Royal Musselburgh Golf Club

Royal Musselburgh Golf Club sits in Prestonpans, just east of Edinburgh along the Firth of Forth coastline in East Lothian. The club traces its lineage to the historic Musselburgh Links, one of the oldest playing grounds in golf, though the current course at Prestonpans dates to the early twentieth century. James Braid, the five-time Open Champion who became one of Scotland's most prolific course architects, designed the layout that members play today. The course occupies relatively flat terrain near the shoreline, characteristic of the coastal links land in this part of East Lothian. While not a pure links in the mold of nearby Muirfield or Gullane, the routing reflects Braid's understanding of strategic golf on modest topography. The design emphasizes positioning and accuracy rather than dramatic elevation changes, with bunkering and green contours providing the primary defenses. Royal Musselburgh holds the distinction of being one of the older clubs in Scotland, having received its royal designation in recognition of its historical significance to the game. The club maintains traditional Scottish golf culture, with a members-focused atmosphere that reflects its long heritage. The course serves as a quieter alternative to the championship venues that dominate East Lothian's golfing reputation, offering a straightforward test of golf in a region celebrated for its concentration of quality courses. Its proximity to Edinburgh and position within Scotland's golf coast make it a representative example of Braid's work during his prolific design period.