Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Scotland
By Kevin Markham:
Willie Park Jr. With an opening boast of being the oldest golf club in the world you can be sure there is a rich and intriguing history here. See if you can find the King’s gold ball in the many clubhouse display cabinets. The course is a fine, old parkland where numerous varieties of towering trees will hinder and frustrate the wayward.
The course may not be long (6531 yards, par 71) but the many doglegs and the bouniful bunkering mean your driver will need to be employed with caution as you seek out the perfect position for your approach.
The course is always beautifully maintained and it is well known for its smooth fast greens, shapely terrain and smartly positioned bunkers. The 18th is a 244 yard par four off the back tees or an eyecatching 232 yard par three from the whites. The course coasts alongside Bruntsfield Links on the outer holes.
Did You Know?
A tour of the clubhouse is essential. History fills every corner and tours have become so popular that you need to pre-book for the official welcome.