The Lodge at Craigielaw

 The Golf House Club, Elie, better known as Elie Golf Club, is a short but rewarding links classic that will live long in the memory of anyone fortunate enough to play it.

It is highly regarded by even the most celebrated players. Peter Thomson, 5 time Open Champion, said that given the chance, he`d `build Elies all over the world`.

Simply over-powering the course is not an option as the undulating fairways and quick, superbly conditioned greens can be treacherous.  

The views from all parts of the course are spectacular.  On a clear day players stare out across the Firth of Forth towards Muirfield and North Berwick while some holes are so close to the shore that it`s not uncommon to see seals basking on the rocks.  Elie has a beautiful clubhouse with great facilities including an excellent pro shop, a traditional bar and a fine restaurant.  And don`t foget to take a look inside the starter`s hut where play is controlled with the help of a periscope - salvaged from HMS Excalibur in 1966.  

Elie is just 25 minutes from St Andrews and is a course that should form part of any trip to this most famous of golfing coasts.

 

Distance From Course: 13 miles

The West Links at North Berwick is a classic 9 holes out and 9 holes back links golf course, where you try to score on one and survive on the other. Bass Rock watches over you from the Firth of Forth, as you navigate your way across the slightly raised ground on which the golf course sits, offering spectacular views.

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Distance From Course: 7 miles

Playing right up close to the waves of the Forth at Aberlady Point, the traditional links of Kilspindie Golf Club will put a smile on your face and maybe even a birdie or 2 on your scorecard.

 

Playing a modest 5500 yards and a par 69 from the back tees, the secret is not brute force and having a 200mph ball speed (we are looking at you Bryson DeChambeau). What it lacks in yardage, Kilspindie Golf Club more than makes up for in spades of charm and beauty. Played over firm and fast links, it is sometimes beneficial to hit the ball on the short side and watch it trundle up to the small greens.

Situated right alongside Craigielaw Golf Club and nearby to Gullane, it makes for a great way to ease into any trip on the East Lothian Golf Coast.

Distance From Course: 2 miles

Some of the best views of the coastline can be found whilst playing Gullane No.2. With some tees and greens perched at the highest points of the dunes.

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Distance From Course: 2 miles

Located just 20 miles along the coast from Edinburgh City, Gullane Golf Club has golf all year round no matter the weather. Based right in the heart of Gullane, it is a short walk to some local bars and restaurants.

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Distance From Course: 2 miles

Gullane Golf Club’s best views can be found whilst playing No. 3. The backdrop of No.2 and No.1 are ever present and a treat for the eyes.

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Distance From Course: 2 miles

With some of the best practice facilities in Scotland, two fantastic golf course and luxurious self-catering accommodation, Archerfield Links is a must visit for any golfer.

The Fidra Links is quicky being recognised as one of the best golf courses in East Lothian, with a beautiful blend or pine framed and links golf.

After opening in 2004, The Fidra Links at Archerfield offers modern styled links to Scotland’s Golf Coast. The opening holes weave their way through tall pine trees before it opens to views of Bass Rock Lighthouse and out to the Firth of Forth. A great mix of short and long par 3s and 4s will ensure that every club in your bag is used throughout the round. Hitting the big greens is only half the task as the undulating greens will test your putting to the maximum.

It has played host to the Paul Lawrie Match Play in 2016 on the European Tour, with rave reviews from many of the players (England’s Anthony Wall beating Alex Noren in the Final).

Distance From Course: 4 miles

Sharing the same world class facilities as the Fidra Links, the Dirleton is located more inland and a more classic style of links course. With the first and tenth tees located near the luxury Archerfield Lodges, there is no excuse for being late for your tee time.

With less pine tree to navigate, The Dirleton Links is visually more inviting from the tee and presents a gentler walk than its neighbour. Avoiding some of the huge bunkers off the tee is the secret to scoring well. Gorse bushes line many of the holes, meaning you feel like you have the course to yourself.

Both courses, designed by D.J. Russell, complement each other beautifully within the resort. Being located only 10 minutes from the town of North Berwick, it is the perfect mix of being based on a golf resort and an in-town golf holiday. 

Distance From Course: 4 miles

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Muirfield) does not need much of an introduction.

One of the oldest golf clubs (1744) and a regular venue on the Open Championship rota, it is consistently voted as one of the best golf courses in the world.

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Distance From Course: 3 miles

The youngest golf course in East Lothian, The Renaissance Club has it all; stunning coastal views, tall rough, undulating fairways and tee shots that will make your heart skip a beat and put your camera to good use.

Located between Muirfield and Archerfield, The Renaissance Club stands alongside both in position as well as quality.

The Renaissance Club is the first Tom Doak design in Scotland and his followers will note his contemporary design at many points. The signature 10^th hole plays as close to the coast as you dare, with the aptly named Fortress of Solitude sitting left of the fairway in the dunes.

It boasts as the current host of the Scottish Open (Ladies and Gents), with the scoring varying drastically dependant on the wind and weather conditions. The 2020 winners were America’s Stacey Lewis and England’s Aaron Rai. 

Distance From Course: 4 miles

The Luffness New Golf Club is deceivingly named for a golf course built in 1894. It is a traditional links course, excellently presented year-round, having some of the purest putting surfaces in Scotland. On the modest side at just over 6,500 yards from the back tees, the wind and weather conditions will play a big part in your scoring.

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Distance From Course: 2 miles

One of the newest and most exciting golf course projects in Scotland, Dumbarnie Links opened in Spring of 2020 and is already quickly becoming a must play golf course as part of your golf break in St Andrews alongside Kingsbarns and the famous Old Course itself.

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Distance From Course: 14 miles

One of the oldest and most traditional links golf experiences in Scotland with golf being touted to have played along the famous dunes since 1846!

The golf course has and continues to host some of the game’s biggest tournaments including Open Championship qualifying and Scottish Team Matchplay.

Leven Links is a true links golf experience with lots of humps and bumps and fescue to contend with, meaning a sharp short game and inventive shot making being required to navigate this famous old links.

Distance From Course: 14 miles