Our Top 10 East Lothian golf courses

My Top 10 East Lothian Golf Courses - Hew Dalrymple

East Lothian has been called Scotland’s Golf Coast due to its wonderful selection of Links courses along all of its coast.

Leuchie Walled Garden owner Hew Dalrymple has been playing golf here in East Lothian for sixty years.

Here are his 10 favourite golf courses in East Lothian, ranked based on their reputation, design, and overall experience:

Muirfield
Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and one of the most prestigious courses in the world, Muirfield is known for its challenging layout and rich history. One of Jack Nicklaus’s favourite courses, It has hosted The Open Championship multiple times and is revered for its strategic bunkering and fast greens.

North Berwick Golf Club
Founded in 1832 and famous for its unique holes and stunning coastal views, North Berwick offers a classic links experience. The Redan hole (15th) is one of the most copied par-3 designs in golf.

Gullane Golf Club
With three courses (my favourites are No 1 & no 3), Gullane provides a variety of challenges. Gullane No. 1 is the most famous, offering panoramic views across to Edinburgh and firm, fast fairways but I love No 3 – it is still a challenge even though, at 5,000 yards, the holes are shorter.

The Renaissance Club
A modern championship course designed by Tom Doak that has hosted the Scottish Open for the last three years. The Renaissance Club has some wonderful holes alongside the coast overlooking the island of Fidra.

Archerfield Links
Another recent addition featuring two courses (Fidra and Dirleton), Archerfield blends traditional links golf with a luxurious experience. It’s a favourite among golfers looking for a relaxed yet high-quality round.

Dunbar Golf Club
A historic links course with spectacular seaside holes, Dunbar is known for its challenging winds and excellent course maintenance.

The Glen Golf Club
Also called the East Links, North Berwick – Often overshadowed by its neighbours, The Glen offers a scenic and enjoyable round with clifftop views over the Firth of Forth to the Bass Rock and beyond.

Kilspindie Golf Club
One of Scotland’s hidden gems, Kilspindie is a short but tricky links course with breathtaking views and a welcoming atmosphere

Each of these courses offers something special, whether it’s history, scenery, or a tough test of golf.

Which one would you love to play first?