Your Golfer Magazine Golf Coast Special 2023

The Golf Coast in Scotland is something very special in the golfing community and is certainly a region that every golfer should visit.

Just 30 miles of East Lothian coastline provides the backdrop to some of the best coastal and links golf in the UK. With 21 courses in total that have been designed by some of the most famous names in golf course design provides you with an exceptional golf experience, you really are spoilt for choice.

Within this special focus on this region, we have put together profiles on some of our favorite courses in the county for you to hopefully enjoy playing. We hope you enjoy this special issue and its contents as we really cannot speak any higher of this part of the world. In golf terms it really is as good as you get.

The shining star of scotland’s golf coast…

CRAIGIELAW GOLF CLUB

Situated on Scotland’s Golf Coast, Craigielaw truly is a golfers’ paradise. Boasting a challenging 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Donald Steel, Craigielaw is inspired by the great links courses of Britain. It is equal to many of the finest examples of such courses, some of which are conveniently located nearby in the golf rich East Lothian area.

Despite only opening in 2001, the course has already hosted many national events, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship and was a qualifying course for the 2007 British Seniors Open at Muirfield. In August 2019, it played host to the Scottish Seniors Open.

When you are competing against the best, you must ‘up your game’. That is why we witness so many terrific sporting spectacles, when the greatest come head to head and drive their game to a higher level. So, when your club is set amongst a further 22 golf courses, including the world-renowned greats such as Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane, you have to be doing something special to hold your own against such celebrated company. So, what is it that sets Craigielaw Golf Club apart?

With its challenging greens, cavernous bunkers and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife, Craigielaw Golf Club is an experience not to be missed. Combine this with the friendly welcome and efficiency of service, and you can soon see why Craigielaw has become our choice as Scotland’s finest east coast golf course.

Whether for a simple round of golf, a business meeting or convivial lunch, both active and enthusiastic members, and visitors alike, are welcomed to take advantage of the excellent facilities. Aside from the championship links course, make use of the grass academy practice ground and driving range, or tidy up your short game on the practice putting green. There is also a 6-hole par 3 course to help hone your game.

Off the course, the clubhouse is open to golfers and non-golfers alike. Offering the finest locally and seasonally produced food, alongside an extensive range or whiskies, wine and beer, the restaurant at Craigielaw offers guests a varied and delicious menu with stunning views and friendly service. Whether for a bacon roll before hitting the golf course, having a coffee and catching up with friends, lunch with family or delicious evening meal, it really is perfect for all occasions.

You can even stay in the Craigielaw Lodge, and enjoy Scottish hospitality at its best, in comfortable en-suite rooms overlooking the golf course. The Lodge is the ideal base for exploring ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ and the beautiful East Lothian coastline with its stunning beaches, castles and walks - perfect for golfing groups, family holidays and even romantic getaways.

Located just a half hour drive from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, Craigielaw caters to all the discerning golfer’s needs.

The Glen, East Links North Berwick.

The rugged and beautiful coastline of East Lothian is affectionately known as Scotland’s Golf Coast with so much choice within an hour’s drive from the historic and lively capital city of Edinburgh and its international airport.

North Berwick is a pleasant seaside town situated in East Lothian offering great beaches and coastal scenery. Comprising an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, bars not to mention world-renowned golf courses, North Berwick boasts stunning views out to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony.

There is also plenty to keep the whole family entertained away from the fairways with cultural and traditional experiences such as boat trips around the local islands taking in some of the region’s serene settings and astonishing wildlife.

“The Course to make heads turn!”

The Glen, East Links is one of the most popular of the East Lothian golf courses. A venue not to be missed, the Club’s beautifully manicured golf course provides a challenging and enjoyable test of golf for all levels of golfer as well as boasting spectacular headland views across the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.

Although golf was first played in East Lothian as far back as the 17th century, a nine-hole layout was not developed in North Berwick until 1894. It was later extended to the 18hole layout that can be enjoyed today in 1906, by legendary golf course architect, James Braid and his design partner, Ben Sayers.

The Glen is an all-year-round golf course and is rarely closed due to inclement weather, playing normal tees and greens throughout the seasons.

The Clubhouse was opened in the Club’s Centenary year 2006 and offers an array of facilities which can be enjoyed by members and visitors alike; set over two floors with bar, dining and lounge spaces on the first floor boasting panoramic views across the beach, sea and golf course.

Located just a few minutes south of Edinburgh, the Lothians region is one of Scotland’s finest golf break destinations with a choice of well over twenty-two golf courses to test all ages and abilities.

