Braid Hills

Braid Hills offers the best chance for views of Edinburgh's landmarks. Starting in the west with the airport, your eye at various points can take in the Castle, Arthur's Seat, North Berwick Law and over the Forth to Fife. It is arguably Scotland’s leading public course outside St Andrews and it shaped the games of (predictably) James Braid and also Tommy Armour. Unlike most courses in Edinburgh, here mature trees are replaced by tonnes of gorse, so if you go in May when it's in bloom you will be greeted by an ocean of yellow lining the fairways.

Because it is set down on rolling land you always encounter lots of sidehill lies, the greens are fairly small with big drop-offs, and there is frequently a little breeze. It is brilliant fun - including a few blind tee shots where you have to hit the ball over markers.