The Course
The Course
The Course
A Classic Traditional Links Test
Situated in the heart of East Lothian’s renowned golfing country, Luffness New Golf Club is a classic links course that sits on a coastline shared by Gullane, Muirfield, Renaissance and North Berwick. Few courses offer a more stimulating and authentic test of golf than Luffness New.
A traditional links layout, the course demands precision, patience, and strategic play rather than sheer power. Luffness New is just pure, unfiltered links golf. However, when the wind sweeps down the Firth of Forth and the rough thickens, the course transforms into a formidable test. Distinctive, well-placed bunkers further heighten the challenge, rewarding those who favour accuracy over aggression.
The fairways are immaculately maintained, providing a fair challenge to those who keep their shots straight, but stray too far, and trouble awaits. Bunkers are strategically positioned to punish errant shots, requiring skill and precision to escape. The greens are small, true, and always in excellent condition. Measuring 6,581 yards, Par 70, the course is manageable in calm conditions but becomes a stern test when the wind picks up.
As with all true links courses, the wind is an unpredictable hazard. Caddies have often been heard remarking, “It will take you three to be up there in two today, Sir,” a statement particularly fitting for the second, ninth, eleventh, fifteenth, and eighteenth holes.
The long fourth hole (572 yards) is a standout, featuring a deceptive hollow in front of the green that demands a well-judged approach. The eighth and twelfth holes are also worthy of praise, offering beautifully framed tee shots.
Conveniently, the fourth and twelfth greens are located near the clubhouse, allowing members to play various loops without having to trek back from the farthest reaches of the course. The club remains committed to continuous improvement, as demonstrated by the extension of 103 yards to the 15th hole, aptly named Freddie Tait.
Luffness New Golf Club blends tradition with challenge, offering an unforgettable golfing experience in one of Scotland’s most iconic golfing landscapes.
The Course Layout
Holes
Hole 1 – Luffness Mill
Favour the left of centre off the tee to avoid the fairway bunkers. The green slopes significantly from front to back, rewarding approaches left below the hole.
Par: 4
Length: 330
Stroke: 13
Hole 2 – Saltcoats
Two well-struck, accurate shots are required to reach a green that slopes gently from left to right. Precision is key.
Par: 4
Length: 447 yards
Stroke: 3
Hole 3 – Gullane
A challenging short hole where putts are rarely conceded. A tee shot that runs through the back leaves a delicate downhill chip.
Par: 3
Length: 192 yards
Stroke: 9
Hole 4 – Long
Aim on or slightly right of the marker post from the tee. The fairway slopes right to left, so positioning is crucial to set up your approach.
Par: 5
Length: 506
Stroke: 5
Hole 5 – Milestone
A bold tee shot flirting with the left fairway bunkers opens up the green for the second shot. The green is very quick from back to front—play your approach accordingly.
Par: 4
Length: 360 yards
Stroke: 11
Hole 6 – Quarry
A relatively gentle par 3 but beware of the hidden bunker at the rear left of the green. Club selection is important.
Par: 3
Length: 152
Stroke: 17
Hole 7 – Hill
A short par 4 with a blind drive. The ideal line is the white stone on Gullane Hill, but take care—there’s a fairway bunker waiting on the right.
Par: 4
Length: 323
Stroke: 15
Hole 8 – March
A tee shot favouring the left side of the fairway makes for a much easier second shot. The green slopes from front to back and can be deceptively quick—easy to run through.
Par: 4
Length: 413
Stroke: 7
Hole 9 – Inchkeith
A long drive aimed right of the marker post will naturally roll to the centre of the fairway due to the right-to-left downhill slope.
Par: 4
Length: 424 yards
Stroke: 1
Hole 10 – Benty
Better short than long on this par 3. A dangerous pot bunker lurks at the back left of the green, punishing overhit tee shots.
Par: 3
Length: 210 yards
Stroke: 16
Hole 11 – Peffer Bank
More forgiving down the right but beware the fairway bunker on that side. Ensure the bell is rung and heard before teeing off. Into an easterly wind, two strong and accurate shots are needed to reach the green.
Par: 4
Length: 442 yards
Stroke: 4
Hole 12 – Luffness
A visually intimidating tee shot with multiple bunkers in play. The second shot is played to a green that slopes away from front to back, requiring precise distance control.
Par: 4
Length: 365 yards
Stroke: 14
Hole 13 – Well
A straight drive avoiding the fairway bunkers sets up a straightforward approach to a relatively flat and receptive green.
Par: 4
Length: 401 yards
Stroke: 12
Hole 14 – Aberlady
A long par 5 typically played into the prevailing wind. Fairway bunkers must be avoided to stay in contention. An approach from the left side offers the best angle into the green.
Par: 5
Length: 552 yards
Stroke: 8
Hole 15 – Freddie Tait
The ideal tee shot avoids the two fairway bunkers and stops short of the final trap. This leaves the best line into a long, narrow green that demands an accurate approach.
Par: 4
Length: 420 yards
Stroke: 2
Hole 16 – Warren
A picturesque par 3 with sweeping views over Aberlady and Kilspindie. Take note of the space between the centre bunker and the front edge of the green when selecting your club.
Par: 3
Length: 163 yards
Stroke: 18
Hole 17 – Plantation
A ditch runs down the left side of the fairway—avoid it at all costs. More room awaits beyond the bunkers guarding the green than is visible from the fairway.
Par: 4
Length: 360 yards
Stroke: 6
Hole 18 – Home
The final hole features a tricky green with its own version of the ‘valley of sin,’ which captures the spirit of Tom Morris’s design. A par here is well-earned and a strong finish to a challenging round.
Par: 4
Length: 455 yards
Stroke: 10
