Best Golf Courses in Edinburgh

Description:

This expansive public park south of Old Town separates the city center from the suburbs and leafy neighborhoods that popped up in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tree-lined paths crisscross playing fields, whether soccer, rugby, or cricket, with plenty of additional space for having a picnic or flying a kite. The park dates to the 1700s, when a loch here was drained. At the far western end of the Meadows is Bruntsfield Links, a short-hole course which has a hallowed place in the history of golf and can still be played today during the summer.

Description:

Bruntsfield Links Short Hole Golf Course is the oldest short hole golf course in the world! Indeed golf on this site probably predates the 17th century.

It's free to play and clubs can be rented at Ye Olde Golf Tavern, 30/31 Wrights Houses, Bruntsfield.

The course is a 36 hole pitch and putt. Facilities include the Short Hole Clubhouse (a small green hut). Best of all, it's free to play!

The rules of play include:

1) playing each hole from the tee areas
2) replacing any displaced turf (divots, not just your own, all over the course, particularly the tee areas.
3) repairing golf ball plugmarks on the putting greens.
4) keeping a watchful eye open for anyone: - a) causing willful damage to the course, b) damaging/stealing the flag pins, c) not playing in accordance with the Course Rules, e.g. playing over paths, and to politely advise them accordingly.

No person shall play the game of golf on any portion of Bruntsfield Links except that kind of part of the game known as the short or short hole game. All players shall begin as teeing ground for the first hole and shall start for each succeeding hole at the teeing ground for each such hole. No players shall play his or her tee ball until the player or players immediately in front shall have played from the immediately succeeding teeing ground. No player shall play his or her ball across any footpath or road.

Description:

Craigmillar Park Golf Club is 3 miles south of the centre of Edinburgh, next to the beautiful Blackford Hill, with panoramic views over the city. Although close to the city centre, it is in the Green Belt and away from traffic noise.  Although partly built on the hillside, the course is largely rolling parkland in character. The tree planting carried out over a number of years has enhanced the appearance and increased the difficulties for the wayward golfer.

Craigmillar Park is host to the first Scottish Amateur 72 hole event of the season. Scotland's leading amateurs and many players from south of the border descend on the course in April each year to take part in this event

Description:

A unique golf course and academy, located in the Midlothian countryside just six miles from Edinburgh city centre. As well as a fantastic par 70 course, it is home to Scotland's national fitting centre, it has an outstanding academy, superb facilities for corporate events and parties, a special mini-course for kids, and a beautifully modernised cottage where visitors can stay just yards from the first tee. The first class restaurant is open to anyone who would like to drop in and savour the special surroundings.

Kings Acre is easy to get to for local, national and international visitors. The course is only twelve miles from Edinburgh International Airport and two minutes from the city bypass.

Description:

The North Berwick Golf Club is a club steeped in tradition dating from 1832, providing generous hospitality and a testing golf challenge. The course is a traditional links, which like St Andrews, starts and finishes at the clubhouse within the town, having wound its way along the Firth of Forth. There are stunning views over white sandy beaches, islands and across to the hills of the East Neuk of Fife.

It is reputedly one of the world's oldest courses with a continuous record of play over the original seaside turf. In the 19th Century it hosted many of the legendary challenge matches and today is proud to be a Final Qualifying venue for the Open Championship, when held at nearby Muirfield, the next occasion being in 2013.

Description:

Gullane Golf Club in East Lothian, Scotland offers championship quality links golf courses with dramatic views across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh and Fife. The three golf courses do not have names but simply numbers which reflect their age.  Gullane No. 1 has a long history of hosting international Championship golf events and is an Open Championship Qualifying course. The No. 1 Course will be hosting local final qualifying for the Open in 2013 when the Championship is played at Muirfield. Gullane No.2 has also been used for Open Championship Qualifying and the Seniors Open Amateur. Gullane No.3, whilst being the shortest of the three golf courses, still provides a stern challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Description:

Situated in East Lothian, Scotland, Castle Park is an eighteen hole parkland golf course nestled amongst the mature woodlands of the Yester Estate with the Lammermuir Hills providing a stunning backdrop to the South. 

Stretching to 6,443 yards this 18-hole par 72 course is naturally undulating on a site that was formerly the deer park for the nearby Yester Castle. The views that surround the course are a feature of your visit to Castle Park. The course has been developed with care and sensitivity to preserve the natural habitat that has been home to local wildlife for decades before.

Description:

Located four miles north-west of the city centre, this excellent links golf course offers magnificent views across Firth of Forth to Fife. Relatively flat, the course holes are long and bare there are a number which are bordered by the neighbouring wood's trees, acting as hazards.

Description:

The West Lothian Golf Club, founded in 1892, is frequently described consistently as having 'the best golf course in the area'. Originally laid out by Willie Park Jnr as a nine hole facility, the course was completely redesigned by Fraser Middleton over an area of 148 acres. The new course was opened in 1979 and comprises 18 testing holes of golf which, with the skills of our Course Development Team, ensures our members and guests are never without a wee change to keep them keen

It is situated 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 1 hour from Glasgow Airport. To the south Linlithgow with its Historic Palace and Loch and to the north the Trossachs and Ochil Hills form a prominent backdrop with Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument and Kincardine Bridge to the fore

Looking east you will see uninterrupted views of the spectacular Forth Road and Rail Bridges and the Bass Rock beyond.

Description:

Voted one of Scotland's hidden gems by US Sports Illustrated, was founded in 1890 and designed by Willie Park. Many famous golfers are associated with Glencorse including George Macgregor the former Walker Cup Captain and Bernard Gallagher the former Ryder Cup Captain who are both members.

Glencorse is a very picturesque 18 hole parkland course of 5217 yards and although it has eight par three's (five for ladies) it certainly cannot be described as an easy course. Only one par three is under 200 yards.

Glencorse is a formidable test for the highest quality golfer, but still great fun for the more modest competitor. It is ideal for a day's golf.

Description:

Braid Hills is one of the most vertically challenging golf courses, where players must test their shots from one crag to the other. It offers some of the most scenic views available, from the the Firth of Forth to steep mountains and hills, and lush greenery.

Description:

Three minutes from the city bypass to the south of the city is this attractive nine-hole course. The fairways, bunkers and greens are cunningly placed to give the feeling of playing on a large course. A stroll around is enhanced by the Pentland Hills to the south which gives it a particularly splendid outlook. Improve your swing at the on-site golf range, which is floodlit at night, and then hone those putting skills on a practice green.

Description:

On the southern edge of Edinburgh, off the A702, this short but challenging course offers fine views of Edinburgh and the nearby Pentland Hills as you play. It is renowned for its fast greens, which have been likened to those on the famous Augusta National course. It may be short by today's standards at 5,422 yards of play, yet it offers some tricky features and a par of 71. If you need to kit yourself out before embarking on some golf tuition, go along to the excellent professional club shop. All visitors are welcome during the week and a handicap certificate is not needed. There is a putting green, a practice ground and a comfortable clubhouse with changing rooms.

Description:

Located just outside of Edinburgh on the M8 at Junction 3, heading towards Glasgow, this golf course and clubhouse also offers 10-pin bowling and fine dining in beautiful surroundings. If you've forgotten an essential piece of kit or fancy trying on a pair of tartan plus-fours, take a look around their well-stocked shop. A "members with guests" club is also open to the public and serves a decent range of food and drinks.