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Golf has been played in the Lothians for as long as anyone can determine. It is as rooted in the land, as is the Castle on its rock in Edinburgh. But the game has never stood still in the Lothians and over the last 200 years courses now known and revered throughout the world have come into being. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland is a cultural centre comparable with any of the great European cities in its architecture and collections of art. The entire Lothians area is a fascinating mixture of ancient and modern, parochial and cosmopolitan. It also accommodates some of the best golf in Scotland. | ||||||||||||||
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| The Gullane courses differ from all other Scottish links courses in that they are hilly. There are the characteristic heather, gorse and whins but there are also downhill holes that one might more readily associate with an inland course. The panoramic views from the number one course and from the top of Gullane Hill on the seventh are some of the most famous in golf. The number two course is another great course; renowned especially for the quality of its short holes. It's also an Open qualifying course. Incidentally, Gullane was Jack Nicklaus' first ever experience of a Scottish links course Gullane
# 1 is a 6466 yards par 71 course. | ||||||||||||||
| Muirfield is home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers which is regarded as the oldest Golf Club in the world having been founded in 1744. Designed by Old Tom Morris and opened in 1891, Muirfield has been host to The Open 15 times with the most recent being in 2002 when Ernie Els won his first Open Championship. Muirfield is a fantastic course that is consistently rated in the top ten courses in the world. Muirfield is a 6801 yards par 70 course.
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North Berwick is one of Scotland's oldest golfing venues with a character all its own. The beach, the burn and low walls present hazards that make it that little bit different. The great mound of the Bass Rock sitting out in the Firth makes a splendid backdrop to an unforgettable course. Probably most renowned (and most imitated by architects all over the world) is The 'Redan', the fifteenth hole, which has remained unchanged for over 150 years, as has much of the course. The timeless nature of the course is reflected in the little jigger approach shots that one is forced to play. North Berwick is a wonderful year round golfing venue that plays very differently depending on conditions; changing subtly as wind and weather change. North Berwick is a 6,420 yards par 71 course.
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| Craigielaw is the newest links course to have been built in East Lothian and offers a challenge for all levels of golfers. A wide variety of holes and rolling greens characterise this course which enjoys magnificent views over Aberlady Bay and the Firth of Forth. Craigielaw is a 6601 yards par 71 course. | |||||||||||||
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Other recommended golf courses in the
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| Dalmahoy |
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