Best value winter golf, food & accommodation……but bring an extra layer!
Winter Golf
Ever since my first job at the Golf Office at Gleneagles Hotel years ago, golfing visitors continuously ask me how to get tee times at some of the top courses. 90% of people ask me this question during May-August when tee times are in high demand.
My answer has pretty much stayed the same over the years and stands true today – ‘come at another time of the year!’ Well that time of year is now upon us – winter golf time! You’ll be surprised at what’s available out there. Prices are so reasonable and the weather may not be as bad as you think.
Muirfield Golf Club
Take a sought after course such as Muirfield Golf Club, it offers restricted visitor times on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a year in advance. Needless to say, tee times in the peak months are snapped up very quickly.
However, if you are prepared to play winter golf at Muirfield between 14 November and 15 March 2018, not only are you likely to get a tee time but you also benefit from reduced green fees from £230 per person down to £110 per person. As they only allow fourballs out on these days, you would have to find another three players to make up the fourball.
As at today’s date, there are still 8 morning tee times (1st tee & 10th tee) available to apply for, on the first day of the new rates on 14 November 2017.
East Lothian
Muirfield lies in the heart of East Lothian, on the east coast of Scotland and is an area really worth visiting for winter golf. Not only has it got it’s own micro climate but some of Scotland’s finest golf courses lie in this region. All with reduced green fees at this time of year!
Dunbar Golf Club
The furthest west golf course in East Lothian is Dunbar Golf Club which offers a round of golf at £80 (Mon to Wed) throughout the year but it can sometimes be difficult to get a time in the busy months. However, it reduces winter golf green fees to £45 from November to February 2018 and there isn’t so much demand on the tee times available.
Gullane Golf Club
Gullane Golf Club is very busy over the peak months even though it has three courses, No1, No2 & No.3 – No.1 held the Scottish Open in 2015 which was won by Rickie Fowler.
The Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) Scottish Open is due to return to the Gullane course in July 2018 and two weeks later the AAM Ladies Scottish Open will be held on the same course for the first time.
This course is in high demand but you can still play winter golf for £75 (reduced from £120) over the next few months. Gullane No.2 has been reduced to £41 and No.3 to £29.
North Berwick Golf Club
North Berwick Golf Club may not be the longest links course you’ll play but if the westerly wind blows, the first eight holes will make it feel otherwise!
You will play over burns and numerous walls – you will play the most copied hole in golf, the par 3 15th (Redan) and you will have to deal with the 16th green, the likes of which you may not have seen before!
North Berwick is very popular most of the year but even it reduces it’s winter golf green fee from £120 to £55-75, depending when you decide to play. Worth the visit, without a doubt, no matter what the weather!
Craigielaw golf Club
Finally, Craigielaw Golf Club is a course I know well and play a lot of winter golf there.
It has golf (obviously), it also has the best ‘clubhouse’ views in East Lothian (in my opinion), it serves good food and has accommodation right next door to the clubhouse – what’s not to like!
Craigielaw has reduced its fees from £59 to £35 until March 2018.
Travel times
If you decide to play winter golf at any of the courses above and stay in the area then here are some useful details.
If travelling from Edinburgh/Edinburgh Airport, Craigielaw is the first of the courses above that you will come to. The journey will take you around 30-40 mins depending on traffic.
Thereafter:
Craigielaw to Gullane – 6 mins (Gullane No1, 2 & 3 and Muirfield)
Gullane to North Berwick – 10 mins
North Berwick to Dunbar – 24 mins
Food & Accommodation
Some accommodation suggestions where golfing visitors are welcomed with open arms and where you will be looked after very well.
Craigielaw Lodge (based at Craigielaw Golf Club)
Attached to the Craigielaw Golf Clubhouse, the lodge boasts 25 well appointed rooms which can be set up on a double or twin format. 13 rooms enjoy views across the course to the River Forth, Gullane Golf Courses and the kingdom of Fife, whilst 12 rooms enjoy the quiet and secluded view across a decorative courtyard.
Duck’s Inn, Aberlady (situated in Aberlady, 2 mins from Craigielaw GC)
Ducks Inn may be listed as a Restaurant with Rooms but that should not take away from the fact that they offer quality, standard hotel en suite accommodation – 23 of them in fact, each with baths and/or showers.
The bar is very traditional with a superb collection of malt whiskies and a growing gin family. There are TVs for sports fans but they are in their own area and don’t impact on the bar. The food in the restaurant is excellent: 2AA Rosettes just now.
The Golf Inn, Gullane (on the main street in the centre of Gullane)
Ideally located in the centre of Gullane in the heart of East Lothian. Surrounded by an abundance of famous golf courses, beautiful stretches of coastline, and just a short drive away from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
The light and airy accommodation in the Inn has recently been renovated to reflect a contemporary style with modern amenities, without losing any of the traditional characteristics. Whether you’re looking for a midweek or weekend getaway, the Inn helps you to enjoy the luxury and comfort of a hotel whilst having the flexibility to create a holiday that is unique to your needs.
Greywalls (in Gullane overlooking Muirfield)
Indulge in a bit of luxury with Greywalls’ Winter Offer – £199 – overlooking the 9th & 18th of Muirfield.
Their Winter Offer includes accommodation in a Large Cottage Double, breakfast and a 3 course Dinner from their Daily Menu – this is subject to availability and is non-refundable when booked.
Marine Hotel, North Berwick (5min from North Berwick train station, right on the golf course overlooking 16th fairway & Firth of Forth)
Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick is renowned for its beautiful coastal setting and glorious 19th century Victorian architecture. Situated on the East Coast of Scotland, the North Berwick Hotel has 83 unique bedrooms to choose from – a world of four star luxury.
The hotel boasts extensive conference facilities and a luxurious spa complex making it the ideal base for business stays as well as leisure breaks. It has an award-winning restaurant – Craigleith – where you can enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine in a very Scottish setting, with views of the Firth of Forth.
So there we have it, with some great offers over the coming months, you can maybe see why I suggest to visitors to ‘come at another time of the year’……. and that time is now! Enjoy your winter golf but perhaps bring an extra layer of clothing!
