Longniddry

Overview: Longniddry is an 18-hole course on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, east of Edinburgh, with a rare blend of coastal links and inland woodland. The club describes it as the closest seaside links course to Edinburgh, but the round does not stay in one landscape: sea views and exposed ground are balanced by wooded holes and a more sheltered inland feel. The current profile is par 68, and the absence of par fives makes the long par fours especially important. The course asks for control and imagination rather than one repeated style of play. Wind can influence the open holes, while trees, angles and changing ground affect the safer line elsewhere. Longniddry's compact setting gives the layout a distinctive rhythm, with the clubhouse close to several key points in the routing and views towards Fife, Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat.

History: Longniddry Golf Club was formed in 1921 after the Earl of Wemyss and March invited Harry S. Colt to design and build 18 holes on 150 acres. The inaugural match featured James Braid and Ted Ray against J.H. Taylor and Abe Mitchell, watched by an estimated 4,000 spectators. James Braid advised on changes in 1936. During the Second World War part of the land was ploughed for food production, after which Philip Mackenzie Ross repaired the damage and redesigned the course in 1945, including the loss of two holes by the sea. Donald Steel later advised on the bunkering. The present layout therefore carries several layers of architectural work while retaining a clear Colt foundation.

Did You Know? Longniddry's first post-opening match brought four major professionals together: James Braid and Ted Ray defeated J.H. Taylor and Abe Mitchell over 36 holes. The event was watched by roughly 4,000 people, an extraordinary crowd for a newly opened East Lothian course.