Swing into action at the 10 best golf courses in Edinburgh
I’ll never forget the first time I met my partner’s dad. He invited me to a golf course. The next thing I knew, I was totally embarrassing myself by missing every shot. Classic, right?
But hey, I’ve learned a lot since then. I hit up a few more courses to practice. After a few months, I invited him out again. Guess what? Now we’re actually best friends!
So, if you’re dealing with the same awkwardness I did or just want to brush up on your golf game, here are some great courses you can check out in Edinburgh.
1. Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club
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Address: 10 Craighill Gardens
Contact details: +44 131 447 1219
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Price: $
Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club, established in 1907, is a great spot right in the heart of Edinburgh. With 18 holes and a par of 65, it’s a fun course that stretches over 4,837 yards. It was originally designed by Ben Sayers and got a refresh from James Braid in 1936.
Set between the Easter and Wester Craiglockhart hills, the course offers a unique layout with some tricky spots to keep things interesting. It’s a bit hilly, with tree-lined fairways and a few blind shots, so it’s all about precision.
It also offers pretty stunning views, with Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridges in the distance. You’ll also get a peek at the Pentland Hills, adding to the beauty of the experience.
Pro tip:
To up your game, make use of the driving range, putting green, and professional instruction available at the club.
2. The Royal Burgess Golfing Society
Media credits: murray3103golf
Address: 181 Whitehouse Rd
Contact details: +44 131 339 2075
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Price: $$$
The Royal Burgess Golfing Society, founded in 1735, is the oldest golf club in the world. Located just 5 miles from central Edinburgh, the club has a rich history and a championship course designed by famous architects like Willie Park Jr. and James Braid.
With 18 holes and a par of 71, the course stretches over 6,511 yards. It features tree-lined fairways, tricky bunkers, and smooth greens. It’s a fun challenge for golfers of all levels.
It’s open year-round, and walking is allowed as long as you’re dressed in proper golf attire.
Pro tip:Don’t miss the clubhouse at The Royal Burgess. You’ll get to enjoy a meal made with fresh, local ingredients and take in some fascinating golfing memorabilia.
3. Silverknowes Golf Course
Media credits: mrbritscot71
Address: 118 Silverknowes Rd
Contact details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:50 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: $
Silverknowes Golf Course offers a great 18-hole parkland course with stunning views of the River Forth and the Kingdom of Fife. It’s known for its lush fairways and well-maintained greens, making it a spot that caters to golfers of all levels.
The course is approximately 6,300 yards long and has a par of 71. It features generous fairways, strategic bunkers, and undulating terrain.
The course has a solid range of facilities to enhance your experience. It includes a practice area with a putting green, a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, and a golf shop for any equipment or apparel you might need.
Pro tip:
No gear? No problem! Clubs and trolleys are available for hire, so you can still enjoy your round without having to bring your own.
4. Liberton Golf Club
Media credits: libertongolfclub
Address: Gilmerton Rd
Contact details: +44 131 664 3009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Price: $
Liberton Golf Club is a beautiful, well-kept course spread over 89 acres of parkland. Founded in 1920, the club has always been ahead of its time. It’s one of the first to offer equal membership to both men and women.
The course is known for its tight fairways and small, tricky greens, making for a fun and challenging round. It’s more about accuracy than distance, with many holes under 400 yards.
The first hole is a par 4 at 431 yards. The last hole, called “The Green,” is also a par 4 but at 360 yards. The course has a good mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s, all requiring a bit of strategy.
The clubhouse, designed by Robert Adam, is also a great spot to relax after your round. It has a roomy bar and dining area, so you can also eat or drink afterwards.
Pro tip:
Booking your tee time online through the Liberton Golf Club website is a breeze and makes planning your visit super easy. It saves you time and guarantees you a spot, so you can just show up and enjoy your game.
5. Baberton Golf Club
Media credits: mrdavekerr
Address: 55 Baberton Ave
Contact details: +44 131 453 4911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 7 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Price: $$
Baberton Golf Club, founded in 1893, is a historic course known for being the birthplace of the steel shaft in golf. The 6,020-yard course has a par of 69 and offers a mix of rolling fairways and protected greens that challenge golfers of all levels.
The front nine is shorter but has some tricky par threes and fours, while the back nine features longer holes that really test your skills.
Highlights include the 405-yard par 4 Waugh’s Knowe, which requires a careful approach. The 501-yard par 5 Baberton offers a chance to be more aggressive.
The views here are incredible. You get stunning panoramic sights of the Pentland Hills and the Edinburgh skyline. Iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridges make the experience even more memorable.
