Edinburg - local advice needed

mlh2108 · January 4, 2019

Hello all

I am taking my daughter to Edinburg for an extended weekend at the beginning of June. We are both keen golfers (I play of a 10 hcp and her a 19 - she is 15 y's) and we are looking to squeeze in a round one day... I have done a quick search on the internet, but I also realize that the photographers can make courses look very inviting even if they aren't. So here is what we are looking at

Relatively close to Edinburg or accesable by public transport (no car)

Preferable links (a secret dream for me)

Must be able to rent clubs

And not overly expensive (I looked at North Bwerwick, but we end up around 280 GBP for the both os us and that is a bit high for my budget)

I am open to non-links suggestions

Thanks in advance for the tips

PS: If you also know a great affordable hotel in Edinburgh, fell free to share :)

clp34vmp · January 4, 2019

Try the Glen in North Berwick instead. I didn't get to play it last summer when I was out playing NB but wish I had. Supposed to have some of the best views of any course in Scotland. North Berwick is very easy to get to by train from central Edinburgh. Takes a little over half an hour and drops you right in the middle of town. Google Maps makes it look like the Glen clubhouse is about a mile from the station.

babyfade · January 4, 2019

Gullane 2(!!), Longniddry, Kilspindie, The Glen are your best options.

A bit further down the coast: Dunbar. Even better course than the others.

Quebec Club Ho · January 4, 2019

Gullane 3 - it's length may be more for your daughter's speed. Or Dunbar. Both great choices. Have fun!

davep043 · January 4, 2019

I played Gullane 2 and 4, the Glen, and Dunbar this past June, and would recommend any of them. Of these 4, Dunbar is the least demanding walk, Gullane 2 and 3 both go up and over a large ridge going out, and again coming back in, but it didn't kill me, so I'm sure you can do it. I've heard great things about Kilspindie, but never got to play it.

El Gringo · January 4, 2019

The train from Edinburgh will stop at North Berwick and Dunbar. There is no train to Gullane... that requires some bus action!

Remember juniors are often at most half price so you should both be able to play NB for about 200 quid. If you can find a way to swing it then play this course...it is top notch. Dunbar is very good as well. To save a few pennies you must try Musselburgh Old...lovely little 9 holer which will be on a main bus route from Edinburgh.

Another fun little "course" is Bruntsfield Links Short Course pretty well in the centre of the city. Its a wee pitch and putt which is a lot of fun. If you don't want to drag a few clubs around town there is a pub across the street which rents clubs...bring your own ball or suffer what you get!

Ciao

tiderider · January 5, 2019

decent enough write-up/video on both berwick and kilspendie on the "no laying up" website ... the videos will be under "tourist sauce, season 2" on youtube ...

TerpFangolfer · January 7, 2019

As others have said I would give another look at North Berwick. I've played it 2x and it is wonderful. And maybe you can get a reduced rate for your daughter.

Very easy to access from Edinburgh...here's my brother, son & I heading out to play it last June.

It's literally a 5 min walk from the train to the clubhouse.

Good luck!

duffer987 · January 14, 2019

^That's well cool Terp :)

For most of us that have to drive off somewhere into the burbs to play golf, it is a really neat thing to do and it looks like you had great weather for you and your ready-made gallery.

And you are correct, juniors are discounted (50%)

tad950 · January 16, 2019

This isn't golf related. But if you are going to visit the Castle, I would suggest being on the Castle grounds by 1:00. They fire off a cannon daily at that time. Unfortunately, we were in the ticket line when it was set off.

The only golf courses I played in the Edinburgh area were the two eighteens at Doonbeg resort, where I stayed for a couple days before meeting up with the rest of the group. Parkland style. A lot of locals on the weekend (they play really fast !). They also have a pitch and putt course on the grounds. It's about a 25 GBP taxi ride to Edinburgh.