Overview
Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, founded in 1761, is the fourth oldest golf club in the world. It now plays on a mature parkland course at Barnton in north-west Edinburgh, about 3 miles from the city centre and roughly an hour from the Old Course at St Andrews.
Willie Park Jr. laid out the course, and later work by Dr Alister MacKenzie (1922), James Braid (1930) and Fred Hawtree (1974) shaped it further. In 2018 Mackenzie & Ebert carried out a major redevelopment: every bunker was reviewed, seven holes were remodelled and three new holes were added, giving a par-71 layout of 6,466 yards.
Expect tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers and undulating greens with deceptive slopes, rebuilt to USGA specification for speed and consistency. Its quality is clear from the record: between 2011 and 2015 the R&A used Bruntsfield as a regional qualifying venue for The Open.
Green fees & prices
- Adult 18 holesWeekday / weekend£180 / £220
- Adult 36 holesWeekday / weekend£300 / 400
- Junior 18 holes£90 / £110
- Scottish golf club or James Braid member£110 / £140
- November & March, adultMats may be in use£90
- December–February, adultMats in use£60
- Club rental18 holes; includes balls, tees and a pull trolley£50
- Buggy (2 seats)18 holes£45
- GPS electric trolley£20
- Single caddiePlus gratuity£65
Prices checked 21 October 2026 on the official website. Prices may change; confirm with the course before you book.
Facilities
Good to know
Visitors are welcome from 12 noon onwards and need a valid handicap. Booking ahead is advised, though the pro shop can check late availability.
Book online or by email or phone. Cancel at least 14 days ahead for a full refund; later than that, you can move the time to another date within a year. Twilight rates run April to October. Official page ↗
The dining room is not jacket and tie, but smart day wear is expected; golf attire is fine, apart from golf shorts, golf shoes and headwear.
The club asks for a pace of 3 hours 45 minutes for 18 holes. Buggies, GPS trolleys and caddies are all available.
About a 15-minute drive from both Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport, close to the A90 towards the Forth Bridge.
History & highlights
The Society started in 1761 playing five holes on Bruntsfield Links, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. As the public links got busier, members moved to Musselburgh in 1876. That course had only nine holes and a racecourse running through it, so in 1898 the Society found a new home on the Cramond-Regis estate at Barnton.
The clubhouse dates from 1899. Its first-floor dining room and members’ lounge look across the course to the Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife. Bruntsfield has also hosted the British Boys Championships, with past players including Peter Alliss in 1946 and Sandy Lyle in 1975.
Stuart McLaren set the record for the new layout with a 63 in 2018, and Eric McIntosh matched it in 2020.
A six-bay range next to the clubhouse (two bays covered), a large grass practice area, short-game areas with a bunker and an 18-hole putting green by the 1st tee. Visitors who are booked in can use them free to warm up.
- Regional qualifying for The Open Championship, 2011-2015
- British Boys Championships (past venue)
- Women’s 36 Hole (Scratch) Open, held annually
Tips for first-timers
- Collect a free range token from the pro shop when you check in, and warm up before your round.
- Play from the tees that suit your game; the club is strict about its 3 hours 45 minute pace of play.
- Bring your handicap certificate, as visitors need a valid handicap.
- Winter rounds are much cheaper, but expect fairway mats.
- Book the dining room for lunch on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday; booking is essential.
Map & location
The club is at 32 Barnton Avenue, next to the Royal Burgess. Silverknowes and Ravelston golf courses are both within about 3 km, so this corner of Edinburgh makes a good multi-course base.
FAQ
How much does it cost to play Bruntsfield Links?
From April to October an adult round is £180 on weekdays and £220 at weekends. Winter rates are £90 in November and March and £60 from December to February. Prices may change; confirm with the club.
Can visitors play Bruntsfield Links?
Yes. Visitors are welcome from 12 noon onwards, with a valid handicap. Book in advance to be sure of a time.
How long is the course?
6,466 yards, par 71, after the 2018 redevelopment by Mackenzie & Ebert.
Is Bruntsfield Links the same as the public links in Edinburgh?
No. The Society started on Bruntsfield Links near Edinburgh Castle, where a short-hole course is still played, but its own course has been at Barnton since 1898.
Can I hire a buggy or clubs?
Yes. Two-seater buggies are £45 for 18 holes, rental clubs £50, a GPS electric trolley £20, and caddies are available.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 14 days before your tee time for a full refund. Later than that, you can transfer the booking to another date within a year.
Sources
- Official website
- Visitor information & green fees
- Course guide
- History
- Practice facilities
- Clubhouse
- Contact
- Location: OpenStreetMap
Facts checked 21 October 2026. We only list details we could confirm on the sources above; anything else is left out.