DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2026
Glen
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.
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.
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.
Glen
Most of this course plays on a high plateau looking over the Firth of Forth, Bass Rock and Fidra, as well as North Berwick town. It is famous for its 1st hole, which may possess the steepest ascent to any green in Scotland, and you can admire the attractive views while you catch your breath at the top. Several holes balance on the cliff tops and the par three 13th is undoubtedly the club’ s signature hole as your tee shot drops from the cliffs to a green with beach and rocks pressing in from the right. It is likened to Pebble Beach’ s 16th. The course is not too long and the greens won’ t play tricks on you so it provides an ideal foil to the North Berwick links at the other end of town. The downhill drive on the 18th( parallel to the 1st) promises an exhilarating finish.
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