Region: East Lothian, Scotland | Best Time: May–September | Nearest Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) — 30 mins east
Editor’s Note: The East Lothian coast — Golf Coast Scotland — offers the most accessible championship golf in Britain. Within 30 miles of Edinburgh city centre lie Muirfield, Gullane, North Berwick, Dunbar and Archerfield. Add the whisky of North Berwick town, the dramatic Bass Rock and the finest fish and chips in Scotland at Anstruther, and this is the definitive Scottish golf short break.
The 5 Courses to Play
1. Muirfield — The Honourable Company ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Why Play It: See our dedicated review — ranked #3 in The Global Golfer Top 100. The fairest test in links golf; the favourite course of Jack Nicklaus. Tuesday and Thursday visitor access only. Read Full Review →
2. North Berwick Golf Club — West Links ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: David Strath, further developed by Old Tom Morris
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 6,420 yards
- Why Play It: The most entertaining course in Scotland — features the original Redan par 3 (copied by architects worldwide ever since), the famous Pit bunker and Redan cliff-top holes above the Firth of Forth. The most photogenic course in East Lothian with Bass Rock as constant backdrop.
- Book: northberwickgolfclub.com
3. Gullane Golf Club — No. 1 Course ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Willie Park Jr., extended James Braid
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 6,466 yards
- Why Play It: The defining view in Scottish golf — from the 7th tee you see the entire Edinburgh coast from the Pentlands to Bass Rock and across to Fife. Host of the Curtis Cup and Ladies Scottish Open. The three Gullane courses provide exceptional variety at outstanding value.
- Book: gullanegolfclub.com
4. Archerfield Links — Dirleton Course ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: David McLay Kidd (2004)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 7,133 yards
- Why Play It: The newest and most accessible of East Lothian’s great courses — spectacular links routing with views across the Firth of Forth. The walled estate and Archerfield House hotel make this a superb self-contained destination. No handicap required.
- Book: archerfield.com
5. Dunbar Golf Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Tom Morris Sr. (1856)
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 6,597 yards
- Why Play It: One of Scotland’s oldest clubs — Tom Morris’s natural links along the Dunbar coast combines old-fashioned charm with a genuinely demanding test. The most affordable of the East Lothian great courses; the post-round pint at the Ship Inn in Dunbar is mandatory.
Where to Stay
- Archerfield House (4★): The East Lothian estate experience — direct course access, spa and exceptional Scottish breakfast. Check availability →
- The Marine North Berwick (5★): Recently restored Victorian coastal hotel with views over the West Links. The best address in East Lothian.
- Greywalls Hotel: On the 9th green of Muirfield — the golfer’s ultimate base for the region.