I am pleased to provide my recommended itinerary for an East Scotland Tour in May 2026. Muirfield does not have any tee-times available but does operate a Wait List, in the meantime, it is possible to book any of the courses at Gullane, Dunbar and Kilspindie and I also like the lesser known Craigielaw. If you’re looking for bigger names, then Archerfield and Renaissance are bookable but I would suggest that Gullane No.1 which is the better golf course.
Moving around the Firth of the Forth, from North Berwick up to St Andrews, we can play Kingsbarns (pictured above) at 09:40 on the 15th and Dumbarnie at 11:50 on the 16th. I played Dumbarnie before it officially opened in 2022 and thought it a terrific layout with plenty of space for a windy day and tucked-away greens that require a proper strategy. It’s already in the Top 20 in Scotland. So playing North Berwick, Gullane No.1, Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie would mean an exceptionally strong golf tour with the courses rated 6, 7, 19 and 22 in Scotland.
For accommodation, the Marine & Lawn overlooks North Berwick and is a very smart renovation of an old favourite. A strong four-star, the public rooms are grand and spacious and there’s a restaurant, gym and bar. The bedrooms are on the small side but ornate and cosy. For St Andrews, I would suggest Hotel du Vin which is about 150 yards from the Old Course and overlooks the sea. It’s a small hotel with just 42 bedrooms but I’ve always rested and eaten well there and the bar is popular. The bedrooms have been renovated since my last stay and they look more elegant and lighter than they were and the location is sensational. Staying in St Andrews makes more sense geographically and there are enough bars and restaurants for plenty of choice and fun.
Included are private transfers in a 17-seater minibus to allow suitable space for 8 chaps with clubs and luggage.
BA run a shuttle service to and from Edinburgh throughout the day so you can arrive and depart pretty much on an hourly basis from 07.40 in the morning to 20.30 in the evening.
Pictured below are North Berwick and Gullane No. 1 golf courses and the facade of the Marine & Lawn overlooking North Berwick Golf Club. Underneath these is the exterior of Hotel du Vin, St Andrews, Dumbarnie Links and Kingsbarns
