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Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society
About
The Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society dates its traditions to 1761, when its members first played the Bruntsfield Links, which sit in driving distance of the Edinburgh Castle. Originating practically when golf began, this Society is the world's fourth-oldest. By the mid-19th century, though, Bruntsfield's conditions had become so congested that its members began to play more golf at Musselburgh, where the society had held its annual summer meetings since 1839.
In 1898, the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society took up at its current spot - a sweet locale to golf, what with its fantastic Firth of Forth vistas. Also, during the century and change at its present location, it's had some handy designers lay the course out: Willie Park Jr., the founder of golf course architecture, for example, was the first. Touchups have come from Dr. Alistair MacKenzie, in 1922 and '23 and, from 1972 to '74, from the Hawtree firm.
The Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society has played host to the British Seniors, British Boys (thrice), Scottish Youths and Mid Amateur championships. The greens feature such subtle borrows that even top players don't own the course, with the top round coming in at 65.
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Conditions4.3
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Value2.3
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Layout3.3
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Friendliness4.5
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Pace4.0
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Amenities3.8
Golfer Photos
Golfer Reviews
Pleasant parkland golf in Edinburgh with a lot of history
Fresh off a renovation project that took place over the better part of two years, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society is looking and playing like a new course, but architects Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert did a great job making the course feel classic, with good staggered bunkering that rewards strategic thinking off the tee. Large corridors compliment the downward sweep of the land toward the Firth of Forth, which is visible from various points on the course.
The best thing about Bruntsfield may be its clubhouse, which is historic without feeling stuffy. Various memorabilia from the society's more than 250-year history is everywhere, making visitors feel like they're among friends who love the game.
My first Scottish golf experience...
Recently had a chance to squeeze in some golf on a trip to Scotland. I found this course by just googling around and of course... Golf Advisor!
It was conveniently located along our path back into Edinburgh, so that was a big factor in choosing it. Plus their website mentions they have used the course for Open qualifying and that it is the fourth oldest golfing society (not course) in the world.
I think the most important thing to note before going further is that this course is not a seaside links course! It is an older, parkland style course.
The staff at the course was incredibly welcoming, and they were very helpful getting a rental set. The practice area was very simple, but served its purpose.
The course itself was quite enjoyable. It is short, but many of the holes have good bunkering and several have elevation changes. The conditions were very nice through the green, but the greens themselves were a little shaggy and slow the day I visited.
The environment is very peaceful. Playing as a single I was worried the threesomes in front of me would slow down play, but pace of play was great. I could barely keep up! I loved to see fast moving groups. My favorite thing is that everyone walked! It made for a very relaxed and enjoyable round.
I'd like to rate the course higher, but there weren't a lot of memorable holes. The experience overall was still great though, so if you're looking for a reasonably priced option this is a good choice.
Bruntsfield / Duddingston
Nice course close to the city but over priced !! It may be the fourth oldest club in the world but it does not mean they can charge 100 GBP for a round.Played Duddingston the day before for 25 GBP, that was value for money.
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