Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club

A well laid out course on sandy duneland, Dunstanburgh has several fine features; the burn has to be crossed twice on the 7th and 18th holes. The course also has several hidden greens and has a fairly unexciting start – it didn’t really pick up until the 396 yards 6th. With superb all-round vistas, the tee shot has to be hit accurately into the dog-leg of the fairway far below.

Dunstanburgh Castle golf course, designed by James Braid in 1922, provides a superb test of golf, with many holes set among undulating dunes in true links fashion.

At the northern end of the golf course is Newton Pool which is a freshwater nature reserve, while at the southern end the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle stand upon imposing cliffs which form a magnificent backdrop to the 13th green. 

Stay & Play: Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel and the Blue Bell B&B in Embleton.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course does not have: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 3 out of 5 Haven for beginners with no etiquette 30 October 2015

  By Experienced

  Wonderful scenery in which to play golf. Though clearly not a serious golf course, it was fun to play. Handles bad weather well being a natural links. Recent bunker work and additions of new bunkers has ruined the course for many as few bother to tidy up behind them and the greens' staff do not appear to rake then daily. Some are badly-sited too. Frequent etiquette problems due to the amount of pure beginners allowed on the course without any control. Pity as this course has previously been so much fun to play. A course ruined by lack of foresight.

• 4 out of 5 Nick Unwin 02 May 2010

  By nickyu

   This is a Course that oozes natural beauty,but dont let your guard down when playing here or your scorecard will end up in the bin!3 holes are my favourite,the par 3 4th where the green sits on top of an elevated plateau,and the 6th,13th(castle hole)for the views alone!Irene and the girls do great food in the clubhouse and make you feel always welcome!I

• 3 out of 5 Problem greens 28 November 2007

  By Old Timer

  Played this will a view to moving my membership from a nearby links course. Love the layout and the excellent views but most of the greens had little or no grass on them so you were putting on hard packed sand. Mood not improved by fourball in front one of whom spent 45 seconds in address position before each shot. Will give it another try come the summer in the hopt that the screens had improved.

• 3.5 out of 5 underrated links 29 June 2007

  By ian5

  Played it on 27/6/07 when it was in fine condition. There are some cracking holes but the best for me is the 6th, a long par 4 from an elevated tee around the sweep of the bay. There are a couple of weak holes but if you catch it on a nice day there are few better places to play in the north east. Definitely underrated.

• 3 out of 5 BigTrev123 13 May 2007

  By BigTrev123

  Have played it many times over the last 10 years. We love it although the first five holes are a bit disappointing. Excellent setting and excellent value.

• 2.5 out of 5 unpleasant staff 31 March 2007

  By ian taylor

  very unpleasant club house staff.a party of 6 travelled 40miles to this course and we're treated rather rudely.one of our party is 70+ and registered disabled but still a very capable golfer.when tried to take his ride on buggy onto the course was told it was not permitted in an unpleasant manner by someone from the clubhouse.we respect the right of any club to make its own rules but the manner in which we were treated was unacceptable and we willnot be returning to play again.