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Course Review: Dunbar Golf Club, Scotland

By Jane Lees on September 1, 2021

One of the finest links golf courses anywhere in the World with Scottish hospitality to match.

Women & Golf visited Scotland this month to cover the AIG Women's Open. It seemed too good an opportunity to visit some of the wonderful array of golf courses on offer - over 560 at the last count - and we headed to Scotland's Golf Coast to play a few of the lesser-known courses in the area. Dunbar Golf Club welcomed us.

There are over 400 years of documented golf at Dunbar. Only a handful of other Scottish golfing locations can date as far back. One of the game's oldest recorded organisations, the Dunbar Golfing Society, played on the western side of the town in 1794.

The east links, home to Dunbar Golf Club since 1856, has over the years attracted some of the greatest players that have ever played the game: James Braid, JH Taylor, Harry Vardon, Willie Park, Old Tom Morris, Sandy Herd, Ted Ray, Max Faulkner and Bobby Locke have all pitted their wits against the testing layout.

Spectcular coastline

Prior to playing I took a look at the map & it appears that The course is laid out on a narrow strip of land with the some of the holes running along the rocky coastline. I was expecting it to be a little blustery.

View from 10th green down fairway to 10th tee

The Course

The first three holes (and the 18th) are all set back from the coast then its coastline all the way for 14 holes and breathtaking views of the sea and Bass Rock.

At the 4th, a lovely par four called “Shore”, Dunbar begins to play like a classic links course, great sea views, undulating fairways and the chance of wind. The next thirteen holes are wedged between the coastline and a fine-looking old stonewall where out-of-bounds threatens beyond. The finishing hole, aptly called “Hame”, plays back to the clubhouse across the old deer park.

Well defined holes follow the natural contours of the land and there is a good mixture of par 5s interspersed with par 3s. Fairways seem wide but blind holes await at every turn - there's even a sunken hole at 13.

From every hole there is a magnificent view of the sea and sometimes it's hard not to be distracted! Hole 14 is a case in point. And the sea threatens to swallow your ball if your drive right.

Short but testing

Dunbar East Links is a relatively short course, measuring 6,597 yards from the medal tees, but the wind generally makes the round thoroughly challenging and immensely entertaining.

Course Feedback

And what did the Women & Golf Members think of the course?

"Played North Berwick they day before and I can honestly say I preferred Dunbar. There was a simplicity about the course but its a lot tougher than it looks.

The flatness of the course belies many challenges including straw-like rough and pot bunkers. Love the stone wall shouting out of bounds. The greens are true but slightly heavy.

Playing by the sea and crashing waves a treat.

Would suit ladies of mixed abilities and great for a group outing."

Course Information

Dunbar is One of the finest links golf courses anywhere in the World with Scottish hospitality to match.

18 holes | Private | Links

Slope Rating	Women	Slope	Rating	Length
Red	W	126	72.7	5,696
Yellow	W	131	75.5	6,196
White	W	135	77.7	6,597

The Pro Shop has an experienced team providing a first-class service. The team can provide golf lessons & coaching practice. The is also items for hire such as caddies, buggies, trolleys and clubs.