The Best Golf Courses Near Edinburgh

Muirfield, home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers in Gullane, is our pick, a sixteen time host of the Open Championship about forty minutes east of the city and one of the greatest links in the world. North Berwick's quirky, historic West Links and Tom Doak's Renaissance Club, host of the Genesis Scottish Open, are the next two. All sit on the East Lothian golf coast just east of Edinburgh.

Close. The cluster of great links around Gullane and North Berwick lies roughly thirty to fifty minutes east of central Edinburgh along the coast road, so a golfer can base in the city and reach Muirfield, Gullane, North Berwick, the Renaissance Club and Archerfield as easy day trips. Within about a thirty minute radius there are more than twenty courses.

Yes, on limited days. Muirfield, a private members club, welcomes visitor play on designated days, usually with advance booking and a handicap requirement, and traditionally offers a foursomes round and lunch. Tee times are limited and sought after, so book well ahead, and always confirm access, dress code and fees directly before booking.

May to September is the prime window, with the longest days, the firmest links turf and the warmest, though never warm, weather. East Lothian is among the driest corners of Scotland, so it plays well through the shoulder months too, and the wind off the Firth of Forth is a constant companion at any time of year. Always confirm tee times and fees directly before booking.