DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2025
LONGNIDDRY
Dunbar
Dunbar is the southern-most links on Scotland ’ s east coast and it clings ever so tightly to the shoreline , fearing perhaps that it might be cast adrift ... This is a traditional out-and-back links and Old Tom Morris squeezed holes between the sea and a tall red sandstone wall . Indeed , the 6th and 17th share a fairway ... and a burn . The wall rises to over eight feet in places and comes in to play frequently . So too does the sea which is constantly in view and affects nine holes . Greens flow out of the land and will test you , but it is the fairways which prove utterly mischievous , especially at the farthest point . The four par fours from 11 to 14 are exceptionally tough and good course management is always essential . The scenery accompanies you all day .
Longniddry
The combination of sandy links soil , bumpy terrain and pine tree-lined fairways comes together beautifully at Longniddry . Set next to the shoreline of the Firth of Forth , the clubhouse overlooks several holes with the sea beyond . From here the 1st hole streaks into a backdrop of tall trees . It ’ s a wonderful start . The tall pines define the front nine as Longniddry flows over a number of different landscapes . It adds to the thrill of the course and your approach shot on the short par four 5th , to a shelf green , is one of the highlights . That said , both of the front nine ’ s par threes play from high tees to well bunkered greens below . Memorable tee shots , both . From the 11th on you start finding links influences ... particularly those of the smooth , mischievous variety . Longniddry has not one par five but with eight of the 14 par fours stretching over 400 yards ( from the recommended white tees ) the par of 68 is utterly deceptive ... which also describes many of the holes .
Kilspindie
The hidden gems of Scotland are plentiful and Kilspindie is one of the brightest . It remains ‘ hidden ’ because at 5,500 yards ( par 69 ) it is unlikely to draw the bucket-list , big-name hunting golfers . And yet this is traditional and natural links golf at its best . Dips , swings and hollows all await en route to slick greens , but wind will be your main opponent . Set on Aberlady Bay the wind will taunt you all day long , even requiring you to hit out to sea as you go in search of fairways and greens . The course runs in an anticlockwise direction and your early encounters with the coastline will make golfers with a fade extremely nervous . And yet bunkers often populate the opposite side of the fairway . Six par fours are under 300 yards but never assume Kilspindie is easy . A joy , yes : easy , no .
Bruntsfield Links
The Bruntsfield Links completed a £ 1.2 million course investment by renowned architects Mackenzie & Ebert , in 2019 . The course already bears the stamp of Willie Park Jnr , Alister Mackenzie , and James Braid . This Open regional qualifying course has been extensively re-bunkered to match Mackenzie ’ s original shapes . The Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society ’ s roots date back to 1761 – making it the world ’ s 4th oldest club – but this idyllic Edinburgh parkland has been the society ’ s home since 1898 . It sits on spacious , heavily wooded terrain , three miles from Edinburgh city centre , and is known for its gentle rolling rhythm , strategic bunkering and deceptive undulating greens . A new lake has been introduced , some holes reconfigured and five new greens added , and yet the fabric of this sweet parkland remains the same .
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