1. 99TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 331
sloping well-guarded greens present a good
test. The 18th is a great risk-reward par 5.
Green fees: £25. Tel: 01555 840251.
8 Colville Park After a challenging opening six
holes through the trees, from the 7th onwards
the course opens out and more birdie
opportunities are available. Green fees: £24.
Tel: 01698 265779.
9 Torrance House The only municipal in my
selection has a great layout, perhaps one of
the best – although it can get very wet and its
condition can suffer from excess ‘traffic’.
Green fees: £17. Tel: 01355 249720.
10 Cambuslang A few fairways cross over
each other, but don’t let this put you off this
parkland layout, which offers a variety of good
holes while the greens can be superb. Green
fees: £30 (18 holes). Tel: 0141 641 3130.
LOTHIANS
Champion: David Miller
Course: Duddingston
Handicap: +3
1 Muirfield Legendary Open venue and unlike
many links, the two sets of nine loop back to
the clubhouse, meaning the wind comes from
all angles. Green fees: £210. Tel: 01620
842123.
2 Renaissance An exclusive and impressive
venue which will co-host the 2016 Boys
Amateur Championship. Designed by Tom
Doak, this magical inland links on the
Archerfield Estate is simply stunning. Green
fees: £250 for a ‘one-time experience’. Tel:
01620 850901.
3 North Berwick A great links with putting
surfaces of high quality. The front nine into
the wind is followed by a memorable inward
stretch. Green fees: £95. Tel: 01620 895040.
4 Gullane No.1 Another traditional links with
lovely greens. Once you reach the top of the
hill on the 2nd hole, it’s a case of drinking in
and enjoying the wonderful views. Green fees:
£98. Tel: 01620 842255.
5 Royal Burgess Arguably the Lothians’ most
improved course in recent years. The facilities
have always been great, but one of golf’s most
historic clubs has a set of 18 holes to match.
Green fees: £75. Tel: 0131 339 2075.
6 Duddingston This gently undulating tree-
lined layout is a great course and offers great
value for money with superb greens. Green
fees: £29. Tel: 0131 661 7688.
7 Archerfield Links (Fidra course) A private
members’ club with everything on site
including a combination of woodland and
links golf, fantastic facilities, and a wonderful
clubhouse and practice area. Green fees:
£200. Tel: 01620 897050.
8 Dunbar This top links is used for Open
Championship qualifying. It comes to life on
the back nine, with a selection of different
holes including two picturesque par 3s (10 &
16). Green fees: £70. Tel: 01368 862317.
9 Braid Hills Course management is a must
on a course which measures less than 6,000
yards. With many risk-reward holes, it’s great
for matchplay. Green fees: £23. Tel: 0131 447
6666.
10 Longniddry This Harry Colt-designed
course has eight par 4s measuring over 400
yards and will always be memorable because
it was the venue of my 2014 Lothians
Championship victory! Green fees: £30. Tel:
01875 852141.
NORTH DISTRICT
Champion: Stuart Tatters
Course: Moray
Handicap: +3
1 Moray Old The best course in the North.
Laid out by Old Tom Morris, there are no
weak holes on this links and, with the
fluctuating wind, the challenge changes every
time you play it. Green fees: £80. Tel: 01343
812018.
2 Royal Dornoch Arguably the most mentally
challenging course because it rewards great
play but punishes poor shots severely. The
greens are always in great condition. Green
fees: £120. Tel: 01862 810219.
3 Castle Stuart I walked it during the Scottish
Open and it’s probably the most scenic on the
list with some of the most beautiful holes in
Scotland. A superb golfing experience. Green
fees: £180. Tel: 01463 796111.
4 Nairn Dunbar A fantastic layout. It lives in
Picturesque
woodlandvenue
BoatofGarten.