Golf in East Lothian

East Lothian is called Scotland's Golf Coast for good reason. In the 20 miles between Musselburgh and Dunbar, you'll find Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane No.1, Gullane No.2, Gullane No.3, Longniddry, Kilspindie, Craigielaw, Dunbar, and more. More top-quality links golf, more closely packed, than anywhere else in the world.

East Lothian's Top 100 UK Golf Courses

Muirfield — Rank #3

Home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers — the oldest golf club in the world, founded in Edinburgh in 1744. Muirfield is golf's ultimate fair test: no blind shots, no trickery, just well-positioned bunkers, firm links turf, and the need to hit the ball where you intend. Nicklaus, Trevino, Faldo, Els, Mickelson — all won here. Playing Muirfield means joining their company, however briefly.

Available to visitors on selected Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and some Fridays. Book directly with the club.

North Berwick — Rank #11

North Berwick is links golf with personality. Old, quirky, and brilliant. The Redan hole (15th) is the most copied par-3 in golf — replicated at National Golf Links of America, Crystal Downs, and courses worldwide. The town is charming, Bass Rock sits offshore, and the course is accessible to visitors with a simple online booking. One of the best-value experiences in UK golf.

Gullane No.1 — Rank #25

Gullane sits on a hill above the village and above much of East Lothian — the panoramic views from the 7th tee are among the finest in British golf. No.1 is a proper championship links, used regularly for qualifying events and Scottish Opens. Gullane No.2 and No.3 offer very good golf at lower green fees for those who want the Gullane experience at a different level.

More East Lothian Courses Worth Playing

East Lothian's depth is remarkable. Beyond the Top 100 courses:

• Dunbar — one of Scotland's most underrated links, exposed and demanding
• Longniddry — parkland-meets-links, excellent for visitors
• Kilspindie — short but characterful, on the Aberlady Bay foreshore
• Craigielaw — newer but well-regarded, with Firth of Forth views
• Whitekirk — inland but with views to the Bass Rock and beyond

East Lothian as a Golf Break Destination

East Lothian combines championship golf with easy Edinburgh access — the perfect framework for a golf break that includes non-golf time.

Day trip from Edinburgh: North Berwick in the morning, lunch in the town, back to Edinburgh by early evening.

Weekend break: Gullane No.1 on Saturday, North Berwick on Sunday, based in North Berwick or Gullane village.

Three-day break: Muirfield (Tuesday/Thursday), North Berwick, Gullane — the definitive East Lothian itinerary.

Gifting an East Lothian Golf Experience

A Swyng voucher gives the recipient flexibility to choose their course and date. East Lothian is close enough to Edinburgh to combine with a city break — worth mentioning in the gift note.

See also: golf breaks in Scotland, links golf guide UK, golf in Fife, golf in Ayrshire.

Browse East Lothian golf experience vouchers on Swyng or use our Gift Finder for a recommendation.