Pro tip:
Connect with the vibrant community at Baberton, where many members have competed at high levels, including pro tours. Participate in the club’s events and competitions to engage with other golfers and immerse yourself in the local golf scene.
6. Braid Hills Golf Course
Media credits: g2_hickorygoose
Address: 27 Braid Hills Approach
Contact details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:50 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: $
Braid Hills Golf Course has been around since 1893. It’s an 18-hole parkland course designed by Andrew Mair, measuring 5,865 yards with a par of 71.
It offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the surrounding hills and waters, like the Firth of Forth.
The course is full of natural contours and native gorse bushes, which add to the beauty and make things a bit tricky for golfers. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, the mix of holes will keep you on your toes and make the game fun.
The course has amenities such as a driving range with floodlit bays, a putting green, and a golf shop for all your gear. Since it’s a municipal course, anyone can play, so it’s a great option for a fun round.
Pro tip:
Chat with the staff for local insights. They know the course inside and out and can share helpful tips to tackle its tricky layout and get the most out of your round.
7. Prestonfield Golf Club
Media credits: prestonfieldgolfclub
Address: 6 Priestfield Rd N
Contact details: +44 131 667 9665
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Price: $$
Prestonfield Golf Club, established in 1920, is an 18-hole parkland course designed by James Braid. Thanks to its beautiful surroundings and challenging layout, it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
The course is set at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, offering great views of the iconic landmark and Holyrood Park. Stretching over 6,200 yards with a par of 70, it has a variety of holes that challenge golfers of all levels.
The 16th hole is particularly tricky, requiring precision to navigate the tight approach and well-guarded green.
The club has a rich history, with references dating back to 1153. It’s said that Mary Queen of Scots played golf in the gardens near the 13th hole, adding a cool historical touch to the experience.
Pro tip:
Spend some time on their practice putting green before your round. The course’s greens can be tricky, so getting a feel for their speed and undulations will give you an edge and improve your performance.
8. Carrick Knowe Golf Course
Media credits: golfing_round_scotland
Address: 27 Glendevon Park
Contact details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:50 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: $
Carrick Knowe Golf Course has been around since 1929. It stretches 6,400 yards with 18 holes and a par of 70. Plus, you’ll get some awesome views of Edinburgh Castle and Murrayfield Stadium.
The course has rolling fairways, water hazards, and plenty of mature trees that make it both scenic and challenging. The front nine was updated to US Golf Association standards, offering a nice contrast to the older back nine.
Standout holes include the par-5 ninth by a peaceful lake and the par-3 eighteenth, where you’ll need precision to clear a ravine. The second hole, a par-4, requires accuracy due to its bunkered landing area.
The course is easy to walk and suitable for golfers of all ages. While it’s not overly difficult, it does require strategy, especially with the wind.
Pro tip:
Try playing on weekday mornings during off-peak hours for a quieter round and potentially better course conditions. It’s also a great chance to enjoy a more relaxed pace without the crowds.
9. Craigmillar Park Golf Course
Address: 1 Observatory Rd
Contact details: +44 131 667 0047
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Price: $$
Craigmillar Park Golf Club, on the eastern slopes of Blackford Hill in Edinburgh, has been around since 1895. It’s known for its stunning views of the city, East Lothian, and the Perthshire Hills.
The course is 5,825 yards long from the back tees and has a par of 70. Designed by James Braid, it became an 18-hole course in 1927.
With its hilly layout, it offers challenges like blind shots and elevated tees. It’s fun for golfers who enjoy strategy.
A standout feature is the 15th hole, “The Dams.” It’s a par-3 where players need to clear a burn to reach a sloped green.
Pro tip:
Consider using a push cart or buggy if you find hilly courses challenging. The elevation changes can be tough, and a cart will help conserve your energy for the game.
10. Swanston Golf Club
Media credits: swanstongolf
Address: 111 Swanston Rd
Contact details: +44 131 445 2239
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: $$
Swanston Golf Club, founded in 1927, is located just south of Edinburgh. Thanks to its position by the Pentland Hills, it offers amazing views of both the city and the countryside.
The 18-hole, par-70 course is 6,206 yards long. It offers a good challenge with tricky fairways, fast greens, and well-placed bunkers.
What makes the course unique is its layout—there are no par-5s, just six par-3s, and plenty of hills to keep things interesting.
The 15th hole is a challenging par-4 with a narrow fairway. The 8th hole is a 216-yard par-3 that requires a shot over gorse bushes, making it memorable. The greens are fast and in great condition, and golfers praise them highly.
Pro tip:
Check out Swanston Golf Club’s 400-yard driving range and the 9-hole par-3 Templar Course to improve your game. They’re perfect for beginners or anyone looking to practice their short game.