West Lothian has golf off to a tee

Apr 9 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

SCOTLAND loves golf.

The British Golf Industry Association reckons there are more golf courses here, in the home of golf, than in any other country in Europe.

Indeed the UK’s golf courses are in some of the country’s most breathtaking locations and West Lothian is certainly no different.

The county is blessed with several top-class courses and can lay claim to some of Scotland’s most prestigious, beautiful and challenging 18-holers.

And it isn’t just a man’s game – with women now making up more than 11 per cent of all UK club members.

West Lothian has long been considered one of the jewels in Scotland’s golfing crown.

From the picturesque Harburn Golf Club where players are enveloped in a sandwich of beech, oak and pine trees, to the prestigious fairways of Deer Park Golf and Country Club which has played host to British Open Qualifiers and the Scottish PGA Championship recently, to water features of Pumpherston Golf Club and the course which was created to USGA standards, to the 114-year old challenges of Uphall Golf Club and on to the short course gem at Oatridge Golf Club which has been described as the best nine-hole course in Scotland and also the greens of Bathgate Golf Club which are steeped in Scottish history.

The castle, which can be seen on the 10th hole of the course, is said to have been presented by King Robert the Bruce in 1328 to Walter Stewart as part of his daughter Marjory's dowry.

For golfers who love their sport, West Lothian is one of the richest regions in the UK for top-class courses and challenges which are twinned with breathtakingly beautiful locations.

And for the golf shopper Richard Fyvie PGA Golf professional has a store to meet all your needs.

There is a huge range of courses to suit any player from beginner to professional across the county.

Scotland is undoubtedly the home of golf but it’s heart is right here in West Lothian.