From Greens to Great Days Out: Make the Most of the Genesis Scottish Open
Scotland’s Golf Coast is preparing to welcome the world once again as the Genesis Scottish Open returns to The Renaissance Club in East Lothian from 9-13 July 2025. A highlight on both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, this world-class tournament brings together some of the biggest names in golf for four days of thrilling play on one of the most scenic and challenging links courses in the country.
But it’s not just the golf that draws fans to East Lothian each year. With its stunning coastline, charming towns, award-winning attractions, and renowned hospitality, East Lothian offers the perfect blend of sporting excitement and holiday relaxation.
Welcome to Golf Country
The Genesis Scottish Open has become a firm fixture in the global golf calendar, drawing elite players from both sides of the Atlantic. With Rolex Series status and a substantial prize fund, the competition is fierce, and the field is always star-studded.
Leading the field is Rory McIlroy, fresh off completing his career Grand Slam with a Masters victory earlier this year. Joining him are fellow major champions Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Xander Schauffele. The tournament will also see appearances from former Scottish Open champion Justin Rose, U.S. Ryder Cup star Max Homa, and 2024 Genesis Championship winner Byeong Hun An. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre returns, aiming to replicate his previous success on home soil. With such a formidable roster and many more of the world’s best still to be announced, the event promises thrilling competition as players fine-tune their games ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Portrush the following week.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of East Lothian’s coastline, The Renaissance Club delivers a unique blend of challenge and beauty. Spectators can enjoy close-up views of the action while soaking in the sea air, the atmosphere, and the natural beauty that defines this region.
Enhancing the tournament experience, the ‘Fringe by the Tee’ pop up stage returns to the heart of the Fan Zone, bringing a mix of music, comedy and family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include a headline performance by Grammy-nominated, Brit Award-winning artist KT Tunstall on Saturday 12 July. Other acts are Irvine Welsh with a DJ set on Friday 11 July, comedian Fred MacAulay hosting daily slots, and performances by JoJe, Grace & The Flat Boys, Jazzmain, Ali Affleck, Viper Swing, Kaiser Matt, Miss Mixtape and Wayne Dickson & Steve Watt. Families can also enjoy entertainment from Alexander the Great, offering circus skills and magic shows.
A free shuttle bus service is available for spectators travelling by train from Edinburgh, with connections from Longniddry train station directly to the event entrance making your journey simple and stress-free.
Off the Course
While the tournament may be the headline act, there’s plenty more to explore while you’re here. Whether you're a returning visitor or planning your first trip to East Lothian, you'll find there’s something for everyone.
East Lothian is home to a fantastic mix of attractions that are ideal for filling your time between rounds or for family and friends travelling with you. At the National Museum of Flight, you can uncover Scotland’s aviation history and even climb aboard Scotland's only Concorde at this fascinating site located at East Fortune. For history lovers, the dramatic clifftop ruins of Tantallon Castle offer spectacular views over the North Sea and an atmospheric glimpse into 14th-century life, while nearby Dirleton Castle combines medieval architecture with beautifully maintained gardens that invite a slower pace. In Dunbar, you can visit John Muir’s Birthplace to learn about the life and legacy of the pioneering conservationist, and then follow in his footsteps along the scenic John Muir Way, which winds its way through the East Lothian landscape.
For families, East Links Family Park and Foxlake Adventures offer outdoor fun, while the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick is a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
East Lothian is recognised as Scotland’s Food and Drink County, with plenty of places to refuel and relax after a day at the course. In Gullane, just minutes from The Renaissance Club, you’ll find popular local spots like The Bonnie Badger, a stylish gastropub by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin.
North Berwick offers a wide range of cafés, restaurants, and bars – from freshly caught seafood at The Lobster Shack to artisan gelato at Alandas. Head inland and you’ll find farm shops, distilleries, and cosy pubs, including Glenkinchie Distillery near Pencaitland, The Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker, where you can enjoy a whisky tasting and learn about the Lowland single malt tradition.
Whether you’re after fine dining, hearty pub grub, or a quick bite with a sea view, East Lothian has you covered - with flavours as memorable as the golf.
East Lothian offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. For a touch of luxury close to the action, The Marine North Berwick provides elegant rooms, a world-class spa, and stunning views over the West Links. You’ll also find a great choice of hotels and bed & breakfasts across the region - many offering golf-themed packages and easy access to the tournament.
If you're travelling with family or prefer more flexibility, East Lothian has a fantastic selection of self-catering accommodation, including cottages, lodges, and serviced apartments. For a relaxed break in the great outdoors, browse options at holiday parks and camping sites.
Make It a Weekend (or Longer)
With the tournament running from Thursday to Sunday, why not turn your visit into a short break or long weekend? East Lothian’s proximity to Edinburgh (just 30 minutes by train from North Berwick) also means you can easily combine your golf trip with a city break – enjoying the best of both worlds.
The region’s beaches, coastal walks, and golf heritage make it ideal for those wanting to slow down and soak up the scenery. If you’re travelling with non-golfers, there are spa days, nature reserves, craft shops, and art galleries to explore.
You might even be inspired to return with your clubs – with 21 golf courses along 40 miles of coast, including gems like Muirfield, Archerfield Links, and North Berwick Golf Club, and inland courses like Castle Park Golf Club and Haddington Golf Club, East Lothian is truly a golfer’s paradise here on Scotland’s Golf Coast.
Getting Here
East Lothian is extremely accessible, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. If you're travelling from Edinburgh, it’s just a short drive or a quick train journey to the heart of the action. The region is also well-connected for visitors coming from the north of England, with straightforward road links and regular train services into Edinburgh. From there, public transport makes it easy to reach coastal towns like North Berwick and Dunbar, thanks to direct train routes that bring you closer to the course and the many attractions the area has to offer.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Scotland’s premier sporting events today, and get ready to experience world-class golf, stunning scenery, and unforgettable moments both on and off the course in East Lothian.
Author: Jackie Gardiner
Visit East Lothian
