Swanston Golf Courses and Practice Facilities Information 

You can join some or all of the facilities below, or simply pay'n'play (when available). 

Swanston golf course was the brainchild of a lady called Miss Carswell back in the 1920s.  She took out a lease on the land and set about laying out the course with Herbert More, Swanston's first greenkeeper. The original 9-hole layout was opened in 1928 as a ladies-only course but due to demand from the lady members' partners it was soon opened up to men and extended to 18 holes. Like most Scottish golf courses built in the boom years between 1880 and 1930, Swanston was built on the only land available in those days (ie: not prime agricultural land which was too valuable for food production). 

By 2005 the course was in need of major investment to bring it up to a higher standard and ensure its prosperity for another 80 years.  In 2006 work began on seven new holes which opened for play in March 2009, six of them on the neighbouring lower ground (previously agricultural fields) not available to Miss Carswell back in the 1920s.  Some improvements have been made to the 11 original holes without losing their character and more improvements are planned (with the space we now have any further modifications will not interrupt play). In May 2009 the new holes were officially opened by Gavin Hastings OBE, David McLetchie (MSP Edinburgh, Pentlands), Douglas Connon (SGU Chairman), Ethel Jack (SLGA President) and Lynne Kenny (Ladies European Tour Player).  See photo galleries for some of the photos. 
 

'Templar' 9-Hole Short-Course - Click here to see layout

When planning the improvements to the 18-hole layout a decision was made to secure the long-term future of golf at Swanston by providing facilities that would encourage new golfers of all ages to both try golf and hopefully progress through to being full members in the future.  To achieve this goal it was felt that one 18 hole course is not enough.  A separate course is essential to enable learners of the game to play without feeling the pressure of the more experienced golfer pushing from behind. 

It also works the other way, in that the experienced golfer, who should know better, can be less than sympathetic when stuck behind the less able, especially if it's his/her only game of the week.

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday the Templar course is played as a 6-hole 'competition' layout where 3 pairs of the par-3s are joined together to make 3 par-4s.  This is then played three times to make a par 63 18-hole course.  This is a great way for learners of the game to test themselves, achieve a handicap and progress towards playing on a full-size course.  In 2011 we are also using the 6 hole layout on Friday afternoons to enable Juniors to play a stableford format for handicap.

(Mens Medal Par 63 SSS 58, Ladies Par 63 SSS 61)

Like all good Disney movies there's plenty on this course that will challenge the kids, but also something in it for the adults. The greens for example are small but are made to a full USGA (sand based) specification should therefore be a joy to putt on for golfers of all abilities, and in all weather. 

The 12ft square Huxley Premier tees have been designed to enable a consistent ball strike without the mess that grass tees would become given the clubs used for short holes.

A round on the 'Templar' course takes less than an hour and is also great fun - whether you're 8 or 80 years-old, a scratch golfer or yet to get your first golf handicap.

Look out for our Annual Open Par-3 Championships that started in 2009. Five different age and ability categories to enable all the family to get involved and a chance to play in a match-play final!

Driving Range and Short-Game Practice Greens 

Swanston has a 350 yard driving range which is open to members and non-members (members receive 10% discount on range-balls).  There are also 3 different USGA (sand-based) greens available for practice or fun with your own balls.

In December 2009 Edinburgh City Council planning department has finally decided to approve our application to build a shelter on the range to protect golfers from the worst of the Scottish weather whilst hitting practice balls.   

Once we have built the new range building we aim to strengthen our coaching programmes and build relationships with local schools and other groups interested in improving their golf game.

Indoor teaching facility 

The building at the end of the carpark is being used as a temporary indoor teaching facility for our new PGA Professional Stuart Campbell to give lessons in poor weather until the new range building is constructed.