Swing by the 7 best golf courses in Edinburgh for a par-fect tee time!
Golf is one of our family traditions. While I once dismissed it as an “old man’s game,” my perspective changed after my dad took me to my first lesson, and I quickly fell in love with the sport.
What makes golfing in the city special is the stunning surroundings, serene environment, and the rich history behind many courses. Weekends spent on golf buggies with my dad and uncles, enjoying the views, are memories I’ll always treasure.
If you’re on the hunt for the best golf courses in Edinburgh, I’ve put together a list of my personal favourites that are guaranteed to leave an impression!
Prestonfield Golf Club
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Address: 6 Priestfield Rd N
Contact Details: +44 131 667 9665
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Admission Fee:
Winter: £30 per person
Shoulder: £40 per person
Summer: £65 per person
Twilight Rate (Monday to Friday after 3:00 pm): £50 per person
If you’re looking for a golf course that offers a bit more challenge, you can take a look at Prestonfield Golf Club. This club boasts a history dating back to the 1920s, with its golf course designed and built by legendary architect James Baird.
They offer an 18-hole parkland course that’s playable all year round. It’s characterised by its challenging PAR 4s, majestic views of the city skyline, and lush greenery that basically makes you feel like you’re not in the city at all.
Tips:
- Visitors are kindly reminded to adhere to the club’s dress code both on the course and in the clubhouse. Proper golf attire, designed for the sport, is required. Jeans are not allowed on the course, and wearing a collared shirt is encouraged.
- If there’s lightning nearby, golfers should stop playing and head to the nearest shelter or the clubhouse for safety. Once the storm clears, they can return to finish their round. If you decide to call it a day instead of waiting out the storm, please note that green fees won’t be refunded.
Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club
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Address: Dalmahoy Golf Course, Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Kirknewton
Contact Details: +44 131 333 1845
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 am to 8:30 pm
Admission Fee:
Winter: £45 per person (East Course), £35 per person (West Course)
Hotel Package: £169 per person (includes dinner, bed and breakfast and two rounds of golf)
The golf course at Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club is best known as the club where the first Solheim Cup was won by Europe’s women’s team versus the Americans in 1992. It’s also where President Joe Biden stayed during his last visit to Scotland.
It’s also considered to be one of Scotland’s top golf resorts, boasting two courses spanning over 6,600 yards total. The East and West Courses offer a blend of easy and challenging PAR 4s and 3s, so just take your pick based on your skill level!
Tips:
- If you don’t want to play rounds on the golf course, you also have the option to shoot your shot at the driving range. This 12-bay floodlit range is open to the public all year round and offers lessons if you want to sharpen your swinging skills, too! Check out this page to learn more about it and enquire.
- I highly recommend getting a gift voucher for a friend or family member who loves golf. The club offers a £20 gift voucher that you can spend on meals, merchandise, and other golf tools and items from the club’s shop! Click here to request and purchase gift vouchers.
Duddingston Golf Club
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Address: 137, 139 Duddingston Rd W, Duddingston
Contact Details: +44 131 661 7688
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Peak Season: £90 per person
Standard Season: £70 per person
Twilight Rates (Tuesdays to Sundays only from 3:00 pm onwards): £50 per person
Monday Special Rates (Mondays from 9:00 am onwards): £60 per person
Winter Rates: £30 per person
Duddingston Golf Club, established in 1895, is a true gem among Edinburgh’s historic golf courses. Its rich history and timeless charm make it a favourite of my father and uncles who were members of the club.
The parkland course features over 6,500 yards which is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Play rounds of 14 to 18 holes while you unwind with spectacular vistas of lush greenery and hilly terrain in the distance.
Tips:
- If you’re bringing your kids with you, make sure to get the Junior Visitor rates, as children are entitled to 50% off on all visitor rates. Just note that the fee doesn’t include equipment rental, so if you don’t own golf clubs and tools, you’ll need to rent some from the club!
- The club regularly offers deals and promotions for a limited time. Some offers are exclusive to members, but visitors can also avail of some discounts on hotel and accommodation if they book a golf package. You can learn more about their promos and updated fees here.
