East Lothian Golf Guide 2026: Tee Times, Top Courses & Where to Stay
Copyright: Visit East Lothian, Photographer: Tom Duffin
Discover Scotland’s Golf Coast in East Lothian
For golfers planning a trip to Scotland, East Lothian deserves a top spot on the list.
Known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, this relatively compact stretch of coastline is home to 21 golf courses, from internationally renowned championship links such as Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane to historic and lesser-known courses that are every bit as memorable to play. Remarkably, all 21 courses lie within around 30 minutes of each other. Scotland's Golf Coast
That concentration of exceptional golf makes East Lothian particularly well suited to a group golf trip. Rather than changing hotels as you move from one course to another, you can stay in one place and build an itinerary around several different links.
But the best golf trips require some forward planning. Tee times at the most sought-after courses can disappear well in advance, while visitor policies vary considerably between clubs.
This guide covers the essentials for planning an East Lothian golf trip in 2026, including which courses to consider, how far ahead to book, how to get around, and where to base your group.
East Lothian golf trip: quick answers
How many golf courses are there in East Lothian?
Scotland’s Golf Coast encompasses 21 courses, from Muirfield and North Berwick to lesser-known links including Kilspindie and Dunbar. Scotland's Golf Coast
Which are the most famous East Lothian golf courses?
Muirfield, North Berwick West Links and Gullane No.1 are the traditional bucket-list courses, while The Renaissance Club has become internationally recognised as the home of the Genesis Scottish Open. European Tour
When should you book East Lothian golf tee times?
As early as possible if Muirfield, North Berwick or other high-demand courses are essential to your trip. Muirfield, for example, was already fully booked from mid-April through October for much of the 2026 season.
Where is a good base for an East Lothian golf group?
A base close to North Berwick, Gullane, and Muirfield lets a group reach many of the area's leading courses without continually changing accommodation. Gilmerton House is six miles from North Berwick and eight miles from Muirfield.
The best golf courses in East Lothian
There is no single perfect itinerary. One of East Lothian's strengths is the ability to combine famous championship courses with traditional links that might be less familiar to international visitors.
Muirfield
Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is one of Scotland's most prestigious championship links and, understandably, one of the hardest tee times to secure.
For 2026, visitor golf is offered in defined morning periods, with options for either 18 or 36 holes. The 36-hole experience includes morning fourballs followed by afternoon foursomes and lunch.
Demand is extremely high. Muirfield reported that the course was fully booked from mid-April through October 2026, with new enquiries being placed on a waiting list.
Planning tip: If Muirfield is a non-negotiable part of your Scotland golf trip, book it early and build the rest of your itinerary around it. For more information, visit the Muirfield website
North Berwick Golf Club – West Links
North Berwick's West Links combines great golf with one of Scotland's most atmospheric golfing locations.
Running alongside the Firth of Forth and into the town of North Berwick, it is a wonderfully distinctive links course with features that have influenced golf-course design worldwide.
For the 2026 season, visitors are welcomed from 1 March to 30 November, with visitor tee times Monday to Thursday and on Sundays. No visitor play is available on Fridays or Saturdays.
North Berwick also accepts online bookings for exclusive fourball tee times, while groups of one, two or three should contact the bookings team.
Planning tip: North Berwick is ideally suited to a day that leaves some time to explore the town, harbour and coastline after your round. For more information, visit the North Berwick Golf Club website
Gullane Golf Club
Few golf destinations offer quite the variety found at Gullane, where three courses occupy the famous golfing landscape surrounding Gullane Hill.
Gullane No.1 is the championship course and the obvious attraction for many visiting golfers, but Nos. 2 and 3 let you add different challenges to a longer East Lothian itinerary.
Its central location also makes Gullane particularly convenient when combining rounds at North Berwick, Muirfield and other courses along this stretch of coastline.
Planning tip: Don't automatically overlook Gullane No.2 when constructing an itinerary. Combining headline courses with less obvious choices can produce a more varied and enjoyable trip.
For more information, visit the Gullane Golf Club website
The Renaissance Club
One of the newer additions to Scotland's Golf Coast, The Renaissance Club sits between Gullane and North Berwick and has established itself firmly on the international golf calendar.
It has hosted the Genesis Scottish Open since 2019, and an agreement is now in place for the tournament to remain at Renaissance through 2030. The 2026 championship was held from 9–12 July, with the Pro-Am taking place on 8 July.
Renaissance is a private members' club, so it should not be approached like a conventional visitor course. Golfers hoping to include it should investigate access arrangements well in advance.
For more information, visit The Renaissance Club website
Dunbar Golf Club
Further east along the coast, Dunbar Golf Club provides a very different links experience.
The championship links follow a narrow strip of land beside the North Sea and have more than 400 years of documented golf history.
An important consideration for 2026 visitors: Dunbar is undertaking a major redevelopment involving a new clubhouse, practice facilities, a driving range, and a nine-hole course. The championship course remains available, with visitors currently using temporary clubhouse facilities.
Visitor golf is available from March to October on most days, although Thursdays are reserved for members.
