifteen minutes from the heart of Edinburgh lies one of golf’s most historic treasures - Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, the world’s fourth oldest golf club, founded in 1761. Steeped in tradition yet beautifully attuned to the modern game, Bruntsfield offers visiting golfers a rare opportunity: to walk in the footsteps of history while enjoying a first-class parkland course and world-renowned Scottish hospitality.

The 18-hole championship parkland course is a masterpiece of Scottish golf architecture, winding gracefully between majestic oak trees and ancient Scots pines.

Measuring 6,466 yards, par 71, the course offers three teeing options on each hole. Its five par 3s range from short precision tests to the daunting 16th, where a perfectly judged tee shot must carry water. The four par 5s demand strategy and courage, while the varied par 4s ensure no two holes play the same. Year-round, Bruntsfield is celebrated for its immaculate playing surfaces, fast greens, and meticulous presentation.