Destination Golf Scotland 2021
Mortonhall
Muirfield
Host to 16 Open Championships and revered as one of the greatest links designs , it is little wonder that Muirfield is seen as such a desirable golfing destination . Old Tom Morris , Harry Colt and Tom Simpson all contributed to a masterpiece that works in two concentric rings . The front nine forms the outer ring and contains Jack Nicklaus ’ s favourite par four ( the 8th ) in the world . The dunes here are not dramatic but the intricate design has produced astounding bunkering , a varied mix of holes and a routing that ensures the wind attacks you from every angle . Muirfield is revered for the quality of its greens and well known for the requirements placed on visitors … be sure to read up on the dress code and etiquette prior to arrival .
the maturity of the setting is captivating with views stretching across Edinburgh
Luffness New
There are rich pickings on this stretch of East Lothian coastline . Tucked in close to the Gullane courses is Luffness New . It has the same terrain and springy turf , and the deep bunkers almost mirror those of its more renowned neighbour but Luffness New has a strong identity of its own . Cross bunkering and treacherous rough mean golfers must consider tee shots carefully . The club is also well known for the perfect roll of its low-lying greens but it will take all your abilities to find them … your short game will be tested time and again . Elevation changes are subtle , the strongest coming as you head out to Aberlady Bay , but this links requires guile and careful navigation . It may be no monster – par 70 – but it plays tough . And the ‘ New ’ actually refers to the replacement course , which opened in 1894 . Old-school , traditional links .
Mortonhall
A beautifully rumpled parkland , bursting with colour and variety . This is an old club – dating to the 1890s – and the maturity of the setting is captivating with views stretching across Edinburgh , the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills . The thrills come from several steep rocky hillocks , where holes are encased in blazing gorse . Trees and water add extra appeal as well as additional danger , and then there are the tight doglegs . The wayward golfer can be punished severely but the elevation changes make it clear what is required of you . This is a perfectly balanced par 72 and Mortonhall is playable 52 weeks a year . The par four 2nd is known as ‘ Moorfoot ’ and it is Index 1 : the high tee shows off the course and the views .
70 | DestinationGolf . travel