The Golf Tavern, 30–31 Wright’s Houses,
Bruntsfield, Edinburgh EH10 4HR
The Course:
36 holes. Open parkland Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Inner city recreational park in residential neighbourhood.
Designer:
Designer unknown. In 1890 the original six-hole course (of full length holes), was redesigned into the current layout of 36 Pitch&Putt short holes.
The 36 holes are all relatively short pitch&putt par-3 holes.
55.939824
-3.203486
In the city, o.6 miles south of Edinburgh Castle.
Bruntsfield Links, City Ctre
Bruntsfield Links, an Edinburgh city centre recreational park with views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, is well-known for its 36-hole Short Hole (Pitch & Putt) course. The holes, measuring between 40 and 100 yards, are laid out where three holes of the original six-hole Bruntsfield Links existed. The other three holes were located in the adjoining triangle of parkland across Whitehouse Loan. This hallowed golfing ground gave birth to some of the world's oldest golf clubs.
From the Golf Tavern on Wright's Houses, which borders the undulating Pitch & Putt course, equipment can be rented to golfers and beginners alike. There's no charge or green fee for those who want to take on this bunkerless and rather basic Pitch&Putt challenge (which is cut to nine holes in winter).
Humble maybe, but from a "Home of Golf" perspective this golfing terrain is as old as you'll find in the Edinburgh area ... and beyond! Located just half a mile south of Edinburgh Castle, golf was played here from the 15th century onward. The 36-hole Pitch & Putt course was established in 1895. It covers the area occupied by three of the original six full-length golf holes.
The world's oldest golf club (Royal Burgess, 1735) and fourth oldest (Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, 1761) can both trace their origins back to this city centre golf location ... both have since moved out of the city, first to Musselburgh, then to Barnton, where they remain close neighbours.
Another of Edinburgh's ancient "inner city" golfing grounds, the Leith Links, is where the world's second oldest club originated (The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, est.1744, which now plays at Muirfield). The original course in Leith, again located in a recreational park, is no longer used for golf.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Contact The Golf Tavern for course opening times, club hire, etc.
Contact The Golf Tavern club for full details.
This is a walking course; golf carts not available.
The Bruntsfield Links Short Hole (Pitch & Putt) course in the centre of Edinburgh is one of the oldest original locations where golf was, and still is, played. The clubs that once used this area of common ground (among them Royal Burgess and Bruntsfield Links Golf Society*) have long since moved out of the city to pastures new.
The 36-hole Pitch & Putt course starts from a distinctive starter's hut (the "Green Hut"), which sits alongside an impressive church building. The church was previously known as the Barclay Church, built between 1862 and 1864. The Bruntsfield Short Hole Golf Club (est. 1890) is the last remaining club still playing over the 36-hole short hole course on Edinburgh city centre's historic Bruntsfield Links.
*According to most golf historians, the world's ten oldest golf clubs are: 1. Royal Burgess (1735); 2. Hon Co. of Edinburgh Golfers (1744) - now at Muirfield; 3. Royal & Ancient, St Andrews (1754); 4. Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society (1761); 5. Royal Blackheath (1766 ... although they claim 1608!); 6. Royal Musselburgh (1774); 7. Fraserburgh (1777); 8. Royal Aberdeen (1780); 9. Crail (1786); 10. Glasgow GC (1787).
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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