Visiting groups can enjoy a blend of traditional links exposed to the varying wind conditions of the region and an excellent array of inland golf courses; many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers.

The Belhaven Lounge is ideal for functions and corporate meetings. The 3-in-1 open plan, bar/lounge/dining is the perfect venue for casual dining, as well as the home of the 19th hole where golfers can enjoy a well earnt drink following completion of their round with several large, comfortable sofas.

The Glen’s dedicated catering team offer an extensive menu of delicious home cooked food throughout the week with reasonably priced dishes costing between £5 and £15, as well as the clubs famous carvery and freshly made pizzas to order.

East Lothian, affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ is in abundance of excellent golf courses and some of the finest hospitality in the UK. Why not spend a few days in the region and take full advantage of your visit by taking on The Glen course as well as others in the North Berwick region?

The Glen offers a range of visitor packages to meet the requirements and budgets of visiting parties. The Club also have local partnerships with accommodation providers offering value for money and the perfect base to explore East Lothian.

The Musselburgh Golf Club

Visiting groups can enjoy a blend of traditional links exposed to the varying wind conditions of the region and an excellent array of inland golf courses; many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers. The rugged and beautiful coastline of East Lothian is affectionately known as Scotland’s Golf Coast with so much choice within an hour’s drive from the historic and lively capital city of Edinburgh and its international airport.

Located just a few minutes south of Edinburgh, the Lothians region of well over twenty-two golf courses

A stunning parkland course within easy driving distance of Edinburgh

ion is one of Scotland’s finest golf break destinations with a choice courses to test all ages and abilities.

The interesting old market town of Musselburgh lies six miles east of Edinburgh where the River Esk meets the sea. The town is well known for golf, its famous racecourse as well as many great architectural displays.

Musselburgh really does offer something for everyone.Musselburgh Golf Club was founded in 1938 and, over the years, the course has hosted many amateur events and, on two occasions, the Scottish Professional Championship. We were the regional qualifying course between 2010 – 2012, and then the Final Qualifying course for the Open in 2013

Designed by legendary golf course architect, James Braid, the Par 71, 6,725 yard Musselburgh golf course represents a challenge for even the most accomplished of golfer. Built around a bend in the River Esk, the tree-lined but generous fairways see many of the Club’s visitors return year-after-year.

The superb, white building that houses Musselburgh’s clubhouse overlooks the eighteenth green. With daily menus catering for all manner of dining occasions, the clubhouse offers a spacious, comfortable space to relax pre or post round.

Monktonhall | Musselburgh

Musselburgh | EH21 6SA

The clubhouse complex hosts a well stocked professional shop with equipment and clothing from the game’s leading manufacturers.

Only 20 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh and 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport, the Musselburgh Golf Club is easily accessed by visitors to the East Lothian region.

Guests are made most welcome every day of the week, and at the weekends after 1pm.

The Club offers an array of day tickets and society packages which can be tailored to meet the needs and budgets of the visiting party and, with experience of catering for all manner of events, visiting groups can enjoy everything from a simple bacon roll and coffee on arrival to a light lunch or two course meal in formal settings following completion of their round.

Situated at the start of Scotland’s Golf Coast Royal Musselburgh is the perfect society venue.

The Sixth Oldest Golf Club In The World

Royal Musselburgh as a golf club is renowned for many things, especially its history. Dating back to the 1700's, Preston Grange House was originally owned by the Norman family de Quincy running the estate of Preston grange until they supported the losing side in the run up to the Battle of Bannockburn.

With many happenings over the years the full course was opened back in September 1926 and designed by the famous Open Championship golf architect James Braid. This first class picturesque parkland which stretches over 6,254 yards, is kept in tip top condition and is a treat to play.

At only 149 yards comes “The Gully Hole”, so figure it out! How difficult could it be? From the tee you can't see what the hole has in store! Following over this 18 hole course is a skills test, lets hope the wind is on your side and blowing in the right direction offering an enjoyable challenging game. Certainly a course for the to do list!

brs@mmcsgolf.co.uk www.royalmusselburgh.co.uk Prestonpans

Steeped in history The Old Club Cup has been awarded at The Royal Musselburgh since 1774 and is still played for competitively to this day. This valuable Silver Cup is housed in The National Golf Museum on the Scottish East coast of St. Andrews.

There is no better way to experience our club than to come along and give us a visit to take in the history and enjoy the experience in this beautiful location. Making it a memorable time ,or even a society day, the club always extends a warm welcome to visiting golfers and golf societies. Why not start you day with warm up on our 300 yard practise area and enjoy a traditional breakfast or lunch in the bar.