Golf in East Lothian Scotland

Golf is inexorably woven into the culture of East Lothian with over 20 courses. Indeed it has a claim to being the real ‘Home of Golf’. Musselburgh Links’ Old Course is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest. Playing this nine-hole gem, bathed in golfing history with Arthur’s Seat in the background, is quite an experience. Not to be outdone the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club is the fifth oldest club in the world and boasts the world’s oldest still running golf competition. Completing the local trio Musselburgh Golf Club offers a testing James Braid designed 6,725yds par 71 gem.

Gullane is a Serious Golfing Hub

Pushing further east there is Longniddry, Craigielaw, Aberlady, Kilspindie and Luffness on this stellar coast. Then we come to Gullane. This serious golfing hub boasts a trio of links courses and centuries of history. Gullane No. 1 has a long heritage of hosting international Championship golf events and is an Open Championship qualifying course. Gullane No.2 is highly regarded in its own right and has also been used for Open Championship qualifying, while Gullane No.3 may be the shortest of the three, but is still no slouch.

World Famous Murifield Golf Course

East Lothian’s most famous course is, of course, Muirfield, further east. It is home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, who started life in Leith in 1744 and may be the oldest club in the world. This Old Tom Morris course is links golf at its best, with the 10th 471yds par four one of the world’s great holes. The eyes of the world will be on Muirfield  from 14-21 July 2013 when it once again hosts the British Open.

Golf Courses that Make the Most of the Epic Coastal Scenery

More treasures await in and around North Berwick and Dunbar, courses that really make the most of the exceptional coastal scenery. East Lothian is not just about the coast, though, with a sprinkling of hidden gems dotting the interior. Gifford Golf Club is a beginner friendly nine-hole course. Castle Park near Gifford was somewhat unusually designed by an ambitious local team and they have worked wonders, their original nine holes opened in 1994 now topped up to a 6,443yds 18-hole par 72. Haddington meanwhile offers a stiff parkland test.

For more information about golf in East Lothian: www.golfeastlothian.com/home.asp