Golf Courses
Archerfield Links - Fidra & Dirleton
Address: Archerfield, Golf Green, Dirleton, East Lothian, EH39 5HU
Website: https://archerfieldgolfclub.com
From Dalkeith (EH22 2AQ): ≈ 30–40 min by car (≈ 18–20 mi)
Two contrasting 18s on a private coastal estate: Fidra threads firm links turf through Scots pines; Dirleton plays as a classic, wind-shaped links. Expect smooth service, a refined clubhouse, and that secluded “members’ club” hush.
Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society
Address: 32 Barnton Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 6JH
Website: https://www.bruntsfieldlinks.co.uk
From Dalkeith: ≈ 25–35 min (≈ 14–15 mi)
Founded 1761 and proudly the fourth-oldest golf club in the world, Bruntsfield is manicured parkland with pedigree - originally by Willie Park Jnr, refined by MacKenzie, Braid and Hawtree. Civilised golf just northwest of the city centre.
Craigielaw Golf Club & Lodge
Address: Craigielaw, Aberlady, East Lothian, EH32 0PY
Website: https://www.craigielawgolfclub.com
From Dalkeith: ≈ 25–30 min (≈ 13–15 mi)
Big-sky estuary vistas, a championship links feel, and an on-site Lodge for seamless stay-and-play. Clubhouse dining leans local; practice and caddie arrangements available by request.
Duddingston Golf Club
Address: 137–139 Duddingston Road West, Edinburgh, EH15 3QD
Website: https://www.duddingstongolfclub.co.uk
From Dalkeith: ≈ 10–20 min (≈ 5–7 mi)
A handsome James Braid-era parkland beside Holyrood Park - mature trees, a gently testing routing, and modern touches (practice studio, smart clubhouse) for a polished in-town round.
Dunbar Golf Club (East Links)
Address: East Links, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1LL
Website: https://www.dunbargolfclub.com
From Dalkeith: ≈ 40–50 min (≈ 25–28 mi)
A classic championship true links hugging the North Sea; firm, fast turf and far-horizon calm. Visitor play typically March–October; winter is members-only.
Gullane Golf Club (No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3)
Address: Gullane Golf Club, West Links Road, Gullane, EH31 2BB
Website: https://gullanegolfclub.com
From Dalkeith: ≈ 30–40 min (≈ 16–18 mi)
Three storied links rising from the village to panoramic Forth views. No. 1 is the connoisseur’s test; No. 2 and No. 3 offer variety with the same immaculate presentation. Caddies, hire and visitor info via the club.
Luffness New Golf Club
Address: (A198 between Aberlady & Gullane) Aberlady, East Lothian, EH32 0QA
Website: https://www.luffnessnew.com
From Dalkeith: ≈ 25–30 min (≈ 14–16 mi)
Old-school links, proudly traditional. Visitor play welcomed on set days; no online tee-sheet - arrive ready, and you may start from the 1st or 5th beside the clubhouse.
Muirfield (The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers)
Address: Duncur Road, Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian, EH31 2EG
Website: https://www.muirfield.org.uk
From Dalkeith: ≈ 30–40 min (≈ 16–18 mi)
An Open rota masterpiece with a storied clubhouse and a famously exacting links. Visitor play is limited (traditionally Tuesdays & Thursdays, excl. public holidays) book well ahead and savour the ritual.
North Berwick Golf Club - The West Links
Address: New Club House, Beach Road, North Berwick, EH39 4BB
Website: https://www.northberwickgolfclub.com
From Dalkeith: ≈ 35–45 min (≈ 22–24 mi)
Sea-spray, stone walls and world-famous holes (you’ll hear about the Redan). A charismatic links right on the Firth of Forth with tightly controlled visitor windows - check availability and fees before you plan.
Prestonfield Golf Club
Address: 6 Priestfield Road North, Edinburgh, EH16 5HS
Website: https://www.prestonfieldgolf.co.uk
From Dalkeith: ≈ 15–20 min (≈ 6–7 mi)
A Braid-designed parkland charmer beneath Arthur’s Seat - mature trees, city-centre convenience, and a friendly welcome. Ideal for a smooth, unhurried tee time close to home base.
The Renaissance Club
Address: Cowden Hill Drive, Dirleton/North Berwick, EH39 5HS
Website: https://trcaa.com
From Dalkeith: ≈ 30–40 min (≈ 18–22 mi)
Private, polished and modern-classic - host to the Genesis Scottish Open in recent years. Access is primarily members/guests; enquire directly if you’re set on this tournament stage.
The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh
Address: 181 Whitehouse Road, Barnton, Edinburgh, EH4 6BU
Website: https://www.royalburgess.co.uk
From Dalkeith: ≈ 25–35 min (≈ 14–15 mi)
City-edge parkland with classical poise and an elegant clubhouse. The club (instituted 1735) welcomes visitors to experience a thoroughly “Old Edinburgh” round without leaving town.
Royal Musselburgh Golf Club
Address: Prestongrange House, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9RP
Website: https://www.royalmusselburgh.co.uk
From Dalkeith: ≈ 15–20 min (≈ 7–9 mi)
A historic James Braid parkland at the gateway to Scotland’s Golf Coast, with a full practice campus and straightforward visitor booking - ideal for a refined half-day on quality turf.
Concierge note
Travel times vary with traffic and season. For a seamless day, use the postcode in your sat-nav, pre-book green fees (and caddies where offered), and tell me your preferred tee windows - I’ll line up transfers and a long lunch that suits your pace.