For more information, visit The Dunbar Golf Club website
Look beyond the headline courses
Muirfield and North Berwick may attract much of the international attention, but one of the pleasures of an East Lothian golf trip is discovering the region's less famous courses.
Depending on your group's priorities, consider adding courses such as:
Kilspindie Golf Club
Luffness New Golf Club
Craigielaw Golf Club
Longniddry Golf Club
The Glen, North Berwick
Royal Musselburgh Golf Club
Musselburgh Links
Mixing one or two of these with the better-known championship courses can create a more varied itinerary – and often makes securing suitable tee times easier.
How far ahead should you book golf in East Lothian?
The simplest advice for a group travelling internationally is: organise the golf before organising the finer details of the trip.
There isn't one universal East Lothian booking window. Each club has its own visitor policy, availability and booking arrangements.
For the most sought-after courses:
Book the priority courses first. If Muirfield or North Berwick is the reason for your trip, secure these before filling the remaining days.
Be flexible about days. Visitor golf is restricted on certain days at several clubs. North Berwick, for example, has no visitor play on Fridays or Saturdays in 2026.
Consider the shoulder season. April, May, September and October can work particularly well for groups prepared for changeable Scottish weather.
Combine famous courses with hidden gems. An itinerary does not need five marquee names to deliver five memorable days of links golf.
Check directly with each club. Visitor arrangements can change, so always confirm tee times, handicap requirements, caddie availability and course restrictions directly with the golf club before travelling.
Major golf events and availability in East Lothian
Check tournament dates before confirming a golf trip.
The 2026 Genesis Scottish Open took place at The Renaissance Club from 9–12 July, with activity beginning with the Pro-Am on 8 July. The event brings leading players from the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR to East Lothian and creates additional demand across the surrounding area.
For future trips, major tournament weeks can be fantastic if watching professional golf forms part of your plans. If your priority is simply playing as many courses as possible, however, avoiding major championship dates will usually give you greater flexibility.
Getting around East Lothian on a golf trip
One of East Lothian's advantages over some Scottish golf destinations is the short distance between courses.
From Gilmerton House, for example:
North Berwick – 6 miles
Gullane – 7 miles
Luffness – 7 miles
Kilspindie – 7 miles
Archerfield – 7 miles
The Renaissance Club – 7 miles
Muirfield – 8 miles
Craigielaw – 9 miles
Longniddry – 9 miles
Dunbar – 12 miles
That makes it practical to play a different course each day without spending much of the holiday travelling.
For smaller parties, car hire provides flexibility. Larger groups will often find a private minibus or driver more convenient, particularly when travelling with clubs and when evenings include dinner and drinks.
When is the best time for an East Lothian golf trip?
There is no guaranteed good-weather month for Scottish golf, so flexibility – and suitable waterproofs – remain essential.
April and May can offer an excellent balance of good course conditions, longer days, and lower demand than peak summer.
June to August provides the longest days, making ambitious itineraries and occasional 36-hole days possible, but demand is naturally higher.
September and October can be excellent months for links golf and may suit groups looking for a slightly quieter trip.
East Lothian's coastal location also means wind can be as important as rain. That is part of the links experience: the same course can play very differently from one day to the next.
Sample East Lothian golf itineraries
The right itinerary depends on availability and how much golf your group realistically wants to play.
Three-day East Lothian golf break
Day 1: Arrive and settle in at Gilmerton House, followed by an afternoon round at North Berwick.
Day 2: Play Muirfield, allowing time to enjoy the clubhouse experience rather than rushing immediately to another course.
Day 3: Play Gullane before returning to Gilmerton for a final private dinner.
For many groups, three exceptional rounds with time to enjoy the destination will be more memorable than trying to squeeze six courses into three days.
Five-day Scotland's Golf Coast trip
For a longer stay, consider:
Day 1: North Berwick
Day 2: Muirfield
Day 3: Gullane No.1
Day 4: Dunbar or another lesser-known East Lothian links
Day 5: Craigielaw, Kilspindie, Luffness or another course selected around availability
The advantage of this approach is variety. You experience the internationally recognised courses but also see a side of Scottish links golf that visitors rushing between bucket-list venues can miss.
Securing Tee Times: Your Gateway to the Best East Lothian Golf Courses
Best Way to Book Tee Times in East Lothian:
East Lothian’s top courses are in high demand. Muirfield, for example, is one of the world’s most prestigious links courses with limited visitor slots. Even iconic names like North Berwick and Gullane require advance bookings, especially for group play.
Top Tips for Securing Tee Times
Book Early: Aim to secure tee times as far in advance as possible - especially for popular courses. East Lothian courses generally allow bookings up to 60 days in advance, though some courses, like Musselburgh Old Links, may have a shorter window, allowing bookings up to 7 days in advance.
Be Flexible: Consider shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) when courses are less crowded.
Mix Your Itinerary: Combine must-play courses like Muirfield with hidden gems such as Craigielaw or Longniddry.
Contact Directly: Many courses prefer direct contact via email or phone, especially for groups.
