Bruntsfield Links - Lothians - Scotland

I played in Bruntsfield Links the day of arrival on my trip to Scotland, before heading to Aberdeenshire, and as a kind of warm-up before facing the northeast links.

The impression of the club is to be one of the most charismatic of Edinburgh, with a long tradition behind, and its location allows you to enjoy a privileged environment at a short distance from the centre of the city.

As for the course, it is really entertaining and has some very interesting holes, highlighting the use and location of the bunkers. To mention some holes, I would opt for the 5th, a beauty of short hole playing downhill, the 6th, with its devilish green, the 10th and 11th, two tricky par 4s that dogleg left, and the 16th, a very nice par 3 recently added.

I must emphasize the conditions in which we played: the fairways and greens were so hard as I have never found in an inland course, which took us some holes to get used, and forced to consider the strategy in each hole and to accept, sometimes, unexpected breaks and bounces. Great fun in all, anyway.

In short, a solid course and fun to play, worth playing if you´re staying in Edinburgh.

MMA, Barcelona

Situated close to the city centre in a leafy and exclusive part of Edinburgh lies one of Scotland's oldest and most celebrated parkland courses. For much of its long history this most private of member's clubs has undoubtedly shied away from attracting visitors but, thankfully, attitudes have changed in recent years with the club adopting a more welcoming stance to the travelling golfer.

The spirit of modernisation has even extended to a programme of course alterations and bunker renovation drawn up by leading golf course architect Tom Mackenzie , something not seen at Bruntsfield for over 40 years. Ground work is being carried out by the experienced Sussex based 1st Golf Construction who were responsible for two excellent new holes on the Dunluce course at Royal Portrush in readiness for the Open Championship.

A handful of bunkers had already been dug out at the time of my recent visit and three new greens were beginning to take shape. Some of the most noticeable changes include extending the current 13th into a par-5 which removes the current short 12th in its entirety, a new green and tees on the 11th, a completely re-routed 17th with a new, much lower, green complex and the introduction of a great looking new 16th hole. Played over water, this is likely become the best par-3 on the course.

Currently a four ball ranking but that could easily rise to a five ball come next summer when the work is complete. Luckily for us the club lunch was recommended in advance, don't miss it under any circumstances. Brian W

It’s a while since I played at Bruntsfield so I was glad to accept the offer of another game here the other day. The club appears to be more outgoing these days, even promoting discounted twilight golf for visitors in the late afternoon, which is good for more cost conscious golfers who might be looking for a casual round on a superior parkland layout.

The fact that the course has risen five places in the newly updated Lothians rankings is as good an indicator as any that the course is more appreciated than ever by those who can spot a top track when they see one and there’s no denying the somewhat understated quality of a course that’s been shaped by architecturally renowned figures such Willie Park Jnr, Alister MacKenzie, James Braid and Fred Hawtree, with fairways delightfully routed around an expansive property.

It appears that many prefer the holes on the back nine, where fairways are laid out around an old disused quarry, largely because golfers can catch occasional views across the Firth of Forth. For me, the front nine is the better of the two halves, with the slightly uphill, short par four 6th easily the feature hole, doglegging right to a heavily contoured, sand-protected green. If well-manicured parkland is your golfing venue of choice then Bruntsfield Links should be high on your playlist.

Jim McCann.

Course was in great condition. Well manicured and a joy to play. Staff in the clubhouse were very hospitable and friendly. Greens were very good and the course was a tricky but fair test. We will be back.

I visited Bruntsfield Links for the first time last week. Having grown up in Edinburgh I knew this was an historic private club but didn’t know much about the course or what to expect. After checking in with the pro we were encouraged to use the practice facilities and were offered free range balls which was nice. We were also invited to enjoy complimentary tea & coffee in the visitors lounge and one of the members kindly provided some info on the club which claims to be the 4th oldest in the world. The course started with a challenging Par 4 playing into the breeze but I managed to get on in 2 with a good drive a solid mid-iron. My favourite holes were the Par 4 6th hole which is a severe dog leg left to right and only requires a fairway wood and short iron to an elevated green. Also the finishing hole, the members supposedly joke this is the longest 340 yard par 4 in the lothians. Not a difficult tee shot but a long narrow green which I managed to 3 putt as there are lots of slopes. Greens were a good surface and the course offers lots of space and winds itself around an old quarry in the middle. We enjoyed a pint outside on the patio afterwards and took in the views over the Forth to Fife. I’d strongly recommend this course and note they are doing a twilight rate for £50 which offers better value in the summer. I’d say Bruntsfield is definitely in the top 5 courses I’ve played in Edinburgh.

