As one of the most popular links-style sand-based courses just outside Edinburgh in East Lothian, Longniddry Golf Club is a cracking option to add to an East Lothian itinerary. Located within easy reach of Edinburgh and the abundance of golf courses that line the famed coastline, this Harry Colt design has welcomed golfers for over a century.
The layout rewards the thinking golfer, even at a modest 6,186 yards. Originally designed by renowned architect Harry S Colt, Longniddry has been refined over the years into a proper links examination, especially when the wind gets up and the turf is running. The routing makes clever use of the natural terrain, demanding thoughtful club selection and course management rather than brute force off the tee.
Don't expect to just lash driver all day. On firmer days the ball scampers along the fairways, so positioning matters and the safest line off the tee is not always the best angle into the green. Pot bunkers are well placed to catch the wayward approach, and the greens can be quick and tricky to read when the coastal breeze is up. It's also a handy 'arrival day' round if you're flying into Edinburgh or basing yourself in the city, with plenty of other East Lothian heavyweights within easy reach for the rest of the trip.
Longniddry has held many events including Open Final Qualifying, Scottish Open Qualifying, US Kids European Championship and Scottish Girls. Club lore even links the area to Mary Queen of Scots in the 1560s. Whether you treat that as history or hearsay, there's no doubt the club has deep roots and classic links character. While the layout might have changed since then, the pedigree of the links turf is unquestionable.
If you're stitching together an East Lothian golf tour, Longniddry fits neatly as a value-packed links day alongside the bigger names.
Who is this for?
- Golfers who want East Lothian links without Open-venue green fees
- Groups and societies after a genuine, strategic test that won't batter higher handicaps
- Architecture nerds who enjoy a Colt design and a course that rewards patience
Who is it best for?
- Mid-handicappers looking for 'proper links' without the intimidation factor
- Travellers building a multi-course break around Edinburgh and East Lothian
- Anyone who likes firm, fast golf and letting the ground game do some work
