Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club

Merchants of Edinburgh, established in 1907 and designed by Ben Sayers with later modifications by James Braid, is a par 65 course with a layout that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Quirky? Absolutely. With seven par 3s and no par 5s, you might think it sounds like a breeze on paper—but this course is anything but. It makes you work for your score with its unique design and strategic demands. One of the highlights of the round is scaling Craiglockhart Hill West and East, rewarded by breathtaking views of the Forth Bridges and Edinburgh that make the effort more than worthwhile. The standout par 3s, mainly the 13th, played from the top of a hill, provide unforgettable moments and showcase the course's personality. It’s also one of the few places to find a square green, adding to the course’s distinctive character. Would this course be built on such dramatic terrain today? Probably not. But that’s part of what makes Merchants of Edinburgh so special. The modern clubhouse is a welcoming spot to relax after a round, and the friendly pro and members create a warm, inviting atmosphere that rounds out the experience. If you’re looking for a course full of character, challenges, and stories to tell, Merchants of Edinburgh Golf Club should be on your list.

Eigenlijk nog in Edinburgh en toch heerlijk golfen. Niet heel makkelijk, maar breed genoeg om het ook leuk te maken voor de minder gevorderde golfer. Neem wel je klimschoenen mee, want de hoogteverschillen zijn groot. Onderhoud, zoals je mag verwachten in Schotland, uitstekend, parkeerplaats ongeveer naast de eerste tee en erg vriendelijke en behulpzame ontvangst door de pro in de shop. Clubhuis was helaas al dicht toen wij aan het einde van de dag onze ronde eindigde. Buiten dat een aanrader.

Korte heuvelachtige parkbaan met veel schuine fairways en blinde holes. Alsjeblieft hier wilt scoren moet je de baan een paar keer gespeeld hebben. Onderhoud greens super maar fairways waren gemaaid en het oude gras lag in hopen er nog op. Via de golf haftet kaart geboekt en voor 12,5 pond gespeeld pp.

Vriendelijke caddymaster en uitzicht in de baan en op hole 19 is grandioos.

Many years ago, till the age of 14, I was a member at this club, and had memories of the two very long and difficult par 3 holes that are holes 1 and 2. I was sure when I returned, now an accomplished golfer, that I would discover that these two holes were actually rather short and very easy.

None of that however. They were still very long and just as demanding as I remembered. A 3 3 start feels like you are under par.

After these two monsters you cross the road and play holes 3 to 6 which are perhaps the least inspiring of all the holes. Things pick up again with the very short and tricky par 3 at hole 7, then its back across the road again for 8 and 9.

On hole 10 you begin the assent up the hill, ropes not required but still rather steep, and are rewarded by magnificent views of Edinburgh as you play 11, 12 and 13, all very unusual and interesting par 3's.

All in all a very entertaining golf course.

Clubhouse had a jacket and tie only bar, so no women, with one ancient member sitting on his own. Great. Worth the trip just to this dying breed.