The spectacular golfing landscape of Scotland – from the world-famous coastlines to the rolling hills and parkland which lie further inland – offers so much to explore just a short trip north of our region
Scotland’s Golf Coast – East Lothian
There are few better destinations for a golf trip in the UK than East Lothian, with 21 courses (at 18 golf clubs) along a 30-mile stretch of stunning coastline. With such great golf, it’s no surprise you’ll also find a wide variety of accommodation and other amenities to suit all golfers.
The region has the greatest concentration of championship links golf courses in the world. Among the 21 here you’ll find three which regularly feature in the top 30 courses in the UK – Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane (No.1). There’s also the historic Musselburgh Old Links, the picturesque Glen Golf Club, the James Braid-designed Royal Musselburgh, Gullane’s beautiful No.2 and No.3 layouts, The Renaissance Club, Archerfield Links, and many more fabulous courses hugging the coastline and set a little further inland. Plus, all the courses are within a 30-minute drive of each other – making extended breaks here incredibly easy to plan. Accommodation in East Lothian is perfectly matched to travelling golfers – varying from hotels to bed and breakfasts, and from resorts to self-catering. For more information and to begin planning your stay and play trip, visit www.scotlandsgolfcoast.com
The Auld Cross Keys
The Auld Cross Keys Country Inn has been at the heart of life in the picturesque village of Denholm for more than 200 years. A popular choice with golfers visiting the Scottish Borders that can accommodate up to 26 people in its 12 bedrooms, it is home to quality food, drink and accommodation at reasonable prices. Within a short drive of some of the best courses in the Scottish Borders – including Eyemouth, Torwoodlee, Minto, Jedburgh, Kelso and the Hirsel – the Auld Cross Keys serves as a perfect base for golfers. Auld Cross Keys, Main Street Denholm, Hawick, TD9 8NU, tel 01450 870 305, www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk
St Boswells
What St Boswells lacks in length it makes up for with the view. The 5,274-yard par 68 course sits on the south bank of the River Tweed, with the nine holes set among tall trees and sure to test every aspect of your game. A sharp short game will yield birdies, while wayward tee shots will be punished by hazards, including the river. Sharing the setting with anglers and the wildlife, there are few more relaxing places to play. St Boswells, Braeheads, TD6 0DE, tel 01835 823 527, www.stboswellsgolfclub.co.uk
Lockerbie Golf Club
With stunning views over the Annandale Valley and the Lakeland hills, Lockerbie Golf Club is a fine parkland test with tree-lined fairways and subtly contoured greens protecting the par 67 layout. The original nine-hole course was designed by five-time Open champion James Braid before a further nine were added in 1986. Measuring 5,463 yards, the course is protected by trees, water and small, sloping greens. Water comes into play on three holes while each of the five par threes presents a tricky test. With no par fives, the par fours here range from great birdie chances to stern holes protected by hazards and thick rough. Situated on the east side of Lockerbie, just five minutes from the north and south exits of the M74, this is the perfect place to start your trip north. Lockerbie Golf Club, Corrie Road, Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway DG11 2ND, tel 01576 203 363, www.lockerbiegolf.co.uk
Lundin Golf Club
Laid out and refined by some of golf’s greatest architects including Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the course at Lundin, which was formed in 1868, remains one of Scotland’s finest links. With views across the Firth of Forth, the course remains largely as it was some 100 years ago. The first five holes, laid out in the links tradition, proceed to the Mile Dyke. Players then cross the now extinct railway line and play the relatively newer James Braid-designed nine holes before returning across the railway to the linksland. Though it is not long, Lundin remains a thorough test of golfing skills, as seen during its turns as a Final Qualifying venue for the Open Championship. A number of hotels and guest houses across Fife cater for golfers, and Lundin makes a perfect day out as part of a short break in the region. Lundin Golf Club, Golf Road, Lundin Links, Fife, KY8 6BA, tel 01333 320 202, www.lundingolfclub.co.uk
