Last Updated on November 23, 2023
Edinburgh, the beautiful capital of Scotland, is a paradise for golfers. With its rolling hills and stunning coastal views, it’s no surprise that this city boasts some of the best courses in the UK. But just how many are there? This article will delve into the statistics to answer this question: How many golf courses are there in Edinburgh?
Location And Features Of Courses
Edinburgh is home to some of the finest golf courses in Scotland. There are around 16 courses located within a short distance from Edinburgh city centre, offering unique challenges for players of any level. These courses range from championship standard layouts to more natural heathland-style parklands, as well as an array of hidden gems tucked away amongst the rolling hills of East Lothian.
The most famous course in the area is Muirfield Golf Club, host of The Open Championship on numerous occasions since 1892. Located just outside Gullane village, its traditional links layout offers stunning views across the Firth of Forth and provides a challenging test for even the lowest handicapped golfer. Other notable courses include Craigsanquhar House Hotel and Country Estate’s 18-hole course which sits atop a hilltop overlooking Loch Leven; Kings Acre Golf Course near Corstorphine Hill; and Mortonhall Golf Club at Braid Hills – one of Edinburgh’s oldest clubs with an impressive clubhouse that dates back over 100 years.
Prices And Accessibility
Edinburgh has a wide range of golf courses, each with its own fees and membership rates. Many offer discounts for juniors or seniors, as well as special deals to give members access to multiple courses. Course membership is often the most cost effective way to gain regular access, but there are plenty of options available if you prefer not to commit long-term. Golfing fees generally depend on the season and time of day – weekday mornings are usually cheaper than weekend afternoons. Several clubs also provide public access, either through pay-and-play packages or green fee offers for non-members. All in all, Edinburgh’s golf courses have something for everyone – from beginner levellers up to advanced players looking for more challenging terrain. Whether for competition or leisure, affordable courses suit diverse needs.
Events Hosted At Courses
Moving on, Edinburgh is home to a range of exciting golfing events. There are several tournaments hosted at courses across the city, as well as charity events and pro-am competitions. Here’s an overview of some popular events:
- The Scottish Open – one of Europe’s biggest professional tours held annually in July
- The Pontin’s Inter Services Golf Championships – A two day event for the UK armed forces at Mortonhall Golf Course each October
- The Paul Lawrie Match Play Tournament – An elite match play tournament taking place every August at Archerfield Links
- The Prostate Cancer Charity Day – Held each year at Bruntsfield Links in aid of prostate cancer charities
These events attract thousands of spectators from all over Scotland and beyond, providing great entertainment for both golfers and non-golfers alike. It showcases the best talent in the game while also raising money for worthy causes. With so much going on throughout the year, Edinburgh’s golf scene is always vibrant.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit The Courses
Edinburgh is home to a number of renowned golf courses, all offering visitors the chance to play in stunning Scottish landscapes. With this in mind, it’s important to consider when is the best time of year for a visit. Generally speaking, the golfing season begins in April and ends in October – but there are still some factors to take into account.
Firstly, Edinburgh weather can be unpredictable, and temperatures often drop rapidly from autumn onwards. It’s therefore advisable not just to check the forecast before setting off on your trip but also bear in mind that certain courses might become less playable due to rain or strong winds. Additionally, course reviews should also be taken into consideration; many courses have specific restrictions regarding playing times during peak seasons (summer months). This means that you may need to plan ahead if you wish to book tee times at busy periods throughout the year. All things considered, mid-spring and late summer tend to provide ideal conditions for enjoying a round of golf in Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Popular Course In Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has long been known for its abundance of quality golf courses, with many boasting stunning views across the city’s landscape. The Royal Burgess Golfers Society is a particularly popular choice thanks to its location on the outskirts of town and challenging course layout. It is also one of the oldest golf clubs in Scotland, having been established in 1735. Other noteworthy courses include:
- Bruntsfield Links – Set within an ancient parkland landscape;
- Corstorphine – Offering breathtaking views over Arthur’s Seat;
- Liberton – Home to rolling fairways and fast greens;
- Pumpherston – An attractive 18 hole course located near Livingston.
Ultimately, all of these venues offer a great experience that will leave you wanting more each time you visit. From stunning landscapes to classic links style layouts, there is no shortage of excellent golfing experiences waiting for you in Edinburgh.
Are There Any Courses That Offer Night Golf?
Night golf is an increasingly popular activity allowing people to play on the course after dark. Edinburgh has a few select courses that offer this experience, so if you’re looking for night golf in Edinburgh, we have got you covered.
First of all, let’s look at what options are available in terms of:
- Outdoor Courses – Golfers can opt to play on one of many outdoor courses located around the city. These usually feature floodlights or bright lighting systems, which allows players to take full advantage of their game even when it gets dark.
- Indoor Courses – Alternatively, there are indoor courses where artificial lights provide a unique atmosphere. The enclosed environment means shots can be taken without worrying about weather conditions or other distractions such as noise and traffic.
Secondly, let’s examine some of the specific facilities offering night golf in Edinburgh:
- Silverknowes Golf Club – This well-equipped club offers both nine holes and eighteen hole games with tee off times late into the evening under the setting sun. It also boasts excellent catering facilities and pro shop equipment hire services.
- Murrayfield Golf Centre – A great place for those seeking an enjoyable round later in the day, Murrayfield serves up a range of packages, including twilight specials for experienced players as well as beginners who wish to practice their skills. With its state-of-the-art driving range, putting green and chipping area, it provides everything needed for a successful night out on the links.
For anyone wanting to enjoy a spot of night golf in Edinburgh, then these two establishments should definitely be considered. Both locations offer quality service with friendly staff ensuring everyone enjoys their time on the course irrespective of whether they are playing during daylight hours or late into the night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Edinburgh is a great place for golfers of all skill levels. There are many courses to choose from, with something for everyone. The most popular course in the area is Kingsbarns Golf Links, offering stunning views and challenging play. For beginners, there’s Mortonhall Golf Club which provides lessons as well as clubs and equipment rental. Children can enjoy Craigentinny Golf Course, while those looking for a unique night golf experience will find what they’re looking for at St Andrew’s Links Night Golf.
No matter your skill level or preferences, you’ll be sure to find something that appeals to you when it comes to golfing in Edinburgh. With so many options available, you won’t have trouble finding the perfect course to suit your needs. So why not come give it a go? You never know – you might just end up falling in love with this amazing city and its incredible range of golfing opportunities.
