Dunbar Golf Club is a classic East Lothian links on the estuary of the Firth of Forth, around 30 miles east of Edinburgh. Established in 1856, it has been shaped over the years by Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers and James Braid, which tells you plenty about the pedigree. It also hosted the first PGA Championship on the European Tour in 1968 and has been used as an Open Qualifying venue when The Open was at Muirfield.
Set on the south-east edge of Scotland's Golf Coast, Dunbar delivers exactly what you come to East Lothian for: firm, fast fairways, tight lies and plenty of wind to keep you honest. The bunkering is well placed rather than flashy and the greens put a real premium on leaving yourself the right angle in. In other words, it's proper links golf and it rewards thinking your way round rather than just hitting it hard.
Right, logistics. Base yourself in North Berwick, Gullane or Edinburgh and you can slot Dunbar into a multi-course trip without hassle. It tends to be quieter than the headline names nearby, but don't mistake that for an easier day out. The routing uses the natural contours of the land, with holes that run along the shoreline and others that turn inland, giving you variety in both direction and challenge. It's playable year-round and if you're planning an East Lothian run, it's well worth including Dunbar on your next Scotland golf break.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want to explore East Lothian beyond the headline courses, plus groups building a multi-course Scotland's Golf Coast itinerary from Edinburgh, Gullane or North Berwick.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers and links lovers who enjoy a strategic test with tournament pedigree, without paying top-end marquee prices.
