Luffness New
Founded in 1894 with Old Tom Morris involved in the original layout, Luffness New is a classic East Lothian links beside the Aberlady nature reserve. A compact par 70 of about 6,300 yards, it is celebrated for putting surfaces widely regarded as among the truest in Scotland.
Photo: Luffness New Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Luffness New sits quietly in the middle of East Lothian's golf coast, overshadowed by its famous neighbors at Gullane and Muirfield, which is exactly why those in the know love it. The club dates to 1894 with Old Tom Morris shaping the original links, and it has matured into a firm, fast and beautifully kept course that asks for precise iron play rather than brute length.
It is the greens that golfers talk about, fine fescue surfaces that run true and quick, considered by many the best on a coastline that is not short of great ones. Add wide views over the Aberlady bay and the Firth of Forth, thick rough that punishes the wayward, and an old fashioned, welcoming clubhouse, and Luffness New is the connoisseur's choice on any East Lothian itinerary.
Luffness New at a glance
- Founded
- 1894
- Designer
- Old Tom Morris
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 70
- Yardage
- About 6,300 yds
- Green fee
- Visitor (indicative)
Founding year and designer verified June 2026 from Luffness New Golf Club and leading course databases; the club was founded in 1894 with Old Tom Morris involved in the original layout. It plays as a par 70 of roughly 6,300 to 6,600 yards depending on the card. Luffness New is a private members club that welcomes visitors on a limited basis; visitor green fees and tee times are arranged through the club and change by season (indicative, 2026). Always confirm access and current rates directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Luffness New is a model of classic links design on a compact site, every yard used and not a yard wasted. The fairways run firm and fast over true links turf, the rough is genuinely penal, and the bunkering is placed to catch the shot that drifts off line. It is not long by modern standards, but it does not need to be.
The greens are the heart of it, small to medium fescue surfaces of subtle borrow that run quick and true, demanding the right line of approach and a deft touch with the putter. Miss in the wrong spot and par becomes hard work; find the correct portion of the fairway and the course opens up.
When the wind comes off the Forth, as it usually does, Luffness New becomes a stern examination of ball control and course management. It is the kind of links that rewards the thinking golfer and quietly humbles the one who tries to overpower it, which is why so many East Lothian regulars rate it their favorite.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Private members club that welcomes visitors on a limited basis, generally on weekdays; weekend access is restricted |
| Green fee | Visitor green fees are arranged through the club and run well below the marquee neighbors; figures change by season (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Contact the club in advance; visitor tee times are easiest to secure midweek and outside member competitions |
| On the day | Walking on traditional links turf; the clubhouse is welcoming and the catering well regarded |
| Getting there | Aberlady in East Lothian, about 30 minutes east of Edinburgh and its airport |
| Best months | May to September for the driest links conditions; spring and autumn offer value and quieter tee sheets |
Access arrangements verified June 2026; Luffness New is private and policies change, so always confirm directly before planning a visit with the club or your trip planner.
Where to stay nearby
Most golfers playing the East Lothian coast base themselves in or around Gullane and North Berwick, both within a few minutes of Luffness New and full of good hotels, inns and restaurants. From here the whole golf coast is on the doorstep.
Edinburgh is only half an hour away for those who want a city base with evenings out, and the position makes Luffness New easy to pair with Gullane, North Berwick, Muirfield and the other East Lothian links into a classic Scottish golf trip.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Luffness New.
Build an East Lothian golf trip
We arrange tee times at Luffness New and across the East Lothian coast, secure the lodging and shape the days around your group. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Luffness New questions
Who designed Luffness New and when was it founded?
Luffness New Golf Club was founded in 1894, with Old Tom Morris involved in the original layout of the links at Aberlady in East Lothian.
What is the par and length of Luffness New?
Luffness New is a par 70 of about 6,300 yards, a compact classic links celebrated more for its greens and shot values than its length.
Can visitors play Luffness New?
Yes, on a limited basis. Luffness New is a private members club that welcomes visitors mainly on weekdays; contact the club in advance to arrange a tee time and confirm the green fee.
What is Luffness New known for?
Luffness New is best known for its putting surfaces, fine fescue greens that run true and fast and are widely regarded as among the finest in Scotland.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, founding year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.