Dunbar, a historic coastal town with a ruined castle overlooking twin harbours, has a rich golfing heritage dating back to the 17th century. Established in 1856, Dunbar Golf Club initially featured a fifteen-hole layout, later expanded to eighteen holes by Old Tom Morris in 1894. Further enhancements occurred in the early 20th century, with additional land acquisition and the construction of four new holes, followed by bunker advice from Ben Sayers and James Braid in 1923, resulting in sixty-one new sand traps.
Situated along a narrow strip of land, Dunbar’s course offers picturesque views of the North Sea and Bass Rock. The layout begins with flat, park-like holes before transitioning into classic links-style terrain, where wind plays a significant role. Notable is the “Jackson’s Pennies” par three, named after a local businessman who rewarded successful players with a penny in the 1920s. Despite its modest length of 6,597 yards, Dunbar East Links presents a challenging round, complemented by its rich historical backdrop, making it a must-visit destination in East Lothian.
