Formed in 1921, Lothians Golf Association is the largest of the 16 districts affiliated to the SGU with 69 clubs and 40 affiliates (playing on 66 courses) under their wing. Since the Scottish Area Team Championships were inaugurated in 1977, Lothians has enjoyed unparalleled success in the competition, winning it 13 times up until 2011.

While many focus on the golfing delights to be found on the north side of the Firth of Forth in the Kingdom of Fife, it should not be forgotten that the coastline on the other flank of the Firth is home to the largest concentration of links golf courses anywhere in the world, and they’re strung out like pearls in a necklace from Aberlady through to Dunbar.

Muirfield is the obvious star of the show in this region but a stellar supporting cast that includes the West course at North Berwick, Gullane No.1 and Dunbar ably backs it up. Watch out too for the trio of new private Dirleton courses – two at Archerfield and Renaissance Club – as they are all now offering limited pay and play opportunities at a price.

Our Lothians Best in Region rankings were last updated in November 2019. Click the link to read the story.