Golf

Edinburgh is widely considered to be the birthplace of modern golf, as its first official rules were developed at Leith Links. Naturally, there are a number of great courses in the city. For more information, the VisitScotland website has an extensive, searchable guide to Scottish courses.

Braid Hills. This golf course is beautifully laid out over a rugged range of small hills in the southern suburbs of Edinburgh. The views in each direction—the Pentland Hills to the south, the city skyline and Firth of Forth to the north—are worth a visit in themselves. The city built this course at the turn of the 20th century after urban development forced golfers out of the city center. There's also a nine-hole "Wee Braids" course for beginners and younger players. Reservations are recommended for weekend play. 27 Braids Hill Approach, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 6JY. 0131/447--6666; www.edinburghleisure.co.uk. Braids: £26.50 weekday, £27.50 weekends; Wee Braids: £15 weekdays, £16 weekends. Daily.

Bruntsfield Links. The British Seniors and several other championship tournaments are held at this prestigious Willie Park–designed course. It's located 3 miles west of Edinburgh, and should not be confused with Bruntsfield Links park in the city center. The course meanders among 155 acres of mature parkland and has fine views over the Firth of Forth. A strict dress code applies. Bruntsfield takes its name from one of the oldest golf links in Scotland, in the center of Edinburgh, where the club used to play—all that remains there is a nine-hole pitch-and-putt course. Full-day tickets are available for just £20 more than the cost of a single round on weekends. 32 Barnton Ave., Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 6JH. 0131/336--1479; www.bruntsfieldlinks.co.uk. £90 weekdays, £110 weekends Apr.–Sept.; £60 weekdays, £80 weekends Oct.; £30 Nov.–Mar.. Daily. Reservations essential.

Duddingston Golf Club. Founded in 1895, this excellent public parkland course is 2 miles east of the city. The first hole is located in an idyllic deer park (watch out for four-legged spectators). Braid Burn—a stream that flows across the southern part of Edinburgh—also runs through the course, creating a perilous hazard on many holes. Prices drop sharply in the winter months for those willing to risk strong winds and rain. Duddingston Rd. W, Duddingston, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 3QD. 0131/661--7688; www.duddingstongolfclub.co.uk. £55 May–Sept.; £29 Mar.–Apr. and Oct.–Nov.; £20 Nov.–Feb..

Royal Burgess Golfing Society. Edinburgh's other Victorian courses are newcomers when compared to Royal Burgess, which opened in 1735. Its members originally played on Bruntsfield Links; now they and their guests play on elegantly manicured parkland in the city's northwestern suburbs. It's a challenging course with fine, beautifully maintained greens. There's a fairly conservative dress code—no denim or T-shirts allowed, and you must wear a jacket and tie in the clubhouse. 181 Whitehouse Rd., Barnton, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 6BU. 0131/339--2075; www.royalburgess.co.uk. £100 for 1 round; £150 day ticket. Daily. Reservations essential.