Archerfield Links

Archerfield Links is set within a 550 acre estate on Scotland’s iconic Golf Coast. Situated only twenty from Edinburgh city centre, yet enjoying the tranquillity of a venue much further afield from the hustle and bustle of the city, it offers two distinct championship standard courses, Dirleton Links and Fidra Links. Dirleton Links is rugged, resolutely Scottish and known as a golfer’s golf course. While Fidra Links is unquestionably one of Scotland’s most spectacular golf courses, famed for its views, rolling terrain and subtle green contours. Offering outstanding accommodation and dining options to visiting parties, state of the art practice facilities, and a warm welcome in the refined yet relaxed clubhouse, Archerfield Links is a must play venue when visiting Scotland’s Golf Coast. 

 

History: Archerfield’s origins trace back to the 11th century, with the estate being owned from 1663 by Lord Dirleton’s family. Archerfield House, the magnificent estate mansion which is central to today’s resort, was originally built in the late 17th century and later refined by John Douglas and Robert Adam. By the mid 19th century, a thirteen hole golf course was laid out for estate staff, and was later expanded to eighteen holes, around 1910.  The Second World brought Ministry of Defence control measures. The war itself and the M.O.D. control measures were both contributing factors in the course falling into disuse. In 2001, entrepreneur Kevin Doyle bought the estate and commissioned golf architect David J. Russell to design two new championship links courses: Fidra (opened 2004) and Dirleton (opened 2006). The near derelict Archerfield House was lovingly restored and building work commenced on the world class £55m golf resort we know today. Archerfield Links is a private members club noted for its modern design and historic legacy.

Dirleton Links: Known as the more rugged and traditionally Scottish of Archerfield’s two courses, Direlton Links is set against the stunning backdrop of the magnificent 17th century mansion, Archerfield House. It demands precision over power, with strategically placed gorse, bunkers, ditches and burns ensuring that accuracy is at a premium. When approach shots are true, golfers are met with immaculate greens that make putting an absolute pleasure. Dirleton Links offers a wonderful array of holes and while its par 5s are moderate in length, wayward shots especially on the back nine can be costly. The course has a wonderful reputation and is a must play venue on any Scottish golf break. Dirleton Links is an eighteen hole, par 72 (men & women), course. It has tees ranging from 5,393 to 6,946 yards.

Fidra Links: Designed by David J. Russell and officially opened in 2004, Fidra Links reflects modern championship standards while preserving the estate’s legacy. Towering Scots pines, a dramatic feature of the course, protect players from any breeze whipping in off the sea, and while the Fidra opens out into more traditional linksland from the short but devilish 12th, velvety greens hide all kinds of surprises. Rolling fairways and incomparable coastal views ensure the course is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most spectacular and is a must play venue during any Scottish golf holiday. Fidra Links is an eighteen hole, par 72 (men & women), course. It has tees ranging from 5,468 to 6,942 yards.. 

SGB Signature Hole: Course: Fidra. Number: Hole 4. Measuring 191 yards (back) and 135 yards (front) from the tee this par three is a standout. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the lighthouse on the iconic Fidra Island, which is believed to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, ‘Treasure Island’, the hole is modest in length but requires precision. Framed by towering Scots pines that aim to shield against coastal breezes, winds coming off the sea often still add to the challenge. Though accessible to all skill levels, scoring well on this hole demands a well struck tee shot, careful play and concentration as the breath-taking visual beauty of the hole and its surroundings may beguile you into a momentary lapse, which may prove to be costly.  

Clubhouse: The Archerfield Clubhouse is a refined yet relaxed haven. Set against the classic Scottish links, it features elegant locker rooms, hosting wooden lockers, showers, plush towels, robes, slippers, and offers a dedicated steward service. Visiting golfers are most welcome to use these facilities. The restaurant, bar and lounge serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily, (see food and dining section). The clubhouse also features a sun trap balcony terrace, adding further to its luxurious yet comfortably informal nature.

