Golf in Edinburgh and the Lothians

SSS indicates the "standard scratch score," the score a scratch golfer could achieve in ideal conditions. Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre. VisitScotland provides a free leaflet on golf in Scotland, available from the Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre. 3 Princes St., East End, Edinburgh, EH2 2QP. 0131/625-8625. www.edinburgh.org.

Braid Hills. Known to locals as Braids, this 18-hole course first opened in 1897 and extends over several small hills 3 mi south of Edinburgh. Expect wonderful views on a clear day of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, North Berwick Law, and the Forth to Fife. The nearby 9-hole Princes course, which opened in 2003, is fun for beginners and families. Braids Hill Rd., Braidburn, Edinburgh, EH10 6JY. 0131/447-6666. www.edinburghleisuregolf.co.uk/courses/braid-hills. £20-£24. Braids: 18 holes, 5,865 yds, par 70; Princes: 9 holes, 2,006 yds, par 31.

Bruntsfield Links. Several tournaments are held each year at this championship course, opened in 1898 a couple of miles northwest of the city. 32 Barnton Ave., Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh, EH4 6JH. 0131/336-2006. www.bruntsfieldlinks.co.uk. Weekdays £65, weekends £70. 18 holes, 6,446 yds, par 71.

Duddingston. You can find this public parkland course, founded in 1895, 2 mi east of the city. A key feature and a perilous golfing hazard amid its undulating terrain is the Braid Burn. Duddingston Rd. W, Duddingston, Edinburgh, EH16 3QD. 0131/661-7688. www.duddingstongolfclub.co.uk. £38. 18 holes, 6,525 yds, Par 72.

Liberton. This rolling public parkland course built in 1920 has tight fairways and smallish greens. Kingston Grange, 297 Gilmerton Rd., Liberton, Edinburgh, EH16 5UJ. 0131/664-3009. www.libertongc.co.uk. Weekdays £31, weekends £36. 18 holes, 5,344 yds, Par 67.

Lothianburn. You can see fine views of the Midlothian countryside from this hillside course, founded in 1893. It's located 6 mi south of the city. Biggar Rd., Fairmilehead, Edinburgh, EH10 7DU. 0131/445-2288. www.lothianburngc.co.uk. Weekdays £15, weekends £20. 18 holes, 5,692 yds, Par 71.

Murrayfield. Only five minutes from the city center, this heathland-style course is kept in fine condition and commands outstanding views over Edinburgh. 43 Murrayfield Rd., Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 6EU. 0131/337-3478. www.murrayfieldgolfclub.co.uk. £40. 18 holes, 5,781 yds, Par 70.