East Lothian, located just east of Edinburgh on Scotland's eastern coast, is renowned as one of the world's premier golf destinations. Known for its exceptional links courses and deep-rooted golfing heritage, this region offers golfers an unforgettable links experience at its finest.
Known as “Scotland's Golf Coast,” East Lothian boasts over 20 top-tier golf courses. The coastal area, famous for its breathtaking scenery, is home to some of the most esteemed courses globally, along with numerous outstanding links. This means that East Lothian has enough high-quality courses to fill multiple golf trips.
The small town of Gullane sits at the heart of this golfing region, making it the perfect base for exploring East Lothian. A short drive of less than 45 minutes from Edinburgh Airport makes this area easily accessible for travelers.
Even the drive to Gullane is an experience in itself, with scenic coastal roads winding past golf courses. Passing Craigielaw and Kilspindie in Aberlady, drivers then cross through the fairways of Luffness New Golf Club. As anticipation builds, golfers soon arrive in the true golf town of Gullane, where the charm of the game is ever-present.
Gullane breathes golf, Its local courses are phenomenal, and nearby courses are easily reachable from here. Gullane Golf Club boasts three courses, with nearly 400 years of golfing history on its fairways. The courses start and end in the village center, creating a unique atmosphere that adds an extra layer of charm to the golfing experience.
Mother Nature deserves much credit for shaping these historic courses. The hillside course setting is remarkable, with coastal views providing a stunning backdrop for each round. Golfers will also encounter a range of uphill and downhill shots, adding to the intrigue of Gullane’s fairways. With the coastal breeze the experience becomes a memorable links golf adventure.
The most famous course in Gullane is Muirfield, one of the most prestigious courses in the world. Muirfield's place in golfing history is unparalleled, and the club still retains an air of mystery. Visitors can indeed play the course, but it’s neither easy nor inexpensive.
North Berwick's West Links is consistently ranked among Scotland's top five courses. Located just six kilometers away, this neighboring course epitomizes links golf at its finest: full of history, iconic holes, and splendid sea views.
Between Gullane and North Berwick lie the more modern links of Archerfield and The Renaissance Club, the latter of which hosts the Scottish Open. Though a half-hour drive, Dunbar offers an unforgettable links experience that shouldn’t be missed on an East Lothian golf tour.
Golf is a key part of Gullane’s culture and community spirit. Golf has been played here for over 350 years, and the game’s traditions are deeply embedded in local life. The village has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, blending a respect for tradition with a warm, welcoming vibe that endears it to both locals and visitors alike.
Local pubs and restaurants in the village center offer ideal spots to unwind after a round. It’s not unusual to walk straight to a pub after 18 holes with a golf bag, reliving the day’s best shots over a meal or drink.
East Lothian’s golf region offers a unique golfing experience that combines world-class courses, spectacular scenery, and a rich golfing culture. This golfer's paradise is an ideal destination for both newcomers to links golf and seasoned players seeking the ultimate golfing adventure.
