THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO...
Willie Park Jnr, Alister Mackenzie and James Braid. Last year benefited from a £1m re-development carried out by Mackenzie & Ebert. Green fees: From £25. 0131 336 1479 www.bruntsfieldlinks.co.uk
GLENBERVIE
Why it’s special: Fabulous, undulating Braid parkland which is getting better and better. You’ll love the big, improved greens, the variety of interesting and challenging holes with the clever 9th being the star and the serene setting with exquisite Ochil Hills views. Green fees: From £40. 01324 562 605 www.glenberviegolfclub.com
EDZELL (OLD)
Why it’s special: Exquisite heathland/ parkland combo plotted amid 128 acres at the gateway to the Grampians, with the mountains forming a stunning backdrop. It was thoughtfully re-designed by James Braid in the mid-1930s.
Green fees: £60. 01356 647283
www.edzellgolfclub.com
POWFOOT
Why it’s special: In stunning scenery in south west Scotland, Powfoot presents a classy mixture of links and parkland and offers a superb test with many challenging holes, chiefly following James Braid’s 1923 re-design. Green fees: Until Oct 21 - £34 midweek, £41 weekends. 01461 204100 www.powfootgolfclub.com
CARNOUSTIE (BURNSIDE)
Why it’s special: Naturally everyone wants to play the world-famous Open Championship course, but the Burnside is brilliant, oozes character and from the back tees is a splendid test, especially the short holes which would grace any top links. Green fees: £50. 01241 802270
www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk
THE GLEN
Why it’s special: Classic but humble clifftop layout with sensational Firth of Forth and Bass Rock views. Favourite holes include the blind par-3 13th ‘Sea Hole’, with a memorable round finishing with a dramatic downhill, driveable par 4 backdropped by historic North Berwick. Green fees: From £25. 01620 892726
www.glengolfclub.co.uk
ROYAL MUSSELBURGH
Why it’s special: Short-but-sweet Braid parkland at an historic venue which provides the starting point of the East Lothian coast’s classy collection. Musselburgh is the home of the fiftholdest club in the world while the Old Club Cup, dating back to 1774, is the oldest trophy still competitively played for.
Green fees: From £35. 01875 819 000
www.royalmusselburgh.co.uk
NEWBURGH-ON-YTHAN
Why it’s special: Midway between Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay you’ll find this underrated links on the Ythan Estuary, overlooking the North Sea and Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve. The clubhouse was opened in 2001 by local hero Paul Lawrie.
Green fees: £40 midweek, £50 weekends. 01358 789058 www.newburghgolfclub.co.uk
LETHAM GRANGE
Why it’s special: The venue boasts two different layouts with the pretty and challenging par-73 Donald Steel-designed Old course being the No.1 attraction, though it doesn’t really live up to its name – it opened in 1987. It’s supported by the not-so-demanding but entertaining par-68 Glens course. Green fees: £30. 01241 890373 www.lethamgrangegolfclub.co.uk