Edinburgh Planning
Scotland Golf Trip From Edinburgh
If you are flying into Edinburgh, you do not need to overcomplicate the first Scotland trip. East Lothian, Fife, and Carnoustie can carry the whole week.
Day by day
Courses
Planning notes
This route keeps the famous courses close enough to feel efficient.
It works well for groups that care about dinners and hotels as much as the scorecard.
Add a Highlands extension only if the group has more time.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine East Lothian and Fife golf in the same trip?
Yes. The drive between Gullane and St Andrews is about 1 hour 20 minutes via the Forth Road Bridge — very manageable. Most Edinburgh-based trips cover exactly this combination across a week.
Do I need the St Andrews Old Course ballot for this trip?
You should apply for the ballot, but plan a backup. Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie Links give the Fife leg outstanding alternatives. Book at least one Fife backup course regardless of ballot success.
Is Edinburgh a good base for Scotland golf?
Yes, especially for the East Lothian courses. The best Fife courses and Carnoustie are reachable as day trips. Some groups prefer to move bases mid-week — Edinburgh for East Lothian, then St Andrews for the Fife leg.
What is the best order to play these courses?
Start in East Lothian (lighter, more welcoming links), build to Muirfield (the formal centrepiece), cross to Fife for St Andrews and Kingsbarns, and finish at Carnoustie. This builds in difficulty and gives the week a clear narrative.