Lanark

More than 170 years of history. That’s what Lanark Golf Club has behind it, having been founded in 1851 – making it the 25th oldest golf club in the world. 

 

It is also the oldest inland golf course in the world, and it remains one of the best inland courses that you will find on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list. 

 

Both Old Tom Morris and James Braid have had a hand in the design of the 18-hole course at Lanark Golf Club. The club also has a 9-hole Wee Course and great practice facilities.  

 

 

Visit Lanark's website here. 

Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage. 

 

The history of Lanark Golf Club dates all the way back to 1851. The club has a history of more than 170 years, and it is the oldest inland golf club in the world. 

 

Not only that, but the location has remained the same ever since its inception. It started out as a six-hole course, with Old Tom Morris brought in prior to the turn of the 20th Century to extend the course to 18 holes. 

 

Three decades on, and another legendary name in golf course design – James Braid – was invited to add several new holes and change the layout into what it is to this day. 
 

There are precious few first-rate inland courses in Scotland, and even fewer that you would choose to play outside the summer months, so Lanark is a rare treat indeed. Lanark is still renowned for its unusual topography, year-round playability and exceptionally good greens. A key feature is the shaping and contours of the greens, which is especially a factor when the turf is firm and therefore the ball is running out. Lanark measures just shy of 6,500 yards from the back tees, with a solitary par 5 and three short holes to make a Par 70 card. 

 

As with several of the other venues on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list, the course opens with a gentle par 4. At Lanark, the first is only 350 yards and there is a wide fairway for your opening tee shot. The course begins with six consecutive par 4s, with the 2nd and 4th being the most difficult. 2 is the longest hole other than the solitary par 5, and plays as a slight dog-leg from right to left. The 4th has five large bunkers throughout, and also pushes 450 yards.  

 

The 3rd is also pretty lengthy, while the 5th offers some respite after a tough start to your round at Lanark. At just 315 yards, it could be drivable for some, but most will be able to play a fairway wood and wedge to set up a birdie chance. The 6th is the last of those par 4s, and there are two fairway bunkers right in the landing zone. Two more greenside make it a tricky prospect before you come to the first par 3 of the day. That comes at 7, and it is also the shortest hole on the course. It is only 135 yards from the tips, but five bunker surround the putting surface. The 8th is the only par 5 at Lanark, and at 540 yards, it will be a three-shotter for most.  

 

The closing hole on the front nine is a gentle par 4, another with a relatively wide fairway. The 10th is another short par 3, and another with large bunkers guarding the dance floor. What follows is a run of seven consecutive par 4s, but they all offer different challenges. The first of those comes at 11, which has a burn running across the fairway. Make the decision to either stay short of it or go for it off the tee. 

 

12 has four bunkers, two fairway and two greenside to avoid, while the 13th has a wide fairway until you get to the bunkers. There are six in total on 13, in one of the shorter holes on the back nine. 14 is also less than 400 yards, before you come to the 455-yard 15th. This is a brute of a hole, and one that you will be very happy coming away with a par from.  

 

It's helpful if you can birdie one of the 16th and 17th, both only a little over 300 yards, because not many of us would want to be reliant on finishing with a par. The last hole at Lanark is a par 3 of over 200 yards. From the tee, the clubhouse looks as close to the flag as a greenside bunker. The temptation is to ease off your tee shot a touch and then rely on a chip and a putt – but that's easier said than done.  
 

Where is Lanark Golf Club located?  
Lanark Golf Club is situated in the middle of the southern part of Scotland, south of the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The club is just outside the town of Lanark, with the course based around the northern side of Loch Lanark. It sits in between the A70 and A743, providing routes both north and south from the golf club. The M74, which runs south towards England, is also just a couple of miles from the venue.  

 

The golf club’s location is very good when it comes to both rail and air transportation links. Lanark Rail Station is less than a mile down the road from the club, and the station is at the end of a line. Trains run from Lanark through to Glasgow Central every hour. In terms of air travel, both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports are around an hour from Lanark Golf Club, with the two being the busiest airports in the country.

 

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?  
West Linton is the closest golf club to Lanark that also earns a spot on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list, just over 20 miles to the east. East Renfrewshire and Bonnyton are both within 30 miles to the west.

What golf facilities does Lanark Golf Club offer?  
There is a practice area at the southern side of the property, next to the 14th hole. There is a long range at this part of the venue, while there is also a practice area next to the car park and the clubhouse. Add in the 9-hole Wee Course and Lanark has plenty for you to use before taking to the 18-hole course. 

What are the green fees at Lanark Golf Club?  
The price of a green fee at Lanark changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. 

 

For more information on current green fees at Lanark visit their website here. 

 

  

Visit Lanark's website here. 

Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.