Craigielaw

Craigielaw

Craigielaw

Craigielaw | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts

Craigielaw may well be one of the most picturesque venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list thanks to its location on the East Lothian coastline of Scotland. The venue has a stunning Donald Steel-designed golf course, along with a 30-room Lodge that provides the accommodation. 
 
The golf course is another to add to the portfolio of Donald Steel, one that includes every single Open Championship venue, including Prestwick, Royal Birkdale and Royal St George’s. Steel’s offering at Craigielaw has both links and inland features to it, providing a real test for golfers of all abilities. The venue has played host to the Scottish Seniors Open in the past, with Paul Lawrie among the winners at Craigielaw.  
 
The Lodge at Craigielaw provides the accommodation for guests of the resort. There are 30 rooms at the Lodge - coming in the form of Twins, Singles, Doubles and Family Rooms, offering something for all parties. The rooms provide views of either the golf course and the sea view, or of the glorious courtyard at the resort.  
 
Golf is not the only pastime to be enjoyed during a stay on the East Lothian coastline. Guests of the Craigielaw resort are within reach of plenty of beaches and attractions. Those that do want more golf, have plenty of choice in the region.  
 
 
  
Visit the Craigielaw website here.  
 

Craigielaw Overview | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts

A New East Coast Challenge

Craigielaw is one of the newest courses to be constructed on the east coast of Scotland. Donald Steel was the main man behind the design of the layout, which has incredible views of the Firth of Forth. A stone wall separates the course from the neighbouring Kilspindie Golf Club, and Craigielaw has a different feel. There are some links aspects to the layout, but there is also an inland feel to several holes on the Steel-design.  
 
The venue achieved championship status just five years on from its opening. It has gone on to play host to the Scottish Seniors Open in 2018 and 2019, along with being a qualifying venue for the British Seniors Open. The course is less than 6,500 yards and the second nine is considerably longer than the first, so build your score on the way out. Throughout the course the greens are often undulating, so it is important to not leave yourself with too many long putts as they can quickly ruin your card.  
 
“It’s small, elevated greens are so fortified by bunkering and fall-offs that on windy days, even the best players are sometimes unable to find a way to hold certain greens in regulation. And windy days are hardly unusual here.” - Darius Oliver in ‘The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses: Volume 1 – Great Britain and Ireland’ 
  
The course opens with the shortest par 4 on the course, and a gentle opener. Some may try and drive the 310-yard 1st but there are three greenside bunkers lurking. The 2nd and 4th are long par 5s, the latter being more than 575 yards long, while the 3rd is the first of five par 3s you will find at Craigielaw.  
 
11 is one of the most interesting holes on the course, played downhill towards the Firth of Forth. The par 5 features out of bounds territory to the left, just a matter of yards from the fairway down its entire length, so you simply must keep the ball straight. A devious burn also cuts across the fairway just short of the green, so hitting and hoping simply isn't a choice. The closing hole at Craigielaw is also a par 5 and supplies one final birdie opportunity. Sand only comes in to play in the last 100 yards of the hole, with five bunkers ready to catch any mishits shots.  

The Lodge at Craigielaw

Craigielaw might not have the largest array of accommodation that you will find compared to other venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list. However, the Lodge at Craigielaw offers all its guests and comfortable and luxurious stay on the east coast of Scotland.  
 
The Lodge opened in 2013 to turn Craigielaw into the golfing resort that it is today. There are 30 rooms in the Lodge at Craigielaw, each coming with flat-screen TV’s, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and an en-suite bathroom. 
 
There are Single, Twin, Double and Family Rooms available at the resort. Each of these four options can either come with a sea view, looking out over both the Craigielaw and Kilspindie courses, or with a view of the resort’s courtyard. Cots can also be provided for younger families making the trip to the east coast of Scotland. 

Local Attractions

East Lothian is an incredible part of the country, and there is plenty to do in the region. In terms of golf, there is plenty to choose from... Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane No.1, No.2 and No.3, Archerfield Links, Longniddry and of course Kilspindie, are all within a short drive from Craigielaw.  
 
There are also plenty of walks in the area, along gorgeous stretches of beach and Scottish coastline. The Scottish Seabird Centre, Museum of Flight and Glenkinchie Distillery are also within a short distance, while the Scottish capital of Edinburgh is only 15 miles west.  

FAQs about Craigielaw

Where is Craigielaw?  
Craigielaw Golf Club is located on the eastern coastline of Scotland. It is one of many courses in East Lothian, along with the likes of North Berwick, Musselburgh, Archerfield and Gullane No.1, No.2 and No.3. Edinburgh, the nation’s capital city, is just 15 miles to the west along the East Lothian coastline. 

What is the nearest airport and station to Craigielaw?
 
Edinburgh Airport services the Midlothian and East Lothian regions of Scotland. Located on the opposite side of the capital city to Craigielaw, it is around a 45-minute drive, traffic depending. Edinburgh Airport operates many daily flights to European destinations, along with flights to North America as well.  
 
Longniddry is the nearest train station to the resort, which sits on the train line between Edinburgh and North Berwick. A train goes in each direction every hour. Longniddry Train Station is just three miles from Craigielaw. 

What golf facilities does Craigielaw offer?
 
Away from the championship golf course, Craigielaw is also home to some stunning practice facilities. At the resort's southern side lies the driving range, which features covered and uncovered bays. There is also a putting green by the first tee, for golfers to work out the pace of the greens before taking to the course.  

Does Craigielaw offer golf lessons?
 
Craigielaw is home to its own Golf Academy, where teaching professionals are on hand to provide golfers of all abilities with lessons and coaching. Individual and group lessons are available, along with a short game package.  

What are the green fees at Craigielaw?
 
The price of a green fee at Craigielaw changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay & play packages available at the resort.  
 
For more information on current green fees at Craigielaw, visit their website here

What accommodation is on offer at Craigielaw?
 
The Lodge at Craigielaw, which opened in 2013, gives the accommodation options to guests of the Scottish resort. The Lodge has 30 rooms, that come in a range of Single, Twin, Double and Family Rooms. Half of the property offers rooms with sea views, looking out over the golf course and into the distance.  

What other resorts are nearby?
 
Craigielaw is the only resort in the county of East Lothian, both Dalmahoy and Cardrona are within an hour from Craigielaw. Both resorts, along with Schloss Roxburghe – which is within 50 miles – are on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list.  
 
  
  
Visit the Craigielaw website here.