Professional Shop: The professional shop offers a carefully selected range of stylish golfing attire, high quality leisurewear, crested apparel and related products required for your day-to-day golfing needs. Caddie services, Buggy & Trolley hire, and golf club hire are all available at Archerfield Links.

Practice Facilities: Archerfield Links boasts first-class practice facilities, widely regarded as among the UK’s finest. The dual ended driving range, set on grass bays, also features four covered bays, fitted with ball tracing technology, enabling year round practice, no matter the weather. Two well-designed short game areas sit close to the clubhouse. Perfect for mastering bunker shots, chipping and pitching, these are complemented by three putting greens which are as beautifully maintained as the greens on the main courses themselves. In addition, Archerfield is home to a state of the art performance centre, staffed by experienced professionals and featuring industry leading tools for coaching and fitting. Whether honing long game skills, swing mechanics, refining short game techniques, testing equipment or warming up for a round, the practice facilities and performance centre at Archerfield Links combine traditional practice with modern technology and offer a comprehensive environment for golfers to elevate their game. 

 

Accommodation:

The estate at Archerfield Links offers a fabulous range of accommodation options to suit various groups sizes.

 

• Pavilion Suites: Twelve luxurious suites, situated in converted coach houses, with each designed to accommodate two guests, and featuring a lounge, kitchenette, generous en-suite facilities, Nespresso, Satellite TV and robes, and offering gym access, and estate transport.
• The Cottage: A cosy coastal retreat sleeping four and featuring two bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, a kitchenette, lounge/diner and offering private beach access, breakfast at the clubhouse, spa and gym access, and estate transport.
• The Lodges: Nine timber-built self-catering lodges sleeping three/four guests (some up to 8) and featuring open-plan living, private balconies, woodland views, robes, Wi-Fi and gym access.
• The Boathouse: A New England style property sleeping up to eight adults and featuring four bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, an open-plan lounge/kitchen, private bar, balconies, and offering beach access, plus use of spa and estate facilities.
• Marine Villa: A Victorian cliff-top villa, sleeping up to ten guests. Featuring four double/twin bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities, and two single bedrooms, two lounges, a dining room, private bar, and offering beach, gym and tennis court access, estate transport and private chef options.

 

Food & Dining: Archerfield Links offers an exceptional range of food & drink experiences within its Clubhouse Restaurant. Highlighting Scotland’s finest local produce, the menu features approachable classics, alongside seasonal specials inspired by East Lothian’s rich food larder. With breakfast, lunch, Sunday roasts, and a la carte dining options, guests can also enjoy an elevated Afternoon Tea, homemade scones, savoury finger sandwiches, pastries and sweets, with optional Gin or Champagne upgrades. The bar boasts a curated wine list, a range of champagnes, craft beers, espresso martinis and more. For in lodge stays (Lodges, Boathouse, Marine Villa), guests can book a private chef to design, prepare, serve and clear a bespoke, in house, gourmet dinner.

Leisure: Fletcher’s Cottage Spa is a rustic yet luxurious wellness sanctuary set within a tranquil walled garden. It features twelve treatment rooms, two bath huts for private candlelit aromatherapy or seaweed baths, and thermal facilities, including a marine salt steam room and a lavender sauna. Guests can unwind in the serene relaxation lounge, featuring log burners, enjoy a glass of champagne, then indulge in rejuvenating treatments, such as facials, massages, seaweed wraps and Rasul Mud treatments. Awarded “Scotland’s Best Spa” by The Telegraph, Fletcher’s Cottage Spa places an emphasises on a tailored, holistic experience which is managed by expert therapists.

 

Typical Packages include:

• Luxury accommodation to suit varying sizes of group
• A round on Dirleton Links
• A round on Fidra Links
• Dinner Reservation @ The Clubhouse Restaurant
• Spa Reservation @ Fletcher’s Cottage Spa
• Access to practice facilities
• Full Scottish Breakfast

 

Packages can be designed to your specification and group size, and can include alternative accommodation, additional courses across Edinburgh, and East Lothian, and or other regions within Scotland. 

 

Additional services:

• Airport or train station transfers (all sizes of groups catered for)
• Executive travel
• Caddie service

 

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