Swanston New Golf Club
4.3
47 reviews
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Price Guide: £££ | HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Course Information
Swanston New Golf Club, is a 27 hole golf club with the 18 hole, par 68 Swanston Course & 9 hole, par 60 Templar Course. A private golf course where everyone is welcome
27 holes | Par Swanston Course 68; Templar Course 60 | Swanston Course 5763,Templar Course 2706 yards | Private | Parkland
View more golf courses in Lothian
Address: 111 Swanston Road, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH10 7DS United Kingdom
Tel: 0131 445 2239
Golf Pro: Stephen Speirs
Website: http://www.swanstongolf.co.uk/
Golf Club Facilities
Range
Club Hire
Buggy Hire
Golf Shop
Changing
Clubhouse
Bar
Dining
Function Room
Accommodation
http://www.swanstongolf.co.uk
Midweek Guide: £15.00 per round winter £20.00 per round summer *
Weekend Guide: £20.00 per round winter £30.00 per round Summer *
- Societies Accepted to Play
- Society Deals Available
- Voucher Deals Available
- 7 Day Membership Available
- 5 Day Membership Available
Restrictions: Maximum Handicap No Restriction
* Any prices shown are guide prices, please confirm with the course prior to booking.
Tee Time Information
Midweek Guide: £15.00 per round winter £20.00 per round summer *
Weekend Guide: £20.00 per round winter £30.00 per round Summer *
* Any prices shown are guide prices, please confirm with the course prior to booking.
Review Information
GOLFSHAKE RATING
4.29
AVERAGE RATING 4
(based on 47 reviews)
5 star
17
4 star
19
3 star
8
2 star
2
1 star
1
HIGHLY RATED
100%
would play again or recommend
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Reviews for Swanston New Golf Club
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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
Stewart A rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 23 2021
Enjoyable round
Played the course on an unusually warm day, lots of ball roll on the fairways.The course was in good condition, the rough is kept short to make it easier for visitors. Despite being perched on the side of a hill there wasn't too many one leg shorter than the other shots, but bring a battery trolley if you can. The 6th hole is the showcase hole, superb views of Edinburgh, the Forth and Fife beyond.
The course seems to be a mixture of old holes, new holes, and holes tagged on from another course which meant the greens while were inconsistent in size, slope and roll to each other. My watch also did not have a clue which hole I was on. The old 1st hole is now the 13th. I think the now 1st used to be the 7th. Old holes 9 and 10 are now completely gone. There is a lack of signage to tell you where to go to the next hole, 2nd green to 3rd tee and 12th green to 13th tee in particular.
Post round we were told we couldn't sit outside for a drink as the bar closes at 4.30pm. it was 4.05pm. I did enjoy it but with so many other great courses nearby not sure I'd be rushing back.
(Round played: Jun 2021 - Score: 92 Handicap: 17.8)
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Edinburgh rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Mar 30 2021
I've played Swanston on numerous occasions & have always found it a very good test of golf. The course is situated at the foot of the Pentland Hills, which as a result shapes how the course design & layout. It's a course that requires you to think your way round as opposed to simply employ the power game. Accuracy is the order of the day to score well.
The views across Edinburgh & the surrounding area are second to none.
The welcome from the team at Swanston is always warm & the hospitality in the Brasserie is fantastic.
Would recommend to anyone looking for golf in Edinburgh
Given the location at the Pentland Hills the views over Edinbu
The views across Edinburgh & the surrounding area are second to none.
The welcome from the team at Swanston is always warm & the hospitality in the Brasserie is fantastic.
Would recommend to anyone looking for golf in Edinburgh
Given the location at the Pentland Hills the views over Edinbu
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John T rated 3 out of 5
Reviewed May 16 2018
Hilly course on the side of the peatlands
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Telis S rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Oct 12 2014
A beautiful golf course that gives you a test of golf and fantastic views of Edinburgh. The course challenges to me were sloping fairways, whirry grass areas and well placed bunkers and ditches. Will test all standards of golfers. Found back of course to be quite high but the par 3 14th hole is speculation. course signage and cards - varied. Loved it and the club house and facilities are great with onsite cottages right nearby. A golfer's paradise.
(Round played: Oct 2014 - Score: 88 Handicap: 17.9)
(Round played: Oct 2014 - Score: 88 Handicap: 17.9)
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Alasdair K rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jul 5 2013
Played here for the first time last Friday and overall enjoyed the course. Clearly this course has undergone some serious work over the past few years and it still feels a bit like a 6 hole course and a 12 hole course rather than a fluid 18 hole course.
The course in general was very well kept with greens, fairways and tees all in nice condition. Some of the rough is horrendous though, something that I didn't see the need for to be honest. For example on the long, uphill, into the wind 14th you have a gorse covered hillside to your left and knee deep rough to your right, into the howling wind that we faced any slight pull or cut was completely gone.
