Ratho Park

Ratho Park has a history stretching back to the early 20th century, rooted in the parkland country house estate from which it takes its name. The course wraps around the grounds of Ratho Park House, a Georgian mansion that still forms the centrepiece of the property, lending the whole layout an unusually elegant sense of occasion. James Braid, the five-time Open Championship winner who became one of Scotland's most prolific and respected course designers, had a hand in shaping the layout — placing it in distinguished company among his many Scottish commissions.

The course sits just west of Edinburgh, close to the village of Newbridge and the junction of the M8 and M9, which makes it one of the more accessible private members' clubs serving the Scottish capital. The setting is genuine lowland parkland: mature deciduous trees, open fairways, and the gentle undulations of the Almond Valley nearby.

At par 69, the course plays shorter than a traditional championship test, but Braid's routing rewards precision over power, and the park setting means errant shots find trees rather than forgiveness.