Course Review
Musselburgh Links is known as the world's oldest playing golf course. There is documented evidence that golf was played at the Links in 1672. Musselburgh Links was originally 7 holes, with an 8th added in 1838 and the 9th in 1870.
Musselburgh Links offers golfers a glimpse of golf's beginnings.
The Open Championship was played here 6 times between 1874 and 1889, so Musselburgh's place in history is assured. Back in the day they played the 9 hole loop four times in a day for the Claret Jug!
The 9 hole course is also famous for being located in the middle of a busy racecourse.
The course has changed little since those early days, so it is a wonderful chance for Travelling Golfers to 'go back in time' and experience the old course.
Even better is the fact that Musselburgh will hire out hickory clubs to enhance a truly unique golfing adventure.
The course itself is modest compared to the modern Open courses, but holds it's own when played with hickories.
In my opinion playing Musselburgh Links with hickories is a great start to any golfing pilgrimage to Scotalnd, where golf began.
Musselburgh is ideally located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, on the way to the iconic golfing destination of East Lothian.
Notable Holes
Hole 1 (Home Hole) - a 240 yd par 3 across the racetrack
Hole 2 (The Graves) - a 348 yd par 4 in the middle of the racetrack
Musselburgh Links- hole 1
Musselburgh Links- hole 2
Hole 6 (The Table) - a 326 yd par 4 which negotiates some undulating ground en route to a raised green
Musselburgh Links- hole 6
Hole 7 (The Bathing Coach) - a 479 yd par 5 that plays long with the hickories..
Hole 9 (The Gas) - a 350 yd dog leg par 4 with a very well protected green
Musselburgh Links- hole 7
Musselburgh Links- hole 9
Golf Tours
Musselburgh Old Links is ideally located in East Lothian where there are lots of wonderful historic links courses in close vicinity to each other. You can set up your base in nearby North Berwick or in Edinburgh, and happily play as much golf as you like. Courses such as North Berwick, Gullane, Kilspindie, Rennaissance Club are close to Musselburgh.
Let us put together a golf tour to East Lothian for you.
The Travelling Golfer specialises in small group tours and customised self-led tours. We are based in Melbourne Australia and have over 35 years experience organising golf tours to places throughout the world.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
