This is my second time here. First was years ago for a New Year's party that was held here and back…read morethen it was fun. Fast forward to now, we stopped in again for some music and mingling on New Year's Day. It was also great and nice to have family that's members which makes the visit memorable. Just being introduced to the staff and other members whom were all very lovely made us feel very welcomed. Takes the ease off of something new even though I've been. The place was already lively when we walked in. The band was going and keeping everyone entertained. The crowd was all there for the same reason, enjoying the music and start of new years. Kids running around, beers and drinks kept rolling, music keeping everyone entertained and even on the dance floor. Everyone knows each other which makes it more pleasant. A fun afternoon just enjoying great company and good music. The clubhouse isn't overly big but welcoming. There's a bar inside which also serves food. The course is quite beautiful. Smaller compared to others in Scotland but it does have its charm. And of course, it's very green and well maintained....lol.... Better be green with all the rain.... We'll see when the next time I'm here for the holidays if they'll have something going on.

I played Glencruitten May 2, 2011. I was planning playing golf by myself when a gentilman named…read moreMartin asked if we could pair up? I said sure. A better decsion I don't think I could have made. Not only was he local but a very good player and he also was like a caddie to me. No WAY can you play this course for the first time by yourself. This is a HARD course to read for the first time. 5-6 holes are blind up hill shots where you do not know where or how large the greens are. There were times I thought to hit left and Martin said no hit right. There were times I thought I had to aim for the green (flag) and he said no hit short or to the left/right of the green and let your ball role. All can say it is a greal little course, very challenging. a LOT of up hill and down hill walking. Great people that run the course. No real dress code (You can wear shorts) Just a great golf expereince!

This is a great golf course and I would highly recommend it. The pro shop is of top notch quality…read morealong with the bar. The quality of the course can vary but it is fairly satisfactory at this present day. One of the only downsides is the locker room because things have moved on since the 1970's so the golf club would look so much better if it was improved like the bar. The vast majority of members here are all really cheery (hopefully that will continue) and the boys in the pro shop are extremely well natured giving top quality lessons. A perfect club for beginner golfers or professional golfers with a fantastic course home to breathtaking views of the Clyde, Loch Lomond and Glen Fruin.

The last place I would have expected to find a golf course was inside a public park, but that's…read moreexactly what I found on a walk through Alexandra Park! I'm not a huge fan of golf (since I suck!) but my boyfriend & his brother have been teaching me the basics on this course, plus I really like how they have shaped the course around the park as it fits in perfectly with all the walk ways and other scenery. The course starts just behind the bowling green's towards the back of the park and inside the bowling green area is the building where the admission for the course is "paid" (although from what I've seen very few people actually pay to play here). The course has 9 holes, most of which are a par 3, with three par 4's. I'd say the course is well suited to beginners and moderate players, you're certainly not going to see a Tiger Woods level player teeing off here! I would say that the course is also kept in pretty good condition as The fairways & greens are very good but the tee off areas could be doing with some maintenance. I think this is a pretty good course in general with some good challenges for those just starting out like myself. A few negatives to point out would be that, because the course is in a public park, there is very little security so it can be a common occurrence finding yourself trying to avoid beer bottles or cans with your feet as you're taking certain shots. Also, don't be surprised if some holes are missing the flag as some goofballs seem to think it's cool to take these which can cause some confusion aiming shots blindly at the green! The final thing I would say that is super frustrating is that because the course is very spread out, you can often find people randomly jumping onto the course & beginning their round from random holes.....very annoying when they decide to jump on at the hole in front of the one you are currently on holding up your round!! All in all I think the course is pretty good in spite of those negatives. It's very ideally located, well maintained and a good course for people of average skill level, which I'd imagine most of the people who play here are at!

I'm not a golfer, so I can only comment on the aesthetic qualities of this public golf course!…read more It's the first one of its kind I've come across and knowing how expensive golf memberships can be, I think it's a fantastic idea. Having relocated to Bruntsfield for the last month or so, I've had to walk through the Links to the adjoining Meadows park at least fifty times! It's been pleasant and relaxing though, and like all the public parks in Edinburgh it's wonderfully maintained; old gnarley trees not out of place in Edins and plenty of plush, green grass! Size-wise, there are no extensive holes, and I'd say it's a place better designed to practice putting. It's well utilized by the location population, usually irrespective of the weather, and for the non-golfing folk such as myself, it's a great place to relax with a book or have a little picnic. Granted you MIGHT get hit in the head by a golf ball, but there are areas where this risk is significantly reduced.

