The best free golf course in the world

For those of you still hanging around Edinburgh and struggling for something to do now that the Fringe and International Festivals are winding down - why not play a bit of golf for free!

Bruntsfield Links is a public park managed by the City of Edinburgh Council and is only a 20 minute walk from City Centre. It is 36 hole pitch and putt course and I've only ever played a full round as the temptation to play a few holes then stray into the Golf Tavern is usually too much. The holes are usually around 40-50 yards long so you're not playing anything more than a half wedge or sand iron (or a full shot if you are being flashy and bringing along your 65 degree wedge) It has no bunkers as the the slopes usually make it tricky enough to hit the small greens which are extremely well kept given it is a public park. However, the direction markers from each tee sometimes make it a bit of a mystery as to which green you should be playing to - all part of the experience though.

When you have finished a 5 minute walk up the road will take you into Bruntsfield itself which has plenty of bars and restaurants (my favourite is Montpelliers - where a man once walked in while I was having a drink with a flag from the Open Championship which he claimed had been given to him by Padraig Harrington - but thats another story!). If you want to walk further up towards Morningside there is Luca's cafe - where you get the best ice cream in Edinburgh (in my opinion).

To get there just walk to the West End of Princes Street then up Lothian Road until Tollcross (where the big clock in the centre of the road is) and take the right fork. The first tee is just behind the imposing Gothic architecture of Barclay Viewforth Church on the left hand side of Bruntsfield Place. There is a small hexagonal clubhouse which I've never seen open but I believe there is a club which organises competitions. If you don't fancy the walk a number 10 LRT Bus from Princes Street will take you there.

Here is a link to some photos which I found on a review site.