Royal Burgess Golf Club

Royal Burgess Golf Club, established in 1735, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest golf club with continuous records. The club moved to its current location in Barnton, northwest Edinburgh, in 1895, where the course has evolved through contributions from several notable architects. Old Tom Morris laid out the original design at Barnton, with subsequent modifications by Willie Park, James Braid in the 1930s, and Mackenzie Ross in the post-war period. This layered design history reflects more than a century of thoughtful refinement. The parkland course occupies gently rolling terrain characteristic of Edinburgh's western suburbs, with mature trees lining many fairways and creating defined corridors of play. The layout measures around 6,500 yards from the championship tees and presents a traditional test that emphasizes accuracy and course management over pure length. Several holes feature elevated greens and strategic bunkering that rewards precise approach play, while the routing takes advantage of the natural contours to create variety in stance and shot-making demands. The club maintains strong traditions befitting its historical significance, with a membership that values both the competitive and social aspects of golf. The clubhouse, which dates to the Victorian era, houses artifacts and records documenting the club's long history. Royal Burgess has hosted numerous Scottish amateur championships and regional competitions, serving as an important venue in Edinburgh's rich golfing landscape alongside its neighbors Bruntsfield Links and Murrayfield.