The Links are a hillier alternative to Meadows. It's also way emptier most of the time. Beware of…read moregolfers, though. They're merciless, or at least I generally assume they are. I'd say it's a safe assumption to make of all people who wield metal rods. And hit things with it. On purpose. Rumour goes that the Links are hilly because there are thousands of plague victims buried there. The same goes for Greyfriar's Graveyard. But that makes more sense than a public park. The Links has a spectacular view of Arthur's Seat (on the days there isn't fog and generally miserable weather), and as you walk up towards the end of the park and look up towards Bruntsfield you'll get a great glimpse of the waterfront too. In the Summertime, it's a perfect place to go if you're feeling particularly sentimental at around 4 in the morning after a party or two, to watch the sunrise. Yes, the sun rises around 4-5 am here now. You may as well go crazy and watch the sunset around 10-11 from there too!

I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of golf clubs. I just can't get my head round their elitist…read moreattitude and petty rules. As a twenty something year old woman, I take great issue with being instructed to carry my drinks from the bar to the table on a tray, particularly when the table is only a foot away and all I bought was a glass of water. I feel particularly daft doing this while wearing plaid trousers and a brown cord flat cap being forced to adhere to the club's strict dress code. However, I do like Ralston Golf Club. I have attended a few functions here over the years and it is nicer than your average place to tee, or whatever it is golfers do. The club is framed by huge windows which is particularly pleasant when the light streams in on a sunny day. There is also a courtyard when the weather is nice enough to sit outside. Drinks at the bar are also very cheap which is always a point scorer in my book.

As a non-golfer, I'm afraid I cannot comment on the quality of the course here, but as clubhouses…read morego, this place is top notch. A grand building to look at from the outside, the exterior is matched by a classy interior which represents a fantastic venue for weddings, christenings, birthday parties and the like. What's more the food on offer, although not spectacular, is good hearty fare, while the members in here tend to be a little less old-school than elsewhere. Indeed, I swear I once even saw a woman wearing trousers in here. Honestly, I'm not making it up.

Beautiful House with extensive gardens, boating pond, 9 hole & crazy golf, kids play area &…read morehistoric significance. Great for weddings & well worth a visit.

Lovely gardens, a great big park for kids. plenty of space to run arou and its free!read more

You know how golf clubs tend to be a little on the snooty side, immaculately presented and governed…read moreby a host of strict house rules? Well imagine a club that was the complete opposite of that. Take away the club house itself. Now add broken Buckfast bottles and cart in a load of crushed Tennent's Super cans. Congratulations, you have just imagined Knightswood Golf Course. While the cheap local resource is fine for non-golfers like me to batter a few balls about the nine holes on offer, if you are in anyway a serious golfer just part with the extra cash to play at a top notch course. Somehow hitting a hole in one feels slightly less impressive when the players behind you are swigging MD2020 and calling you a "banger" as you line your shot up.

Good for a wee practice roundread more

what a great place, what charming staff. went in on a miserable rainy afternoon and they couldnt…read morehave been nicer to myself and the kids. the bacon rolls and coffee were also rather gorgeous.

This is one of the best links golf courses in Scotland if not the world. Difficult to get to from…read moreEdinburgh - it is a long but stunning drive. You can also fly from Glasgow Airport. The first hole is one of the best opening holes in golf hitting over the Machrihanish beach. Even if you do take on too much beach you usually still have a shot from the firm sand. Retire to the clubhouse to sample the superb local Springbank malt. You will definitely want to come back to play it again.

This must be one of the best if least known links courses in Scotland. Its a long haul to get…read morethere. The numerous bunkers, small but well tended green, punishing rough and an ever present wind from a breeze to a full blown gale make it a superb test of golf. When you think you have mastered it the weather and wind will change and its a different course. The first hole really is one of the most testing in the world. After a great days golf you will find the warmest of welcomes in the Clubhouse which offers good food and an extensive range of whisky