Last Minute Scotland Trip: East Lothian/Fife

[David McIntosh]

Ira,

I’d also pick Dunbar ahead of Luffness and Kilspindie (and Gullane 2 and 3 for that matter). The four holes on the clubhouse side of the wall are the weakest points of the course (although I don’t mind the par 3 3rd playing from an elevated tee towards the sea) however the others on the water side of the wall more than make up for them.

I would back what Mark and Michael have just said about the course not being long and difficult. A feature of Dunbar is that is has a number of interesting short holes and isn’t a slog by any means from any tee (men’s daily tees are around 6,200 yards whilst the ladies are circa 5,800). From the ladies tees alone it appears that there are five par 4s under 320 yards, the four par 5s are all under 500 yards (with only one approaching 500 yards) and three of the four par 3s are 150 yards or less.

I wonder where you read that Dunbar is long and difficult for women as I can’t see many similarities between it and Nairn at all. On my one play every hole coming home apart from the 13th was into the wind after the 10th (par 3 heading towards the quarry) which may go some way to explaining what you read and shows that the back 9 in particular is a bit tougher to play than you’d think from a glance at the scorecard.

[Aaron Hanson]

I'm piggybacking on this thread in hope of getting some different opinions.


I have ONE day to play (a Friday) somewhere this upcoming May 2019 (preference for 36 holes) with home base being Edinburgh. As of now, I have a booking for 36 at North Berwick West Links, which I would be utterly and completely happy doing as I did a similar arrangement about 2 years ago and loved every minute. I've also considered trying to get up to St. Andrews early and trying to get on TOC, as I played it in 2014 and would love to get back, however I'm not sure I could get there early enough to get in the singles que and realistically get on the course.


One course I'd really love to see is Prestwick. It looks to be about 2 hours by train, but doable. Any other options that would be recommended? Keep in mind I'll be leaving/coming from Edinburgh the same day, likely by train (hence why NB is attractive)


Cheers,
Aaron

[Angus Moir]

A little update on the driving time from edinburgh(or anywhere else in Scotland for that matter) to The Aberdeen area for Cruden Bay, Trump, Royal A,etc,etc...


New Aberdeen bypass will open in the next few months and will really cut the journey time to get to golf courses above by probably 45 mins...


When fully open(it’s partly open right now) you will come off at Stonehaven south of the city and end up pretty much at the Murcar golf club roundabout...


Just an FYI to those planning or doing that journey this year...


Cheers

[Mark Mammel]

David is on the money as he sells the Highlands- which sounds like another trip for your group. But is really is the terrific, from Royal Dornoch and Brora to the many distlilleries. If you do play North Berwick, consider Kilspindie which is basically across the road. It's a short course, which may not appeal to everyone- but it is wonderfully maintained, easy off the tee, lovely area and fine holes on which a guy might shoot a better number that at Carnoustie! Of course, it's just a number but the ego can suffer in the Hameland for those not used to links golf.
I also concur that as the trip planner, you are the boss. Someone has to decide, and you know what you're getting into. No matter what it will be super. Also- consider looking at the CAMRA website (Campaign for Rear Ale) to find the best local beers throughout the UK.

[Niall C]

Mark

Not only is there 8 miles between the West Links and Kilspindie but there are also 9 courses in between, all of which would give satisfaction.

Niall

[Thomas Dai]

Out of interest what are courses like Winterfield, Eyemouth etc like?
Atb

[Michael Graham]

Out of interest what are courses like Winterfield, Eyemouth etc like?
Atb

Thomas,


I can’t comment on Eyemouth but one would have had to have exhausted golf in East Lothian before choosing to play Winterfield. I played it a handful of times growing up. The front nine is played over the flattest land imaginable. The back nine improves as you move towards the water and the course becomes more “linksy”. There are some lovely views of the coastline and out to Bass Rock but nothing worth making the journey for.

[Thomas Dai]

Michael,
Thanks for this. Sometimes a decision as to where to play also involves thoughts as to where not to play!
Atb

[Marty Bonnar]

Out of interest what are courses like Winterfield, Eyemouth etc like?
Atb

Eyemouth was 36 holes of misery on a boys’ outing many years ago.
It does benefit from a very Cypress Point-esque par 3 over a rocky bay, though:

[Jon Wiggett]

Like Michael says, Winterfield has a pretty uninspiring front nine from a terrain point of view but it is a good example of pre 1900 simple architecture with several greens surrounded on three sides with low berms. It also has what must be the hardest opening hole in Scotland. The back nine is better and for the greenfee which is cheap it is decent value for money. Would I recommend it to play? If you are playing a lot of courses in the area then yes but if not there are plenty that should be played a head of it.


Marty has Eyemouth down perfectly. Great location but absolutely soul destroying. A definite miss.


Jon

[Tony_Muldoon]

I'm piggybacking on this thread in hope of getting some different opinions.


I have ONE day to play (a Friday) somewhere this upcoming May 2019 (preference for 36 holes) with home base being Edinburgh. As of now, I have a booking for 36 at North Berwick West Links, which I would be utterly and completely happy doing as I did a similar arrangement about 2 years ago and loved every minute. I've also considered trying to get up to St. Andrews early and trying to get on TOC, as I played it in 2014 and would love to get back, however I'm not sure I could get there early enough to get in the singles que and realistically get on the course.


One course I'd really love to see is Prestwick. It looks to be about 2 hours by train, but doable. Any other options that would be recommended? Keep in mind I'll be leaving/coming from Edinburgh the same day, likely by train (hence why NB is attractive)


Cheers,
Aaron

NB (sic) is your best option.


Can get a bus (1 hr) or train/taxi to Gullane.  Good deals on playing two out of 3 courses, but 36 means two trips over THAT hill!
Also look at busses to Kilspindie.


Dunbar is a lovely walk and less than a mile from the station so it would be my 2nd choice. 


Longniddry is also walking distance from its station and definitely worth a play


Enjoy.

[Michael Graham]

Spot on suggestions Tony. Aaron - getting the train from Edinburgh to a East Lothian is definitely a little easier (and much faster) than taking the bus. Be aware that Longniddry is on the Edinburgh-North Berwick line while Dunbar is on the main east coast Edinburgh-London route. Should you decide on Gullane you can take the train to Longniddry/Drem/North Berwick and take a taxi (that you’ve pre-booked) from the station to Gullane.