About the course
Craigielaw sits on the edge of the village of Aberlady in East Lothian, on low coastal ground overlooking Aberlady Bay and the Firth of Forth. The links was built on sandy former farmland rather than among big dunes, and its most distinctive feature is the old drystone walling that crosses the property and comes into play on several holes.
The course opened in 2001. It was laid out by Tom Mackenzie, then working with Donald Steel and now a partner in Mackenzie & Ebert. The aim was a links in the spirit of the famous neighbouring courses, with deep bunkers, firm fescue turf and large greens. A six-hole par 3 academy course was added alongside the main layout.
The round opens with a short par 4 that doglegs from left to right to a raised green, an early invitation to take on the corner. The par 3 3rd is played with the Firth of Forth as its backdrop, while the 4th, a long par 5 with a stone wall running down the entire right side and thick rough on the left, is usually rated the hardest hole on the card.
The large greens ask for precise iron play rather than heroics with the driver, and the bunkers are deep enough to cost a shot whenever an approach drifts. On a calm day there are plenty of birdie chances, but the breeze off the bay changes the clubbing quickly, and the closing par 5 offers a last chance to score only when the wind allows.
Why we recommend it
Craigielaw is a handy base for golf in East Lothian, about 30 minutes from Edinburgh. Although it is a modern links, it blends so naturally into the landscape that it feels much older, and it looks across Aberlady Bay towards Gullane and the Fife coast. The on-site lodge and good practice facilities make it easy to stay and play, with Gullane, North Berwick and Muirfield all a few minutes away. It suits groups of mixed ability looking for a well-kept, friendly club.
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| Ranking Scotland | 93 |
| Architect | Mackenzie Ebert |
| Year of foundation | 2001 |
| Par Course | 72 |
| Number of holes | 18 |