“ What golfers will probably remember most , however , is the cavernous , shapely bunkering and the tricky , slick greens – many of which fall into that upside-downsaucer shape and can prove so punitive to even well struck shots .”
DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
SOUTH EAST
ROYAL BURGESS
Royal Burgess
With an opening boast of being the oldest golf club in the world you can be sure there is a rich and intriguing history here . The course is a fine , old parkland where numerous varieties of towering trees will hinder and frustrate the wayward . The course may not be long ( 6531 yards , par 71 ) but the many doglegs and the bountiful bunkering mean your driver will need to be employed with caution as you seek out the perfect position for your approach . The course is always beautifully maintained and it is well known for its smooth fast greens , shapely terrain and smartly positioned bunkers .
Craigielaw
Opened in 2001 , this low-running course presents some traditional links characteristics with modern day flourishes . Old stone walls appear on fairways and in the rough , burns slip across holes and the rough is wispy and often magnetic . What golfers will probably remember most , however , is the cavernous , shapely bunkering and the tricky , slick greens – many of which fall into that upside-down-saucer shape and can prove so punitive to even well struck shots . Given their firmness , golfers will need the most delicate of short games . The course backs on to Kilspindie , in rich golfing territory . It is slightly away from the sea , on higher ground , offering particularly impressive views over Aberlady Bay .
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 . The ‘ New ’ actually refers to the replacement course , which opened in 1894 . Old-school , traditional links .
“ What golfers will probably remember most , however , is the cavernous , shapely bunkering and the tricky , slick greens – many of which fall into that upside-downsaucer shape and can prove so punitive to even well struck shots .”
61