
Portobello Course
Portobello Golf Club
About this course
Portobello Golf Club sits on the eastern edge of Edinburgh, occupying a narrow strip of parkland between the Firth of Forth and the residential neighborhoods of Portobello. Established in 1853, it ranks among Scotland's older clubs, though the current nine-hole layout dates from later modifications as the original links ground was gradually lost to urban development and coastal erosion. The course plays along relatively flat terrain close to sea level, with the proximity to the water bringing wind into play despite the modest yardage. The layout runs out and back in traditional fashion, with holes routed parallel to the shoreline. Mature trees line several fairways, and the course features small, well-bunkered greens that require accurate approach play. While lacking the dramatic elevation changes or expansive dunes of Scotland's championship links, Portobello offers straightforward golf in a pleasant parkland setting with glimpses of the Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife beyond. The club maintains a local membership character typical of Edinburgh's municipal and members' clubs, serving as an accessible option for city golfers. Its location within the capital makes it a convenient venue for those seeking a quick nine holes without traveling to the more remote links courses along the East Lothian coast. The clubhouse reflects the club's Victorian origins, and the course provides a modest but genuine example of Scottish golf's urban tradition.
Quick facts
- Location
- Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, Scotland
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1922
- Holes
- 9
- Par
- 32
- Length
- 2,566 yards
- Difficulty
- 34.4/116
Getting there
The journey to Portobello Golf Club begins at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), a mere fifteen-minute drive west of the city centre, or alternatively via Glasgow Airport (GLA) for those arriving from further afield. From the airport, the route traces into Edinburgh's elegant Georgian quarters before descending toward the Firth of Forth, where the clubhouse emerges on the windswept links land that borders the estuary - a landscape of golden grasses and distant water that speaks to Scotland's uncompromising golf heritage. For those arriving by private aviation, Turnhouse Airfield provides discreet access within the city limits. The final approach unfolds along the quiet coastal roads of Leith, where the club's modest but dignified entrance marks the threshold between Edinburgh's urban fabric and the raw, salt-tinged terrain where Portobello's challenging layout has tested golfers for generations.

FAQ
Common questions about Portobello
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Yes. Portobello is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Portobello is 32.
Portobello plays 2,566 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Portobello is 116.
Portobello is a 9-hole course.



