Golf in East Lothian: Your Guide to the Best Courses
Golf in East Lothian: Your Guide to the Best Courses
Regardless of the time of year, there is no place on earth better than Scotland for a round of golf.
Scotland is, after all, the birthplace of the modern version of the game! Now with over 550 courses dotted around the country, it’s safe to say that your biggest challenge will be deciding where to start.
When you stay at Fenton Tower, you have easy access to some of the world’s most prestigious courses – many of which have hosted enthusiasts, professionals and competitions over the past century.
With 25 courses, East Lothian has the greatest concentration of links courses in the world. And as Scotland’s sunniest region, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to tee off!
In this blog, we’ve picked out a few of our choice favourites, to help entice you to take a break with us on “Scotland’s Golf Coast”.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 5 minutes by car
Set in a stunning 550-acre country estate, Archerfield is home to two contrasting courses in breathtaking surroundings. They also have a cutting-edge Performance Centre, so you can perfect every shot before you hit the first hole.
For a special experience, Archerfield offers a Tee Time Experience day, where you are treated as a club member from the moment you arrive with access to all premium facilities. Their popular restaurant is open 7 days per week, and their outdoor terrace provides a sunny spot to enjoy a bite after a successful game.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 10 minutes by car
Muirfield has a starry history, having hosted many special events over the years: 16 Open and 11 Amateur Championships, the Ryder, Walker, and Curtis Cups, and the AIG Women’s Open Championship in August 2022, to name a few.
The course at Muirfield is challenging and distinct, with a circular layout, visible and relatively flat fairways, and limited hidden bunkers. It’s safe to say that when you golf here, you walk the path of legends!
Visitors can play year-round at Muirfield on Tuesdays and Thursdays, excluding public holidays.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 10 minutes by car
Golf has been played at Gullane for more than 350 years. As a previous host venue for the ASI Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open, and one of the qualifying courses for the British Open, it has more than cemented its place in golfing history – and as one of Scotland’s most prestigious courses.
Each of their three courses has a unique character and provides a different challenge to golfers of all experience levels, with dramatic coastal views throughout. They also have two clubhouses where you can unwind after a day on the green.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 10 minutes by car
Popular since the 17th Century, North Berwick Golf Club is situated just moments away from the bustling street of its namesake town.
This is a championship links course, with the West Links service having hosted Final Qualifying for The Open, alongside many men’s and women’s amateur championships over the years.
Alongside an exciting game, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of the Forth, plus Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb, and Fidra islands as you play.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 10 minutes by car
Founded in 1894, Luffness New Golf Club was designed by Old Tom Morris and is an ideal course for anyone who wants to experience a challenging game on a traditional links course in historic surroundings.
Visitors can play Luffness daily except Saturdays, and the famous “Smoke Room” provides an elegant spot to sample food and drink before or after your game. The Club House retains traditional rules, and so formal attire is required.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 15 minutes by car
Regarded as a hidden gem in East Lothian golf, Kilspindie Golf Club warmly welcomes visitors amidst the beautiful nature reserve of Aberlady Bay.
This traditional Scottish links course is reached via a private, single-track road. The greens are quick and deceptive and the fairways are well-defined. No matter your handicap, you will be entertained and challenged as you play!
As you complete each hole, watch out for local avian life in the skies and seals sunning themselves on the nearby sands.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 20 minutes by car
Established in 1921, Longniddry is regarded as a challenging but fair test for golfers of all ability levels.
Amidst the beautiful Longniddry coastline, the course provides an unusual mix of links and parkland terrain.
Visitors can use the practice nets, putting green, or short iron practice range before their tee time: it’s important to perfect your shot before the game begins, after all!
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 25 minutes by car
Golf has been played at Dunbar for over 400 years; with such extensive history, it is little wonder it is regarded as one of Scotland’s best courses.
The links course has well-defined holes that follow the contour of the sensational coastline it is nestled in. As an Open qualifying championship course, a game here will have you playing the same game as some of history’s greatest golfers.
Only Thursdays are exclusively reserved for members, meaning that visitors have ample opportunities to discover the delights of the course.
Distance from Fenton Tower: Approximately 25 minutes by car
The sixth oldest course in the world, a game at Royal Musselburgh is one for the bucket list.
The picturesque parkland course was designed by Open Champion James Braid, and it is home to the Old Club Cup. The Cup dates back to 1774 and is the oldest competitive trophy still played for in the world.
Royal Musselburgh offers several visitor packages, a range of open competitions throughout the year, and all-day dining options to help you keep your energy up.
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And there you have it! Did you expect so many sensational courses to be on the doorstep of Fenton Tower?
Whether you want to set up a friendly family competition, or there’s a links course you want to tick off your list, we are here to ensure your golfing holiday is unforgettable.
Our team would be delighted to arrange your trip to any of the courses above – including your tee time reservations, transfers, and club hire. We even have a helipad on our grounds, which will certainly reduce your travel time to each course!
Simply get in touch and we will arrange the rest.