The Royal Burgess Golfing Society
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Address: 181 Whitehouse Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 339 2075
Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
Admission Fee:
£175 per person, per round
£250 per person for a full day
£100 per person holding a UK Golf Club membership
If you’re looking for a golf course that’s steeped in history and has a pristine reputation as one of the finest golf clubs in the country, then make your way down to The Royal Burgess Golfing Society for a few rounds.
It’s known as the oldest golf club in the world, boasting over 280 years of history and prestige. It’s a very bougie place to play golf, but you’ll find that every penny is worth it knowing you get to play in the lush 18-hole parkland designed by Willie Park Jr!
Tips:
- The recently renovated clubhouse, a stunning example of Arts and Crafts architecture, houses an impressive collection of historic golfing memorabilia and trophies. I highly recommend paying it a visit while taking a break from golf or after your game.
- Honouring the club’s rich history and traditions, a strict dress code is maintained. On the course, proper golfing attire is mandatory, while the clubhouse allows for smart casual wear, provided that shorts, trainers, and sandals are avoided. Check out this page to read more about the policy.
Murrayfield Golf Club
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Address: 43 Murrayfield Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 337 3478
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Standard Season: £60 per person
Peak Season: £120 per person
Murrayfield is a real gem—a peaceful haven away from the city’s hustle, yet still offering sweeping views of iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Bass Rock. It’s one of my dad’s favourite golf courses when he wants to get away from the city hustle.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to get to, but what really makes it stand out is the course itself. The 18 holes take full advantage of the rolling Corstorphine Hill, offering up a unique round with plenty of blind shots and tricky par 3s and 4s that keep you on your toes.
Tips:
- It’s important to book your tee times in advance using the online visitor booking page. Bookings are normally accepted between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm every Monday to Friday, but if you need to squeeze in a request outside of those hours, you can call the club for faster communication. Note that full payment will be required upon booking to confirm your slot!
- You’re welcome to wear denim jeans in the clubhouse, as long as they’re smart and in good condition—no faded or bleached styles and definitely no holes or tears.
Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society
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Address: 32 Barnton Ave
Contact Details: +44 131 336 1479
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: £160 per person on weekdays, £200 per person on weekends (April to October) or £60 to £75 per person (November to March)
Child: £80 per person on weekdays, £100 per person on weekends (April to October) or £30 per person (November to March)
If you’re planning a golf break, Bruntsfield Links is a must! Founded in 1761 and designed by Willie Park Jr (I know, can’t get enough of him!), it’s one of the oldest courses in the world, but still a fantastic place to tee off to this day.
With its historic charm, mature oak trees, and tricky bunkers, it’s both a test and a treat for golfers. And the best part? It’s a more affordable option compared to many other courses in the area.
Tips:
- If you’ve got extra time to spare, make your way to the driving range to practice your swing. The club is known to give a free bucket of golf balls (more rounds!) sometimes. My uncle’s trick is to be nice to the staff and make sure to say hello when you see them!
- If you sign up for a membership, you get free access to the club’s indoor swing studio. You get more privacy as you practice your swing here compared to the driving range. If you’re just a visitor, you can still use the driving range free of charge as long as you reserve your slot in advance!
Gullane Golf Club
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Address: 6 W Links Rd, Gullane
Contact Details: +44 162 084 2255
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Course 1: £210 per person
Course 2: £85 per person
Course 3: £55 per person
Just a short drive away from the city centre is the Gullane Golf Club. My dad took me here once for a weekend, and I will never forget how much fun I had playing golf with him on this championship course.
As it is a championship course (played host for the Ladies and ASI Scottish Open), expect a little more challenge here. There are a total of three courses available, and all of them offer splendid views of Firth of Forth and Aberlady Bay!
Tip:
- Important thing to note: A handicap certificate is necessary to play on Gullane No. 1, with handicap limits set at 24 for men and 30 for women. However, there are no handicap requirements for Gullane No. 2 and Gullane No. 3. The No. 1 Starter will verify your handicap before you tee off on the first course.