Scotland’s Golf Coast has announced the dates of its inaugural golfing ‘Festival’. Enjoy a week-long series of events on some of the world’s finest links courses.



Scotland’s Golf Coast has announced the dates of its inaugural golfing ‘Festival’. Enjoy a week-long series of events from 18–24 October 2015, where you can play some of the world’s finest links courses, embrace the challenge of picturesque parkland courses and experience the heritage of a golf destination since 1672.

Thirty miles of stunning coastline, all just thirty minutes from Edinburgh offers a choice of twenty-two must play courses and the area is known as the sunniest and driest in Scotland, making it the perfect place for autumn golf.

The Scotland’s Golf Coast Festival programme commences on Sunday 18 October with a 9-hole Challenge Warm up on Gifford Golf Club’s beautiful 9-hole course followed by a Welcome Reception at Duck’s at Kilspindie that evening.

The Saltire Trophy is what everyone is playing for during the Festival. Open to all amateur golfers, this 72 hole Stableford tournament will be played over four inspiring links courses offering players the opportunity to extend their golf into the Autumn months in one of the finest golfing destinations in the world.

Scotland's Golf Coast Festival 18-24 October 2015 Programme

Gifford Golf Club: 9-Hole Challenge - Sunday 18 October

Warm up for the Saltire Trophy with a friendly 9-hole challenge on one of Scotland’s Golf Coast’s many fine inland courses. This is a beautiful 9-hole course set in gently undulating parkland on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Gifford. With the Lammermuir Hills as a scenic backdrop and bounded by mature woods and farmlands, it has a well-deserved reputation for its first-class greens which are a challenge for even the best of golfers.

Duck’s at Kilspindie: Welcome Reception

Enjoy a warm and friendly welcome to Scotland’s Golf Coast with the best local food and drink; and get to know your fellow Saltire Trophy competitors amongst a friendly atmosphere of putting games, fine wines, the best whiskies or a fine Cuban cigar. The draw for the first day’s play for The Saltire Trophy will be announced.

The Saltire Trophy: Monday 19 October – Friday 23 October

Open to all amateur golfers, this 72 hole Stableford tournament played over four inspiring links courses gives you the opportunity to extend your golf into the Autumn months. This is the opportunity for all golfers to experience golfing excellence across some of the world’s finest links courses. Commencing on Monday 19th October, the event will see competitors battle it out over Gullane No.1.

Gullane

Gullane

Monday 19 October: Saltire Trophy Day 1: Gullane No. 1

Steeped in golfing history, this stunning links is playable all-year round and is host to the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. The golf course snakes across Gullane Hill from where you can enjoy some of the best views in the world of golf. This course will present one of the best challenges in Scotland to our golfers.

Longniddry

Longniddry

Tuesday 20 October: Saltire Trophy Day 2: Longniddry Golf Club

This Harry S Colt design offers a traditional test of golf over its unique combination of links and woodland, many holes having spectacular views to the city centre, beyond to the Forth Bridges and across the Firth of Forth to Fife. 6260 yards may not seem long, but with no par 5’s and eight 400 plus yard par 4’s, this is a stiff challenge, particularly in a west wind.

Wednesday 21 October: Saltire Trophy Rest Day

Wednesday is the time for all our golfers to take stock and prepare for the final two days. There will be no competitive golf, so it is the opportunity to enjoy all East Lothian has to offer, from our fantastic attractions, delicious local food and drink, or one of our 22 must-play golf courses.

There is also an exclusive opportunity to join the Saltire Trophy TPEGS Coaching Experience at Archerfield Links at the world’s first Nike Performance Fitting Centre for an exclusive coaching experience. Led by Ryder Cup player and Sky Sports analyst Andrew Coltart and European Tour Coach Gary Nicol, the TPEGS Team offer highly entertaining world-class golf experiences. With state of the art coaching and fitting, they use the latest technology to provide the very best in-depth analysis for golfers of all abilities. Please note places are limited so book early to avoid missing out on this fantastic experience. To book please email [email protected] www.tpegs.com

Dunbar

Dunbar

Thursday 22 October: Saltire Trophy Day 3: Dunbar Golf Club

With a proud history stretching back to 1856 Dunbar presents a challenging test for players of all levels. A Classic Scottish Links Course, which hugs the coastline along a narrow strip of land within yards of the waves crashing onto the rocky shore. Stunning scenery and a welcoming Clubhouse will complete a memorable experience.

Friday 23 October: The Final Day of The Saltire Trophy: The Renaissance Club

The week comes to a close at The Renaissance Club, which will provide both a challenging and memorable final day. One of the world’s most exclusive golf clubs, and has been lauded by critics and golfing professionals as one of the most exquisite golfing venues in the world. This is the chance to secure the Saltire Trophy and experience a world-class haven for golfers.

Saltire Trophy Prize-Giving Dinner, The Renaissance Club

Settle down amongst one of the world’s most exclusive clubhouses, experience a vibrant atmosphere and enjoy some fantastic food and drink. This wonderful celebration brings the tournament to a close and allows us to present the first ever winner with the Saltire Trophy.

The Heritage Hickory Challenge:Saturday 24 October

Join us at Musselburgh Links and face the challenge of the world’s oldest golf course playing with hickory clubs. The Old Golf Course was one of the original Open Championship Venues, hosting the competition on six occasions between 1874 and 1889. A unique 9 hole course, which offers a relaxed round steeped in history. Walk in the footsteps of the great Willie Park Junior and reflect on all who have played here - including Mary Queen of Scots, (reputedly in 1567).

Accommodation

Scotland’s Golf Coast has a diverse offering of accommodation to offer Festival ‘competitors’, providing the perfect opportunity to rest, relax and unwind before enjoying another round of golf. It is a dream for visiting golfers, with all accommodation providing easy access to golf courses.

Competitors will be spoiled for choice with 5-star luxury hotels, family-run bed and breakfasts, self-catering apartments or even centuries-old stately homes all on offer. No matter where you choose to stay you are guaranteed a very warm welcome and an authentic experience. To find suitable hotels for your trip to Scotland’s Golf Coast Festival, visit www.golfeastlothian.com/accomodation.

Pricing and Booking Information

Price: The 9-Hole Challenge - £18.50

The Saltire Trophy - £305 (This includes Welcome Drinks on the first evening and the Prize-Giving Dinner at The Renaissance Club on the final evening.)

The Heritage Hickory Challenge - £16 (£50 including Hickory Clubs)

For groups of a minimum of 10, there will be a 10% discount.

To book visit golfeastlothian.com