Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat this Winter, with a change to the way we play golf in East Lothian, writes Ginny Lawson. Haddington Golf Club, a long-established parkland course in East Lothian, is attempting to adapt to the changing face of golf.
As part of a 4-week trial, Haddington Golf Club have changed the route of their golf course to feature 2 distinct loops of 9 holes. There are 2 nines giving the club the option to sell 9 hole tickets, run 9 hole competitions and generally host shorter forms of the game. The two loops consist of holes No 1,2,18,14,12,10,11,15,16 and Holes 17,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,13. Golfers can play for only £20.
Scott Thomson – Club Professional and General Manager of Haddington Golf Club commented, “We feel its vitally important to explore new ways of attracting more people to the game. We must adapt to show that people can still enjoy golf despite having less free time than ever before. There is a very positive feeling about Haddington Golf Club right now and we want as many as possible to get involved.”
There are a number of other courses in East Lothian who also offer 9 hole rounds (and 9 holes, lunch, 9 holes), including Gifford Golf Club and many more. This is an ideal way to enjoy golf in the colder Winter months as well as those who are tight for time.
For visitors with a little more time on their hands, Scotland’s Golf Coast is the perfect Short Stay Golfing Destination. East Lothian offers a diverse choice of accommodation, providing the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and reflect on the day’s play.
All accommodation provides easy access to East Lothian’s 21 golf courses, meaning no need to waste valuable time travelling from base to course. Spoilt for choice with 5-star luxury properties, smaller hotels, bed & breakfast pubs and homes, self-catering apartments and even centuries-old stately homes are all on offer.
While golf is the magnet that draws many to East Lothian, the County has a lot more to offer both the golfer and just as importantly the non-golfer. In addition to its proximity to Scotland’s Capital City, East Lothian boasts historic castles and battle sites mixed with a number of exciting modern excursions. And no visit to an area can be enjoyed on an empty stomach. The visiting golfer can enjoy the quality locally grown produce served in the hotels and restaurants across the County. Locally-raised meats supplemented with locally-caught seafood are there to tempt the discerning diner, washed down with a pint of local beer or cider, or perhaps a ‘NB Gin’, ‘Fidra Gin’ or a dram of ‘Glenkinchie’, Scotland’s Golf Coast aims to please the contented golfer.
Scotland’s Golf Coast’s Winter golf offering www.golfeastlothian.com