Archerfield Links — Local services in Scotland

Archerfield Links – Dirleton course

I suppose the best place to start this review is even before getting to the course as it’s really when I knew I was in for something special. I called and got popped through to the Secretary line where I spoke to Lisa and Andrew about if they had some tee times available for the afternoon for me to come and review the course as I had just finished reviewing The Glen Golf Club and was in the area. Lisa and Andrew were incredibly helpful in organising a tee time for me and welcoming me into the club when I arrived. As soon as I drove into the estate I knew I was in for a special afternoon – the phrase ‘’Hidden Gem’’ is used a lot but Golfing Paradise isn’t used enough and this is exactly what Archerfield is. Driving through the estate I couldn’t believe how pristine everything was and driving by the Renaissance Club so soon after the Scottish Open gave me chills and I really wanted to drive down and take a look but resisted my golfing urges. When I got to the Links clubhouse section I immediately noticed the practice range and chipping area which is as good if not better than any other club I have ever been at and reminded me a lot of the academy at Gleneagles and anytime it’s in company with courses like that…you know it’s good. The team greeted me and got me sorted out with the usual collectables I get in the shop when I got to do my reviews ( logo ball etc ) although I was rushed given how late it was and forgot my usual bag tag and flag combo. I didn’t have time for a warm up but fortunately had played the Glen already and was pretty loose but I’m hoping to go back and review the Fidra and Renaissance at some point and knowing in advance I’ll plan to use all the practice facilities and really take it all in more. I headed off to the 1st tee and this was my 1st time playing a David J Russell course and my o my can that man design a golf course. The 1st is a great opening hole that really sets you up for your ready and lets you know what your in for. The views from the course are absolutely incredible although putting infront of a wedding at the 7th was a nerve wracking experience. I met a few members on the 8th that were telling me a bit about their experience and I loved the passion they had and I also appreciated how friendly they were and them letting me play through. The halfway house is just perfect for a quick stop over before tackling the back 9 of the course and I really did need to recharge before taking on the lovely burn running infront of the 10th green. The green on every hole rolled exceptionally well and the whole course felt challenging but fair which is what I look for in a great design. Reward the good shots and punish the bad ones and although that sounds obvious the more courses I’ve reviewed the more I’ve seen places that don’t have that balance quite right yet but Dirleton certainly does. Once I came off my round I had another quick wander round the clubhouse as I was pretty rushed to make my tee time earlier and I noticed the Ethos in a few places – ‘’We play a different game’’ and I really think this is appropriate it’s not just a golf courses it’s a golf experience you’ll never forget and I really hope I’ll get back to review the other courses at some point on my travels.

Thanks again to Lisa and Andrew for organising me a time and hope to see you again soon for what I’m sure will be another...

Archerfield was easily the lowlight of our tour up to fife and the lothians.

The setup comes across as trying very hard to be a country club for rich americans, with an impersonal and actually pretty classless clubhouse and one of the most ridiculous changing rooms i have ever seen.

While it may be better manicured, the Fidra lacks and of the flair, soul or ingenuity in its design than makes Scottish golf great. Most of the best links land up by the coast seems to have been fenced off for the millionaire second homes that surround every fairway. What a waste in what was once a beautiful wild place to walk between two of the great courses of the world.

At £500 for a late afternoon 2 ball, about the same as to play Portrush and £100 more than North Berwick, it was also easily the worst value golf round i have ever had. A tragedy considering what the area has to offer. Go and play both Gullane courses in the same day and your bank account will look the same but you would have had...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We rented a house at Archerfield Estate in East Lothian to celebrate my wife’s 40th birthday and treat her and her friends to a lovely spa day. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. The spa, staff, food, and accommodation were all outstanding—everything was beautifully set up, and no detail was overlooked.

Even when unexpected storm damage meant we had to move properties, the team went above and beyond to ensure everything was handled seamlessly. Their care and attention made us feel truly looked after.

Archerfield Estate exceeded all our expectations, and we couldn’t have asked for better treatment. Thank you for making such a special occasion even...