Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club (East)

Golf at Dalmahoy dates back to the 1920s, but the fabulous manor house is much older. It was built in the late 1720s, for the Earl of Morton, and, in 1990, it was extended and converted into a hotel and country club.

The East course was designed by the great James Braid, and it’s set amongst 1,000 acres of rolling, wooded parkland. It’s a glorious setting, affording fine views of the nearby Pentland Hills. Dalmahoy has a mixed parkland and moorland feeling, with hilly ground in places. The slopes can make for some challenging lies.

This championship course is usually nicely maintained and it’s a significant test – just ask the American Solheim Cup team. Here, in 1992, Catrin Nilsmark sank the winning putt, famously sealing Solheim Cup victory for Europe – 11½ 6½. Measuring more than 6,800 yards from the back tees, par 73, the East is certainly no pushover.

There are some solid holes to be played, especially on the back nine. The 17th, ominously named “The Wee Wrecker”, will test your skill and courage. The East is a heavily bunkered course, and this tough par three is no exception – five huge bunkers guard the green – a challenging and exacting tee-shot is required.

Concentration is needed at the tree-lined 18th, a long par four. A solid, straight drive will leave a tough approach shot across a gorge to a well-bunkered green.