Tee Time Booking Details for East Lothian Golf Courses
Here’s how to secure tee times at some of East Lothian’s most renowned golf courses:
Muirfield: Visitor days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Advance booking is essential. Maximum handicap: 24 for men, 36 for women.
North Berwick (West Links): Visitors welcome six days a week (excluding Saturdays). Book via the club website.
Gullane Golf Club: Offers three courses and welcomes visitors throughout the week. Online booking available.
The Renaissance Club:Primarily a private members' club, visitor access is limited. Contact the club directly.
Archerfield Links: Limited visitor tee times. Advance booking through the club or a golf tour operator is recommended.
Craigielaw Golf Club: Welcomes visitors with online booking.
Dunbar Golf Club: Welcomes visitors, with online booking available.
By planning ahead and using these links, you can ensure your group has access to East Lothian’s top courses.
What can non-golfers do in East Lothian?
A group golf trip doesn't necessarily mean everyone needs to play every round.
East Lothian also offers castles, beaches, coastal walks, wildlife, restaurants and historic towns, while Edinburgh can be reached easily for a day away from the courses.
Gilmerton House has a separate guide to things to do in East Lothian on non-golf days, covering attractions including Dirleton Castle, Tantallon Castle and the wider coastline.
This makes East Lothian particularly attractive for mixed groups where some guests want intensive golf, and others prefer a more varied Scottish break.
Dunbar Golf Club
Frequently asked questions about golf trips to East Lothian
Is East Lothian good for a golf trip in Scotland?
Yes. East Lothian has 21 courses in a relatively small area, including Muirfield, North Berwick, and Gullane, so you can base yourself in one location and play a different course each day.
How many days do you need for an East Lothian golf trip?
Three days is enough for a short trip incorporating two or three leading courses. For overseas visitors, four to seven nights allows a more relaxed itinerary that combines championship courses, lesser-known links, and time away from golf.
Can visitors play Muirfield?
Yes, but visitor tee times are limited and demand is exceptionally high. The main 2026 season is fully booked from mid-April through October, illustrating why Muirfield should be one of the first bookings you make when planning a trip.
Can visitors play North Berwick Golf Club?
Yes. During the 2026 season, visitor play is available Monday to Thursday and Sunday between March and November. Friday and Saturday are reserved for members only.
Do you need a car for an East Lothian golf trip?
Not necessarily, but private transport makes a multi-course itinerary significantly easier. Groups often use a minibus or driver so that clubs and luggage can travel together and nobody needs to drive after evening dining.
Where should a group stay when playing golf in East Lothian?
North Berwick and the surrounding countryside put you close to many of Scotland's Golf Coast courses. For groups wanting privacy and shared space, an exclusive-use property such as Gilmerton House offers an alternative to dividing the party between individual hotel rooms.
Start planning your East Lothian golf trip
The secret to a memorable trip to Scotland's Golf Coast is not simply ticking famous courses off a list.
Secure essential tee times early, leave enough flexibility to discover some of East Lothian's less celebrated links, and choose a base that lets the group enjoy the time between rounds as much as the golf itself.
With North Berwick, Gullane, Muirfield, The Renaissance Club and many more courses within easy reach, Gilmerton House provides an exclusive-use base at the heart of East Lothian's golfing landscape.
Planning an East Lothian golf trip? Discover Golf at Gilmerton House or contact the team to discuss your stay.
Your Own Private 19th Hole
Gilmerton House goes beyond a place to sleep. It is a golfer’s private clubhouse, where you can unwind with a dram of whisky by a roaring log fire or challenge friends to a game of snooker. For those seeking more than just golf, the estate also offers a range of country pursuits, including:
Clay pigeon shooting
Archery
Whisky tastings
Cookery and cocktail classes
Highland Games
The Laundry House: Perfect for Group Dinners or Events
Gilmerton House also offers The Laundry House, an impressive event space with a rustic yet refined ambiance, perfect for private group dinners, BBQs, whisky tastings, or celebrations. This flexible venue can accommodate up to 100 guests and provides an ideal setting for your group’s special evening.
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Golf Trip
Packing Essentials for Scottish Golf
Layered clothing for changeable weather
Waterproof gear and a reliable rain jacket
Comfortable golf shoes suitable for wet and dry conditions
Reusable water bottle and snacks for longer rounds
Managing Weather Uncertainty
Check local weather forecasts daily
Pack a compact umbrella and extra gloves
Be prepared for wind on coastal courses
Timing Your Trip Right
Best months: April-May for mild weather, September-October for quieter courses.
Peak summer (June-August) offers longer daylight but higher demand.
Midweek rounds often have better availability than weekends.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect 3-Day East Lothian Golf Experience
Day 1
Morning: Arrive at Gilmerton House and settle in
Afternoon: Play your first round at North Berwick
Evening: Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner at Gilmerton House
Day 2
Morning: Tee off at Muirfield
Lunch: Relax at the Muirfield clubhouse
Afternoon: A second round at Gullane
Evening: Whisky tasting back at Gilmerton House
Day 3
Morning: Round at The Renaissance Club
Afternoon: Explore North Berwick’s coastal town
Evening: Farewell dinner in The Laundry House
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
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