The first 6 holes were very nice, the course designer has done a good job there, however the landscape is still a little featureless, but with time I am sure this will improve. Once you cross the road, to what I assume is the older part of the course, the holes are nicely varied and challenging with a couple of spectacular par 3s at the 11th and 15th crossing a small gorge.
I understand they are still looking at a couple more course improvements, I would suggest doing something to make the 2nd shots to the 8th and 14th a little fairer but overall I don't see a huge amount of improving being required.
The course in general was very well kept with greens, fairways and tees all in nice condition. Some of the rough is horrendous though, something that I didn't see the need for to be honest. For example on the long, uphill, into the wind 14th you have a gorse covered hillside to your left and knee deep rough to your right, into the howling wind that we faced any slight pull or cut was completely gone.
The first 6 holes were very nice, the course designer has done a good job there, however the landscape is still a little featureless, but with time I am sure this will improve. Once you cross the road, to what I assume is the older part of the course, the holes are nicely varied and challenging with a couple of spectacular par 3s at the 11th and 15th crossing a small gorge.
I understand they are still looking at a couple more course improvements, I would suggest doing something to make the 2nd shots to the 8th and 14th a little fairer but overall I don't see a huge amount of improving being required.
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rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 24 2009
Gone are the days when Swanston GC was the butt of many a joke within the Edinburgh golfing fraternity! With millions of pounds of investment in the course and clubhouse which removed 'Cardiac Hill' and the wooden chalet, Swanston is now a pretty good place to play your golf.
Still not the longest of courses, Swanston has 8 new holes provide a solid test. Accuracy is the key to a good score at Swanston and one mis-placed shot could see you posting double figures. Holes 1 through 5 have not changed although the greens are far more receptive and the fairways are far more defined than previously. However, the mother of all rough will punish a wayward strike!
Hole 2 can be a card killer especially when the wind is up so due care and attention is required! Hole 6 is the first of the new holes and the design is a little disappointing. It is a tough par 4 along the side of the hill and what looks to be a good shot can quickly become a lost ball. Hole 7 has been extended to make it a dog leg par 5 and is no longer the fearsome devil it once was. There is temporary out of bounds to the right and more of that thick impossible rough bordering both sides of the fairway.
Holes 9 through 11 are unchanged and although they may seem a little daunting, keeping your tee shot straight and using your head should see you through okay.
Hole 12 through 18 are all new and you really get a feel for what the designer has tried to achieve. They have certainly come along way for being so new but watch out for the ‘odd’ stone on both the fairway and in the rough as there could be club damage if you’re not careful. Local rules allow you to mark your ball and check for stones, which is a bonus although probably best to ask the starter before play.
Hole 13 is a relatively short par 5 and can be reached in two with the wind behind but green is very tricky. 14 is a longish par 3 to a small green - why it’s so small is a mystery – and best to play short and use the slope to run the ball on as stopping the ball on the green is nigh on impossible! Hole 15 is very, very deceptive. Second shot is nowhere near what you think – 150 yard marker is definitely wrong and better to come down a club or two. I usually hit an 8 iron 150 yards but I can get there with a gentle pitching wedge! 16 is a very narrow but short par 4 to a large undulating green. Please don’t push or pull your shot, finding your ball could be a nightmare! 17 is another short par 3 to a smallish green with very subtle breaks and 18, depending on the wind direction, can either be a saviour or a killer! A very slight dog leg, you need to drive through the wall being careful not to pull your ball into the rough and a hidden pond on the left or push it too far right where wispy rough and out of bounds await. Second shot is over a small burn to a good size green which breaks several ways and if the wind is up better to take two extra clubs as there is plenty of room if you’re long.
All in all would rate ‘new’ Swanston as good as there are a couple of issues which let the side down. Yardages are questionable, new greens can very hard and small and the rough is strange – it’s either incredibly thick (far too thick) and impossible to get out of, or is wispy and grips the club resulting in balls flying everywhere! Give it another couple of years and you’ll have a very good, bordering on excellent golf course! Oh, and if you want to eat after your round probably best to reserve a table as both golfers and those looking for lunch/dinner share the bar/restaurant area and it can be very busy. Food is worth the trouble though.
Still not the longest of courses, Swanston has 8 new holes provide a solid test. Accuracy is the key to a good score at Swanston and one mis-placed shot could see you posting double figures. Holes 1 through 5 have not changed although the greens are far more receptive and the fairways are far more defined than previously. However, the mother of all rough will punish a wayward strike!
Hole 2 can be a card killer especially when the wind is up so due care and attention is required! Hole 6 is the first of the new holes and the design is a little disappointing. It is a tough par 4 along the side of the hill and what looks to be a good shot can quickly become a lost ball. Hole 7 has been extended to make it a dog leg par 5 and is no longer the fearsome devil it once was. There is temporary out of bounds to the right and more of that thick impossible rough bordering both sides of the fairway.
Holes 9 through 11 are unchanged and although they may seem a little daunting, keeping your tee shot straight and using your head should see you through okay.
