East Lothian
East Lothian is home to a remarkable collection of links courses. North Berwick, Gullane and Muirfield are among 22 courses carved out concertina fashion along the region’s busy and dramatic coastline. Not surprisingly, this remarkable stretch of land has become a golfing treasure trove for lovers of salty air and sandy soils.
Muirfield, venue for next year’s Open Championship, is the jewel in the crown. Golf was first played here in 1891 on holes laid out by Old Tom Morris. Restricted by stone walls that completely surrounded the course, the original layout occupied 117 acres. Stone walls also play their part at North Berwick which despite being the 13th oldest club in the world, isn’t showing its age. In fact its forward-thinking open-door policy, which lets visitors tee off between 10am and 4pm on weekdays and from noon at the weekends, results in more than 35,000 rounds being played there annually.
Another course with immaculate credentials is Luffness New Golf Club, which was founded in 1894 and once again had the legendary Old Tom Morris to thank for its layout. Luffness is a bona fide links course that holds tradition close to its heart. Indeed, despite the pressures of the modern game, the 18 holes have stayed true to their creator’s original vision while remaining enjoyable and testing.
With over 40 miles of magnificent coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, spectacular cliffs, award-winning tourist attractions and a fine selection of links golf courses, East Lothian combines the very best of Scotland in a compact package.
Contacts
Muirfield www.muirfield.org.uk
North Berwick Golf Club www.northberwickgolfclub.com
Luffness New Golf Club www.luffnessgolf.com
