Luffness New Golf Club

Luffness is truly unique. It is one of the last men only clubs in the UK, requires long socks to be worn with shorts, and jacket and tie in the clubhouse and dining room after 9.45am. The famous "Smoke room" is one of the great rooms in golf. Oak panelled, with what could be described as a shrine to it's most famous member, the great turn of the c19th amateur Freddie Tait, who was killed in the Boer War and roaring log fire in WInter, there are days when after a hearty lunch and good bottle of red, it seems a shame to spoil the experience by having to play golf! The golf course mirrors the clubhouse, under the radar, quiet and understated, but subtly difficult with lots of well placed pot bunkers waiting to gobble up misplaced shots. Indeed, there are days when you feel you should have taken a bucket and spade out instead of a driver! It's a much gentler walk than all 3 neighbouring Gullane courses, but no worse for that with a stunning view over Kilspindie and Craigielaw to Edinburgh and the Fourth bridges from the 7th tee. The 7th adjoins one of the holes on Gullane 3 and is, I think, the only place in the UK where players can be on a totally separate golf course and not out of bounds! Memorable holes are the 1st - a short par 4 but with a row of cross bunkers 15 yards short of the green which play with your head as much as your pitching technique, the downhill par 4 7th to a green which slopes from front right to back left and requires a perfectly struck iron to hold, short par 4 12th, again, with bunkers waiting to gobble up both drive and second shot and closing 18th, a 450 yard par 4 with drives needing to navigate 3 well placed fairway bunkers and then a second to the most difficult green on the course. Back to the men only thing - members can take their wives and daughters to play any day of the week and as many times as they like for free. That arrangement serves the members, and their wives, perfectly well. Luffness is a unique experience, and one you should jump at if the opportunity arises.

Golf at Luffness is a pure as it gets, uninteruppted by anything even on Sunday morning. No houses, no roads, no structures in sight a just a few golfers around. Pristine conditions on tee boxes, fairways were firm and fast, greens surfaces where as straight as tables, rolling increadibly well but there is plenty of trouble in store for the wanderers. Overall greens were faster and better prepared than in Gullane which is an achievement in itself. The bunkers punish the errant shot and those who cannot get the ball in the air. Luffness is a private gold club. No jacket, no tie, no service after 9.45am. One could get a take away drink. Club house building is historic with plenty of old memorabilia pictures and drawing. Old Tom Morris founded Luffness golf club in 1894 and designed the old Luffness course . You get a free book on the history of the club from a very talking and helpfull starter.

Luffness New Golf Club is a historic gem on East Lothian's celebrated golfing coastline. Located just south of Gullane, the course is situated on prime golfing terrain, with its original layout attributed to Old Tom Morris. Despite being overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Luffness New offers a challenging and rewarding experience for discerning golfers. The course is relatively flat, with the exception of holes 7 through 9, which introduce some elevation changes. The 7th climbs towards Brand’s Well, while the 8th and 9th descend back towards Aberlady Bay, providing variety within the layout. What sets Luffness New apart, however, are its exceptional green complexes. Known for their subtle slopes and true putting surfaces, they are well-guarded by strategically placed bunkers, demanding precision and creativity from players. Luffness New retains a strong sense of tradition, which adds to its character but may feel unconventional to some. Dress code regulations include knee-length white socks with shorts, and the club has no pro shop or lady members, reflecting its adherence to longstanding customs. While these policies might seem antiquated, they contribute to the club's unique atmosphere. Facilities include a welcoming clubhouse with excellent showers and a dining room that serves top-quality meals, maintaining the high standards expected of a club of this calibre. While the club intentionally flies under the radar compared to its globally renowned neighbours, it offers a memorable and unique experience that deserves recognition. Luffness New may not boast dramatic elevation or coastal views, but it presents a pure golfing test. With its historical pedigree, immaculate greens, and understated charm, it’s a course that holds its own in East Lothian’s competitive golfing landscape.

Thanks to fellow ambassador John for arranging the round at Luffness as well! A very cool course nestled amongst the plethora of courses in the North Berwick area. It is a very traditional golfing establishment and my first experience of having to wear ‘long socks’ and by that I mean knee high which I didn’t fully understand and the clubhouse after a certain time is jacket and tie.

The course itself is a good fun challenge without being too testing, the rough not too long and lovely lush fairways. The biggest challenge around the course is getting stuck in the pot bunkers, but that’s par for the course in Scotland right?

The first hole looks fairly straight forward as a dead straight par 4 but the approach is incredibly tricky with the green littered with front side bunkers. There’s a bunch more holes on the clubhouse side of the course before you cross the road. A few of the holes have blind tee shots which I always enjoy, makes you think more than just getting the out.

Overall a very pleasant experience with great views in the distance and a course in very good condition but maybe could be missing one or two more standout holes. Sadly there was nothing in the way of a Pro Shop but it is quite a traditional member driven club so no real need and likewise no driving range.

Visitato ogg il il club, e ilgreen fee richiesto è di 170 sterline!

Luca Bergamo...