I play Bruntsfield several times each year thanks to a friend who is a member so I know it pretty well. It is always in good condition and usually pretty quiet. The greens tend to roll well. I believe it is at best an average course and was astonished it was used forfinal regional qualifying for the 2011 Open Championship. There are very few 'wow' moments to be had at Bruntsfield. The opening stretch is long and rather dull with the exception of the nice downhill 2nd. The 5th is a one of three nondescript par 3 holes on the course - only the 7th has any charm. While the 8th is another enjoyable downhill par 4 it is followed by one of several similar holes back up the way. I would contend that the slight dogleg 10th is the most interesting hole on the course and it also affords lovely views towards Fife.11 is a challenging driving hole but the inward half is mainly flat. !7 is another hole played up to an elevated green before the rather strange 18. As a city course for Edinburgh professionals Bruntsfield is ideal but I am sure many members are pleased to get down the coast at weekends!

One of the things that I love about golf is that it is a gentleman’s game. A game that, to a large extent, is self regulating, only cads and bounders cheat at golf, it is a bit like taking money from the collection plate, it is just not “de riguer”. So where better to play a gentleman’s game than at a gentleman’s course? A course like Brunstfield Links. Bruntsfield shares a common boundary with Royal Burgess and I am led to believe that a competition takes place, or has taken place, between both clubs which involves a composite course utilising holes from each establishment. This is a decent track with a really enjoyable front 9 which tests even the best. That being said, my favourite hole was on the inward half, but more of that later. A gentle opening hole leads to the devilish downhill 2nd which is short but well guarded by 3 bunkers. Watch for OB left at the next hole with the 4th a tree lined, left to right dog leg to a raised green which earns its stroke index 1 status. As stated previously, I really enjoyed the 10th hole a 325 yard dog leg which eventually sees you playing through a narrow opening to a green which oversees the Firth of Forth, lovely. A most enjoyable day was rounded off brilliantly by the famed 5 course Bruntsfield carvery which led me to create a few new notches on my belt whilst resembling Billy Bunters love child. Remember, if you want to take advantage of this fine lunch it is a jacket and tie only affair. But even if you don’t want to take advantage of the food Bruntsfield Links is a fine and friendly course which is well worth playing any time that you are in the Edinburgh area. MPPJ

The Golfing Society may have spent just over the last one hundred years at Barnton but what a glorious site on which to celebrate its forthcoming 250 years in existence. This lush parkland track is laid out within an enormous estate amidst the leafy suburbs to the west of Edinburgh city centre but once out on the course, hundreds of mature trees shield the layout and its golfers from the outside world - save for the occasional glimpse over the tree tops to the River Forth and Fife in the distance.

It was more undulating than I anticipated, epitomised by a lovely run from holes 4 to 6 where par 5, 3 and 4 holes were played in succession, up-down then uphill again. Fairways were very wide and forgiving and putting surfaces were large enough to hold even some slightly wayward approach shots – the 8th green was out of commission as part of an upgrading program, a tangible indication that the club is not resting on its golfing laurels in relation to course development. The 10th hole was another favourite with its narrow entrance to the green and the dog legged 14th was a very tough par five hole, with anything too far to the right being blocked out by trees to the front right of the putting surface.

All in all, a very pleasant course that is complemented by a magnificent clubhouse where lunch really was as good as anticipated! Don’t miss out too on the unique display cabinets of antique trophies, medals, clubs and memorabilia.

Jim McCann

The familiar warm Scottish welcome awaits here and the clubhouse facilities are remembered for all of the right reasons – special place. Warmed up well on the range and then went to the course with great anticipation. Although the parkland style of course is not my favourite, I warmed to the course easily. Very manicured course with high standard greens and some cracking views across the Forth. Best holes for me … the dog legged 6th and 10th – With the 13th being the toughest par 4 around these parts.