User Reviews
for Musselburgh Links, The Old Golf Course, East Lothian, UK
| 5 Stars: | 0 | |
| 4 Stars: | 4 | |
| 3 Stars: | 2 | |
| 2 Stars: | 0 | |
| 1 star: | 0 |
Reviews 1 - 6 from 6
A must-play-experience!
Reviewed October 9, 2013
If you are ever in the area and happened to have brought your golfclubs, you have to visit Musselburgh Old Course. Situated within a racetrack for horses, this is officially the oldest golfcourse in the world. Mary Queen of Scots seems already to have played here somewhere in the 1500's.
It is mostly the experience that counts, don't expect too much of the course. It's fun, sure. But it deserves 4 starts just for being the oldest. And you must have played it at least once in your life. So get your bag out of the car and go!
Original version
Small but exquisite, steeped in history
Reviewed June 30, 2026
Played on June 28,2026. The 9-hole course, without a driving range or visible practice area, is located 7 miles west of Edinburgh city center and incorporates a horse racing track. Follow the signs towards the racecourse and then towards the Old Course. Depending on your starting point, you may have to drive halfway around the track. The golfers' parking lot, P4, is directly in front of the small pro shop (not the clubhouse); you'll have to drive quite a way until you reach it. Previous reviewers have already mentioned the club's history, which can be found on their website. The incredibly friendly and cheerful Dave greets you at the counter/in the small pro shop and explains everything. The first tee (par 3) from the white tees is right outside the door, across the path and the racecourse. The course plays as a par 34 or 33 for men and a par 36 for women from the red tees. There is only one par 5. You leave, or rather play over, the horse racing track after the 4th tee and rejoin it on the 6th. The holes are not particularly spectacular and are almost always straight. However, there are a few pot bunkers, so the links character is definitely present, especially in windy conditions. You should be able to find most balls in the rough. There are few dense bushes and vegetation, and no water hazards. Holes 2 through 4 are played within the racetrack but also alongside the village road, which is clearly audible. The highest point of the course is the 6th tee, which offers a sea view. There are no tee markers. The holes, each with its own name, are described on the scorecard. You might encounter walkers on the fairways or have them crossing your path. The locals trust that you can play golf and might even give you a few found balls. The course was in somewhat mixed condition, more natural than polished. The greens were hard and fast, but with some unevenness, though some were undulating. Don't expect a pristine green. However, the green fee is reasonable. On a Sunday afternoon, we got a special rate of only £37 for two players for a 9-hole round, including two rental trolleys – for some reason. According to the website, a round costs £28 per person. You can't book a tee time through the website. Dave responded very quickly to my email, booked our preferred tee time, and reserved the trolleys. For a Sunday afternoon, the course was relatively quiet, mostly occupied by two-person parties. We were even able to start a little early, without feeling rushed or pressured. It's advisable to check the race schedule beforehand. It's certainly suitable for a relaxed, quick, and easy introductory round, but don't expect too much. There's no restaurant at the pro shop, but there are vending machines where you can buy drinks and snacks. Dave alone would have deserved 5 stars.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Pure history
Reviewed May 29, 2022
Played on 05/28/2022.
Friendly welcome.
Space is okay, history makes it.
We were lucky enough to meet a member in the parking lot who took us to the original clubhouse.
Anyone can come and have a drink, you just have to know that the clubhouse is there.
It is about 100 meters to the right of Tee 1. At the moment it is only open on Sat + Sun. Warm welcome from the members present. Lots of history on the walls. A 4 for the whole package.
Be sure to play if you're nearby
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Story
Reviewed May 27, 2021
"Took "the place on the way home from Dunbar to Edinburgh Not worth mentioning from a golfing point of view, but the location within the racetrack and the history as the oldest course in the world make it a"must play" for die-hard golfers. Flair 4 *
Translated by Google.
- Original version
You have to play
Reviewed May 2, 2017
Is a must for a visit to Edinburgh. We played with hickory clubs. An absolutely recommendable fun.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Old - Ancient
Reviewed August 18, 2016
The oldest golf course in the world should have played! 9hole already 6x the Open saw ChampionChip! A really cool links within the racecourse!
Translated by Google.
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