Inspired by the great links courses of Britain, particularly those on land which are less dominated by dunes, Craigielaw is equal to many of the finest examples of such courses; some of which are conveniently located nearby in the East Lothian area.
A Championship links course designed by Donald Steel, maintained in a similar fashion to traditional courses such as Gullane, Muirfield and North Berwick. With challenging greens, cavernous bunkers and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife, Craigielaw Golf Club is an experience not to be missed.
Clubhouse
Normally the clubhouse is open from 7am in the summer to 9/10pm depending on golf bookings. In the winter the times change and the clubhouse is open from 8/8.30am to 5pm.
Craigielaw Clubhouse opened in 2003 to much anticipation on the part of members as well as visitors. Where the clubhouse once stood was a byre (cattle shed). The original red sandstone and much of the character of the building has been carefully retained and adapted with the clever use of wood, glass and copper. The architects and construction company involved in creating the clubhouse built a modern and contemporary structure with an inside space that is open plan, making it very welcoming and quite possibly unique in the UK. Many words have been used to describe the building – impressive, stunning, unusual and different. It’s probably best to judge it for yourself.
The spacious Lounge bar has an impressive expanse of window revealing stunning views across the golf course towards the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh and over Gullane Hill. The furnishings are relaxed with large, brown, cosy leather sofas and low coffee tables. A large hare sculpture (The Craigielaw emblem) greets you as you walk through the entrance and tucked in the corner is a red sandstone fireplace with comfy seating and another fireplace is down in the main lounge.
At the far end (some 20 metres away) is the bar and servery with tall bar tables and stools. Located to the right of the lounge is the restaurant dining area with its wooden floors and strikingly, high glassed wall looking out to the grassed courtyard, which is a fantastic outdoor eating area and sun trap in the summer months.
"Fourshot" Golf Academy
Designed by Donald Steel & Co. provides golfers with a high quality practice facility where play is always from grass with high quality golf balls. With 6500 square meters of teeing area, practice bunkers and mounds similar to those found on the course, golfers have the opportunity to fine tune the part of their game that needs improving.
The Academy is run by the Head PGA Professional and the Pro Shop team are on hand to give advice on practicing effectively and coaching options.
Facilities
Driving range, putting green, practice area, pro-shop, club hire, trolley hire, buggy hire, changing/shower facilities, louge bar and restaurant.