An interview with Derek Scott, the Manager of Craigielaw Golf Club.
Craigielaw Golf Club in East Lothian is located on Edinburgh’s golfing coastline, a short drive from Winton House and just half an hour east of the city. Winton, with its grand dinners, top quality accommodation and activities, puts together fantastic tailored golfing holidays and corporate hospitality experiences with Craigielaw Golf Club.
Craigielaw is a 6600 yard, par 7 links course which is fully open all year round and is considered “quite challenging”. It has breathtaking views over Aberlady Bay and the Firth of Forth and is rich in wildlife – hares, grey partridges, greenshanks, plovers and oystercatchers.
Derek Scott, manager at Craigielaw and one of the five golf professionals at the Club, says:
“People like to visit us because we offer traditional Scottish links golf in a modern, relaxed environment. We don’t want visitors to be concerned about making a fool of themselves at the first tee!
“We see ourselves as an extension of Winton House’s facilities. Winton is ideal if clients want something unique, like a really special dinner. Visitors can stay overnight in the rooms in the House or in the large, 4 and 5 star self-catering farmhouses. This makes for a flexible arrangement – it’s not like being tied to a hotel.
“Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome at Winton. Some venues are more formal and that can make visitors feel out of place. Despite its history and Scottish Renaissance grandeur, Winton is not too formal. Craigielaw is the same. Modern businesses and professional like this relaxed atmosphere. Craigielaw is also part of an estate and has a similar feel and business ethos to Winton.
“Early in 2008 Craigielaw and Winton House hosted a golf competition and dinner for new Members of the Scottish Parliament and political journalists. The MSPs were blown away by the quality of the course, the relaxed ambience and the welcome and dinner at Winton House.
“Some visitors come to Craigielaw for between 3 days and a week. Even American parties rarely come for longer than a week although they do cram a lot in, often playing 2 rounds a day. Visitors can also play some of the other excellent local golf courses at Gullane, North Berwick and Dunbar for a bit of variety.”
The course at Craigielaw was designed by Donald Steel, the architect who works for the St Andrews Royal and Ancient Club as well as other Open venues. Sixteen championships, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Championship and qualifying rounds for the 2007 British Seniors Open, have been held at Craigielaw. The golf course includes a six hole practice course and a grass driving range so that visitors can work on their game.
You can find out more about Craigielaw Golf Club at www.craigielawgolfclub.com