Hole 12 through 18 are all new and you really get a feel for what the designer has tried to achieve. They have certainly come along way for being so new but watch out for the ‘odd’ stone on both the fairway and in the rough as there could be club damage if you’re not careful. Local rules allow you to mark your ball and check for stones, which is a bonus although probably best to ask the starter before play.
Hole 13 is a relatively short par 5 and can be reached in two with the wind behind but green is very tricky. 14 is a longish par 3 to a small green - why it’s so small is a mystery – and best to play short and use the slope to run the ball on as stopping the ball on the green is nigh on impossible! Hole 15 is very, very deceptive. Second shot is nowhere near what you think – 150 yard marker is definitely wrong and better to come down a club or two. I usually hit an 8 iron 150 yards but I can get there with a gentle pitching wedge! 16 is a very narrow but short par 4 to a large undulating green. Please don’t push or pull your shot, finding your ball could be a nightmare! 17 is another short par 3 to a smallish green with very subtle breaks and 18, depending on the wind direction, can either be a saviour or a killer! A very slight dog leg, you need to drive through the wall being careful not to pull your ball into the rough and a hidden pond on the left or push it too far right where wispy rough and out of bounds await. Second shot is over a small burn to a good size green which breaks several ways and if the wind is up better to take two extra clubs as there is plenty of room if you’re long.
All in all would rate ‘new’ Swanston as good as there are a couple of issues which let the side down. Yardages are questionable, new greens can very hard and small and the rough is strange – it’s either incredibly thick (far too thick) and impossible to get out of, or is wispy and grips the club resulting in balls flying everywhere! Give it another couple of years and you’ll have a very good, bordering on excellent golf course! Oh, and if you want to eat after your round probably best to reserve a table as both golfers and those looking for lunch/dinner share the bar/restaurant area and it can be very busy. Food is worth the trouble though.
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Neil T rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Jun 6 2021
A Tricky course
A very hilly course especially the first half commands respect with smallish greens and a wicked slope on most holes.Reviewer Rating
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Sparky rated 2 out of 5
Reviewed Aug 19 2019
Good facilities, poor course
Not impressed by the course. Nice clubhouse and range but the course on on the side of the pentlands so not great. New holes are flatter and betterReviewer Rating
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Jonesy rated 1 out of 5
Reviewed Aug 19 2019
Swanston New Poor
Not a great course. Top half of course is really bad. New part is ok but drainage issues.Reviewer Rating
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Andrew H rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed Nov 16 2018
Stunning golf course, incredible views and in great condition for November. My must play course when visiting Edinburgh, incredible contrasting sections of the course from up in the heather covered hills to down in the valley weaving in an out of the burns
Brought along my non golfing partner and she was made to feel so welcome & was even given a few putting tips and an impromptu welcome committee from the lady members out on the course! By far the most welcoming club I’ve ever played. The Pro, members out on the course everyone up in the stunning brasserie bar makes you feel really like they want you there.
Fantastic contemporary modern clubhouse, the construction of the new driving range and practice facilities are well underway and shaping up. nicely and £12 for 18 holes is a steal
Can’t wait to come back
Brought along my non golfing partner and she was made to feel so welcome & was even given a few putting tips and an impromptu welcome committee from the lady members out on the course! By far the most welcoming club I’ve ever played. The Pro, members out on the course everyone up in the stunning brasserie bar makes you feel really like they want you there.
Fantastic contemporary modern clubhouse, the construction of the new driving range and practice facilities are well underway and shaping up. nicely and £12 for 18 holes is a steal
Can’t wait to come back
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Steve H rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Oct 31 2017
Course with excellent views to the Forth and some great par 3s protected by gorse
(Round played: Oct 2017 - Score: 85 Handicap: 19)
(Round played: Oct 2017 - Score: 85 Handicap: 19)
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Tom rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 25 2017
Really nice golf course with some particularly striking par 3s. The front nine of the course stands with some really fun and interesting holes and the unique setting of being at the foot of the Pentlands. Greens and fairways were in great condition, bunkers really nice too.
There was a really friendly atmosphere on and off the course. Helpful and welcoming pro in the shop and friendly waiting staff made the visit very enjoyable! Definitely worth a visit!
There was a really friendly atmosphere on and off the course. Helpful and welcoming pro in the shop and friendly waiting staff made the visit very enjoyable! Definitely worth a visit!
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Gareth F rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 16 2017
Good course would play again and i will be playing again next week
(Round played: May 2017 - Score: 90 Handicap: )
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Gareth F rated 5 out of 5
Reviewed May 16 2017
Good course would play again and i will be playing again next week
(Round played: May 2017 - Score: 90 Handicap: )
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Andy M rated 4 out of 5
Reviewed Mar 27 2017
Really enjoyed course. Your score is determined by accuracy not power. Sloping fairways and small contoured greens on holes not especially long make this the case. Views from course across edinburgh add to enjoyment. Played in March after days of heavy rain and course in amazing condition for that time of year.
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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
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