A golf pilgrimage from Edinburgh: St Andrews, Muirfield and Gleneagles
Edinburgh is the perfect base for the most important golf trip in the world. Within ninety minutes lie the Old Course, Muirfield and the three courses of Gleneagles.
The Old Course, St Andrews
The oldest and most famous course in the world, and a public one. Tee times are released in advance, and many more are given out through a daily ballot. Bring a handicap certificate, book a caddie, and leave time to walk the town.
Muirfield
Half an hour east of Edinburgh, Muirfield is home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, founded in 1744. It is one of the great Open Championship links, and it opens to visitors only on set days, so write early.
Gleneagles
An hour north, Gleneagles has three championship courses, including the PGA Centenary that hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup, and the grand hotel of 1924 that made Scottish golf glamorous. Dinner at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, with its two Michelin stars, is reason enough to stay.
In Edinburgh
Stay at The Balmoral on Princes Street, drink whisky at its SCOTCH bar or at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street, and book a starred table in Leith.
- The Kitchin · Edinburgh
Tom Kitchin's restaurant in a former whisky warehouse on the Leith waterfront, built on his philosophy of 'from nature to plate' and the best of Scottish produce. - Restaurant Martin Wishart · Edinburgh
One of Scotland's most respected fine-dining rooms, on the Shore in Leith, cooking classic French technique with Scottish produce. - Lyla · Edinburgh
Stuart Ralston's seafood-led tasting menu in a Georgian townhouse on Royal Terrace. - Timberyard · Edinburgh
A family-run restaurant in a converted warehouse below the Castle, devoted to Scottish produce and natural wines.
