Scotland is renowned for having some of the world’s best golf courses. This is especially true in the capital of Edinburgh, which is situated near the Forth River estuary and lowland hills, giving it spaces which are open, wide and perfect for the game. Below is a list of the city’s best courses – when visiting them – book cheap coach hire.
Duddingston Golf Club
The Golf Club at Duddingston can be found to the east of Edinburgh and is popular due to its parkland courses which are scenic, and situated in the Lothians. Those who play golf here will be treated to spectacular views of Holyrood Park, and they will be able to challenge themselves on the fairways while bypassing Braid Burn, which winds its way through the course and will devour any inappropriate shots.
Merchants of Edinburgh
This golf facility is often referred to as a “thinking man’s” course. It can be found to the south of Edinburgh but is close enough that golfers have to pay attention to the deceptive gradients, turns and twists. The course has wonderful views of the Lothians as well as other famous Scottish landmarks and unlike other golf facilities is open both to visitors as well as members. It is distinct for its brightly coloured clubhouse which has refreshments that can be enjoyed at the end of a challenging session.
Bruntsfield Links
Many consider the Bruntsfield Links to be among the best golf courses in Europe. The site has been chosen for qualifications to the Open Championship and its Golfing Society is one of the oldest, having been first established in 1761. Bruntsfield Links can be found north of Edinburgh on parkland which is breath-taking and which provides a stunning view of the Firth of Forth. This is mostly a private club but visitors are welcomed to the property and its clubhouse has been greatly refurbished and extended in recent years, which allows guests to drink and dine during their stay.
Prestonfield Golf Club
The Golf Club at Prestonfield is about a mile and a half away from Princes Street. The facility sits within the shadow of Arthur’s Seat within beautiful parkland which was conceived by designer James Braid. This course offers many opportunities for golfers to challenge themselves, with terrain that is sometimes heavily influenced by wind direction. However, the gradients are not as harsh as other Scottish golf courses, and have pleasant walking paths. The facility is also open for much of the year.
Barberton Golf Club
Barberton is the farthest golf course from downtown Edinburgh. This gives it a natural, non-urban view which is truly magnificent. The Hills of Pentland can be seen to the south, with the Ochil Hills and Forth Bridges situated to the north with the Edinburgh skyline and castle in the east. This course was constructed in a manner which makes it ideal for every golfer, irrespective of their skill set. Deer can sometimes be seen nearby, and the facility has an open door policy to visitors of all ages, with refreshments being offered during their stay.
Murrayfield Golf Club
This course can be found near central Edinburgh and is the best option for those that live within the city itself. The facility is best described as a combination of heathland with parkland, and encompasses a total of 5,781 yards for white tees. The Edinburgh Zoo is nearby, and while visitors are welcome during weekday’s restrictions are applied on weekends.
Musselburgh Links
This course has been designated the world’s oldest, as documents show that golfers played here as far back as 1672. In fact, it is said that the Queen of Scots, Mary even tried her hand at golf here at one time. The facility has changed many times over the years, and today features a course with nine holes that is situated inside the racecourse at Musselburgh, and is considered very challenging. Due to the age of this course it is highly regarded and has been chosen as the site for the Open Championship at least six times. It is a place that golfers visiting Scotland won’t want to miss.