Scotland’s East Coast is the birthplace of the modern golf game. This region of Scotland continues to captivate players with its rich history and challenging links. Golf courses in Edinburgh offer scenic backdrops of the castle, Edinburgh’s skyline and the Firth of Forth.
Bright Bus Tours explores eight of the best golf courses around Edinburgh and East Lothian. Read on to find the perfect course for your handicap and budget.
Swing at 8 of the Best Edinburgh Golf Courses
Edinburgh’s golfing landscape has it all, whether you are looking for a challenging round oceanside or serene parkland greens in town. There are also Edinburgh courses offering a budget-friendly option to work on your short game. Additionally, opt to treat yourself to an afternoon membership at a historic links course framed by mature trees and views of Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh boasts prestigious championship venues that have hosted professional tournaments. You can also find some hidden gems that locals love when it comes to golf clubs in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Most courses have clubhouse and bar facilities as well as equipment rentals such as buggies and clubs. The best way to gain insider information on a course is to engage with one of the knowledgeable Edinburgh caddies.
This diverse mix of must-visit courses showcases Scotland’s deep connection to the game.
Best Public Golf Courses in Edinburgh
These exceptional Edinburgh public golf courses and municipal fairways give all residents and visitors alike access to Scotland’s renowned courses.
1. North Berwick Golf Club
The course welcomes visitors six days a week, excluding Saturdays. Established in 1832, North Berwick Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in the world. It is a favourite with golfers for its quirky links layout with stone walls crossing several fairways. The 18th hole finishes in the heart of town.
Par: 71
Holes: 18
Location: East Lothian
2. Braid Hills Golf Course
Braid Hills Golf Course is a municipal course with fantastic views of Edinburgh. Its crags make the layout one of the most challenging courses — vertically! Braid Hills offers excellent value for money for year-round golfing.
Par: 71
Holes: 18
Location: Braid Hills Approach, Edinburgh
3. Portobello Golf Course
This municipal parkland course is ideal for a quick round for golfers of all levels. The course is best known for its tight greens and incredible views of Arthur’s Seat. Watch out for awkward bunkers that increase the difficulty level toward the end. The round culminates in a glorious finish on a sloping green.
Par: 32
Holes: 9
Location: Stanley Street, Edinburgh
Premier Private Courses & Golf Clubs in Edinburgh
These courses were built with the expertise of legendary golfers such as James Braid and Willie Park Jr. They feature excellent amenities like driving ranges and clubhouses where golfers can enjoy the traditional ’19th hole’ after their round.
4. Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society
A few miles from the city centre, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society is a historic parkland course with mature trees and first-class facilities. Founded in 1761, Bruntsfield has undergone multiple renovations throughout its history. Visitors can access the practice facilities after check-in and tee time.
Par: 74
Holes: 18
Location: Barnton Ave, Edinburgh
5. Turnhouse Golf Club
Priding itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club, Turnhouse accommodates golfers of all handicap levels. This parkland course is situated close to Edinburgh Airport and offers stunning views of the Pentland Hills. Seasonal golfers can enjoy the club’s flexible afternoon membership options. The afternoon membership gives guests access to practice areas and eligibility for select competitions.
Par: 69
Holes: 18
Location: Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh
6. Mortonhall Golf Club
Founded during the reign of Queen Victoria, Mortonhall Golf Club (est. 1892) earned its status as Edinburgh’s oldest functioning golf course. They offer various options for non-members of different abilities, including play and stay packages.
Par: 72
Holes: 18
Location: Braid Road, Edinburgh
7. Muirfield
Located in East Lothian, Muirfield has hosted The Open Championship 16 times since 1892. Its unique layout features two nine-hole loops running in opposite directions — the outer circuit clockwise and the inner counterclockwise. This ingenious routing ensures players face varying wind conditions throughout their round.
Par: 76
Holes: 18
Location: Gullane, East Lothian
8. Swanston Templar Golf Course
Established in 1927 as a women-only club, the Swanston Templar Golf Club opened to golfers at all skill levels a year later. This semi-private course is ideal for practising your short game and is perfect for beginners and juniors.
Par: 27
Holes: 9
Location: Swanston Road, Edinburgh
It’s always ‘fore’ o’clock in Edinburgh! Trade your golf clubs for a whisky glass — catch a Bright Bus to the Scotch Whisky Experience after your round. Get your City Tour pass online.
Bright Bus Tours: A Hole-in-One Edinburgh Experience
Caddie up to Edinburgh’s best sights and stunning views from an open-top double-decker.
Bright Bus Tours offers enjoyable sightseeing tours around the city and Leith for families, tour groups or solo travellers. Visit Scotland recognised our dedication to customer service with a four-star award.
The Bright Bus offering includes:
- Bright Bus Airport Express: The fastest, cheapest transfers from the Edinburgh Airport to the civic centre.
- Britannia Tour: We are one of the few hop-on hop-off bus tours in Edinburgh that venture out to The Shore to the Royal Yacht Britannia.
- City Tour: With a City Tour pass, you can get close to famous Edinburgh attractions like the Royal Mile, Calton Hill and Scotland’s various free national galleries.
After playing the ultimate golf courses in Edinburgh, take a big hit of the city in style with our Two Day Two Tour pass. Buy it today for only £20.