Just outside Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s best golf destinations, a beautiful stretch of coastline known as Scotland’s Golf Coast.
The region includes North Berwick, Gullane and several charming seaside villages. It is home to 26 golf courses, including three of Scotland’s most celebrated names: Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane.
The courses are close together, Edinburgh Airport is easily accessible and there is plenty to experience beyond golf. This makes Scotland’s Golf Coast a wonderful choice for couples and groups who want to combine legendary golf with time exploring Scotland.
Three Legendary Golf Courses
Muirfield
Muirfield is one of the courses many serious golfers want to check off their list. It is home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, whose history dates to 1744, and has hosted The Open 16 times.
Visitor tee times are limited, so advance planning is important. I coordinate the tee times, hotels and transportation to make sure the itinerary flows smoothly.
North Berwick West Links
North Berwick is historic, scenic and fun to play. The sea is visible throughout much of the course, and its ancient stone walls and unusual holes make it completely different from a traditional American course.
The famous 15th hole, known as Redan, has inspired golf course designers around the world. It is the type of course golfers continue talking about long after they return home.
Gullane
Gullane offers three courses in one village. Gullane No. 1 is the championship course and has hosted the Scottish Open.
Gullane Nos. 2 and 3 make it easy to add more golf without spending hours traveling between courses. This works especially well for groups that want plenty of golf while still leaving time to enjoy the destination.
Explore the Seaside Villages
The villages are an important part of the Scotland’s Golf Coast experience.
North Berwick has independent shops, restaurants, cafés, beaches and a walkable waterfront. Visitors can explore the Scottish Seabird Centre, take a seasonal boat trip toward Bass Rock or visit nearby Tantallon Castle.
Gullane is a smaller village surrounded by golf courses and countryside. It has local restaurants, traditional pubs and a beautiful sandy beach.
Dirleton is known for its stone cottages, village green and medieval castle surrounded by gardens. It is an easy and enjoyable stop between North Berwick and Gullane.
More Than Golf Along Scotland’s Beautiful Coast
Traveling with friends who do not golf, or simply want to mix a few rounds with time exploring? Scotland’s Golf Coast offers much more than legendary courses.
Spend the day discovering North Berwick’s shops and waterfront, walking along the beach, visiting Dirleton or Tantallon Castle, enjoying a spa treatment or taking a seasonal boat trip toward Bass Rock.
Glenkinchie Distillery is another option for travelers interested in Scotch whisky. Edinburgh is also close enough for a day of sightseeing, shopping, exploring the Royal Mile or enjoying afternoon tea at The Balmoral.
This is what makes the area ideal for couples and groups. Some travelers can play a bucket list course while others explore the coast. Everyone can meet again for dinner, drinks and stories from the day.
Where to Stay
Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux
Greywalls is my first choice for golfers who want an intimate Scottish country house experience.
The hotel sits directly beside Muirfield, approximately five minutes from Gullane and fifteen minutes from North Berwick. Its peaceful setting, beautiful gardens and Chez Roux restaurant also make it an enjoyable retreat between activities.
When eligible preferred rates are available, my clients may receive amenities such as breakfast for two, a hotel credit and possible room upgrades, early check-in or late checkout, based on availability.
Marine North Berwick
For couples and groups who want to combine golf with exploring the area, Marine North Berwick offers the best overall location.
The hotel overlooks the West Links and is close to North Berwick’s shops, restaurants, beach and waterfront. It also has a spa and is approximately ten to fifteen minutes from Gullane and Muirfield.
Travelers can enjoy the town without needing transportation every time they want to leave the hotel.
Add a Stay at Gleneagles
For a different side of Scotland, consider adding two or three nights at Gleneagles before or after visiting Scotland’s Golf Coast.
Consider adding two or three nights at Gleneagles before or after Scotland’s Golf Coast. This iconic five-star estate offers three championship courses, an award-winning spa, Michelin-starred dining, falconry, horseback riding and off-road driving, making it a memorable addition for the entire group. can also be added for two or three nights before or after the Golf Coast. Golfers can play one of its celebrated courses while the group enjoys the spa, falconry, horseback riding and countryside activities.
Let’s Plan Your Scotland Golf Trip
I plan luxury golf trips throughout Scotland and Ireland for couples and groups. Together with my golf partners, we coordinate the tee times, hotels, private transportation, sightseeing and experiences beyond the golf course.
If Muirfield, North Berwick or Gullane is on your list, I would love to create a Scotland golf trip designed around the way your group wants to travel.
The best golf vacations are not only about where you play. They are about where you stay, what you experience and who you share it with.
Contact SG Luxury Adventures — your luxury golf travel advisor in Westlake Village, CA. 📍 Westlake Village, CA | 🌐 www.sgluxuryadventures.com
