Golf at Dalmahoy centres on two contrasting 18-hole parkland courses set within a 1,000-acre country estate on the western edge of Edinburgh. The Championship East Course provides the headline challenge, while the shorter Resort West Course offers a more accessible alternative for mixed-ability groups and relaxed rounds.

Designed by five-time Open champion James Braid, the East Course is nicknamed “The Beast”. It can extend beyond 7,400 yards from the championship tees, although its regular yellow-tee layout measures a more manageable 6,684 yards and plays to a par of 73.

The East combines relatively generous fairways with Braid’s carefully placed bunkers and large, receptive greens. Golfers can therefore use the driver confidently on several holes, but wayward shots and poorly judged approaches are still punished. The 13th and 14th were introduced during a 2005 renovation and provide a tighter examination through the trees, before the course finishes with an impressive closing hole.

The course has hosted major events including the Solheim Cup, Scottish PGA Championship and Scottish Seniors Open. Dalmahoy is also remembered as the venue where Europe achieved its first Solheim Cup victory.

The par-68 West Course measures 5,168 yards from the white tees. It tests accuracy and short-game control through a mixture of par threes, shorter par fours and several demanding longer holes. Four teeing options and the ability to play shortened nine or 13-hole routes make it particularly suitable for beginners, occasional golfers and arrival-day rounds.

Practice facilities include a refurbished 12-bay floodlit driving range with heated covered bays, additional outdoor hitting areas, a short-game area, putting green and nine-hole pitch and putt course. The on-site hotel, restaurants and leisure club make it straightforward to include both main courses within the same golf break.