East Lothian Golf Itinerary

Day 1

Gullane No. 1

Arrive and settle into East Lothian properly. Gullane No. 1 is a proper championship links with panoramic views — the ideal first day that needs no special pre-planning.

Day 2

Muirfield visitor day

Muirfield only runs visitor days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Book this date first when planning the trip. The 36-hole day with jacket and tie and a roast lunch is the one to aim for.

Day 3

North Berwick West Links

One of the most entertaining rounds in Scotland. The back nine — the Pit, the Redan, the Biarritz holes — is why golfers talk about North Berwick the way they do.

Day 4

Dunbar

A dramatic coastal links along the cliff once you pass through the gate. Underrated, characterful, and a strong way to add variety to the week.

Day 5

Kilspindie

Short on the card but charming throughout. An excellent final round before heading back to Edinburgh — the traditional clubhouse is one of the best in the region.

How do I book Muirfield?

Contact the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers directly. Visitor days run on Tuesdays and Thursdays only — book 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season. A Scottish golf specialist operator can sometimes assist with access.

Where is the best place to stay for an East Lothian golf trip?

Gullane is the natural base. From there you can walk to the Gullane courses, reach Muirfield in five minutes by car, and access North Berwick, Dunbar, and Kilspindie within 30 minutes.

Can I do East Lothian golf without a car?

It is difficult. The courses are spread along 20 miles of coast and public transport is limited outside North Berwick. A hire car from Edinburgh makes the whole trip much more manageable and is strongly recommended.

Is East Lothian better than Fife for a first Scotland golf trip?

Both are excellent, but East Lothian is more self-contained. You can base yourself in Gullane and reach everything within 30 minutes. Fife offers more course variety but requires moving between bases.