Luffness New golf club - 16 POINTS
There are few places in the world with the strength and depth of the self-styled ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’. East Lothian is a golfing Mecca and Gullane is pretty much at the centre of things. Virtually every golfer visiting the area will have taken the journey from Edinburgh on the A198 coast road and passed Luffness as they swung around the corner towards Gullane.
Very few however will actually have played a round at Luffness New. Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane 1 are seen as the must-plays in the area. When it comes to adding on some extra rounds, many will consider Kilspindie, Dunbar or Gullane 2; at the higher end the Renaissance and Archerfield may factor.
Historically, Luffness has had a reputation for being something of a stuffy club where visitors are frowned on. In recent years though they have been more accommodating to visitors and, like at Muirfield, you will get a warm welcome
So, what to to expect from the golf course? While you don’t get particularly close to the water at any stage you will find that the ground is true links terrain. The ball will roll a long way when it hits the ground at any time of year, but expect plenty of bumps and swales to divert the ball on its path. The course isn’t tricked up but you will find enough quirks to keep it interesting. Luffness isn’t golf on the grand scale of Muirfield, or even Gullane 1. It is suited to quick play - members usually pay foursomes and they get round in about 3 hours. It is a really accessible course that will ask you plenty of questions. Some strategy is needed but you don’t risk feeling beaten up.
But there are two significant caveats. Firstly, the wind can be a real issue. There is little shelter on the course and, if you get a windy day, expect to feel your swing battered and the ball buffeted. And the state of the rough can really change the challenge. In the winter it dies back and you will have no problem locating and progressing your ball. However, in the summer months, if there have been periods of significant rain, then you can expect the ferocious rough to add several shots to your score. There is nothing you can do about either and so you need to adjust your game accordingly, reigning it in from the tee and keeping the ball low. Proper Scottish golf is required!
Luffness New Scorecard
The first 5 holes are based around the clubhouse on the right hand side of the main road as you drive towards Gullane. The first is a really lovely opening hole. It’s only around 300 yards but the green is surrounded by an array of pot bunkers and positioning is everything. That is a theme all the way around Luffness - it’s not about blasting the ball as far as you can but about thinking where you want to put it from the tee to leave your best chance of getting near to the pin.
The bunkering and green complexes are probably the strongest thing about Luffness. There are several holes where well placed cross-bunkers make you think and it is so nice to see bunkers that were designed to be positioned on the edge of the fairways still there, with original mowing lines held. But is around the green that they really come into their own. There are some pot bunkers that will really have you scratching your head when you try to escape then and get anywhere near the pin.
Some criticise those opening 5 holes as being too benign, but I disagree. You are certainly eased into the round but, with a par 3, 4, and 5 all included, you get to use plenty of clubs and can get a score going before crossing over to the meat of the course.
When you get over the road, the course moves up Gullane Hill on the charming par 4 7th and the tougher 8th, before turning towards Aberlady Bay. If you are looking for a fine example of cross-bunkering then look no further than the 17th - three bunkers perched about 50 yards short of the green that will play tricks with your mind. The 18th is a strong finishing hole with a dogleg bringing you back to the A198. The passing cars are protected from lengthy approach shots with some well-places mounds.
This isn’t a long course at 6,500 yards, but it is a par 70 and the white tees, clocking in just under 6,000 yards was plenty for us.
Luffness New deserves to be considered more frequently as a worthy addition to a trip to East Lothian. I really enjoyed the round there and most golfers will too. If you come expecting the challenge of Muirfield or majestic elevation changes of Gullane you will be disappointed. But if you are looking for a pleasant stroll which won’t beat you up then Luffness New is your friend!
BOOKING THE COURSE
There’s plenty of information on the Luffness website and you can find details here. Basically, there are tee times available in the mornings and afternoons every day bar Saturday, and the times mean you can very easily combine a round with another 18 holes in the area on the same day. The green fee is £175, dropping to £110 in the low season. There is no ‘live’ booking facility on the site but you can submit a form online and they will get back to you pretty quickly with some options.
Prices correct as of August 2023.
TOUR TIPS
Firstly, some tips about playing at the club itself. Luffness is slightly old school in that you will not be allowed in the bar or lounge after 9:45am unless you have a jacket and tie so if you want to stay for refreshments, do take the right clothes with you. Both the lunch and wine list are excellent so I would encourage you to stay to eat if your schedule allows it. You don’t have to share tables with the members a la Muirfield but you will have a fun experience.
Luffness is a two minute drive from the centre of the village of Gullane (you could walk but it would take 15 minutes along the main road - there is a pavement). If you are looking for advice on an itinerary in the area then have a look at one of my blogs - planning an East Lothian Golf Trip on a Budget and how to do an East Lothian Golf Trip in Style.
If you have a group looking for someone to stay then have a look at One Fairways in Gullane. I have a vested interested in this as it is a holiday let I have set up aimed at the golfer looking for luxury accommodation in the heart of Gullane.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to great golf in the area. My advice to most people is try to mix and match between the gods of Muirfield and North Berwick and the more quirky courses like Luffness, Kilspindie and Dunbar. Even if you can’t get on to Muirfield or North Berwick you will still have a great golf holiday in the area.
Luffness New Golf Club
Aberlady
East Lothian
EH32 OQA
Phone: +44 01620 843336
E-mail: secretary@luffnessnew.com
Web: www.luffnessnew.com
