Follow Up Focus: East Lothian

By Garry Fraser -

Anyone looking for golfing paradise should look no further than these seaside courses on Scotland’s Golf Coast

There are over 20 courses that cater for golfers of all standards and tastes. Some are familiar, like Gullane (which has three courses of its own) and Muirfield, scene of many an epic Open championship.

There are links courses, inland courses, courses steeped in history, and modern courses that provide more of a challenge of 21^st century golfers and their equipment. And with many of them only a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, access is immediate and hassle-free.

Some have incredible views that might distract the less-focused, but what better excuse for a missed putt than the fact that the Bass Rock or Tantallon Castle is looming in the foreground? Or if you’re on the final green at Kilspindie and fancy a break, there are plenty of wildlife to spot on your walk back to the club house.

It’s not a good idea to get too deep in the rough during nesting season, though – as Jim Crumley found out on one fateful round!

Or why not take a step into the past at Musselburgh where you can rent a set of hickory clubs your golfing ancestors would have played with? It is fascinating comparing them to the light-weight, titanium-shafted clubs that are in use today.

The variety of courses to suit every handicap is there and if you played a round a day for a week, not one would be the same.

Go on. Go for a drive – and have a drive in East Lothian!

For more golfing go to www.visitscotland.com/golf or www.golfeastlothian.com