Ratho Park Golf Club

West of Edinburgh, close to the airport and the village of Ratho, this Midlothian course occupies almost square ground bounded along its eastern and northern edges by the Union Canal, itself a Scheduled Ancient Monument. At the centre stands Ratho House, a Tudor Revival mansion by the architect William Burn, the 1824 building now serving as the clubhouse. Elevation runs to roughly 75 metres, and the land is level enough that only thirteen metres separate its highest and lowest points; the shape is that of a shallow saucer, dipping below clubhouse level towards the middle. Parkland trees of considerable age stand among more recent planting. James Braid drew up the eighteen holes for a club formed in 1928, with the formal opening on 11 May 1929 marked by Braid and Harry Vardon playing an exhibition. Medal tees give 6,003 yards against a par of 69 and a standard scratch of 69, while the ladies' course plays 5,606 yards to a par of 72. Functions and meetings are held in the clubhouse, and visiting golfers and parties are received throughout the year.