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East Lothian is the region on every golfer’s lips this year, with not one, not two but three top professional events set to take place there this summer.

Gullane (above) is gearing up to host the Scottish Open for the first time in the tournament’s long and illustrious history, with a new qualifying event for home-based professionals to be held at North Berwick the weekend prior.

Some of the biggest stars of yesteryear, meanwhile, will line up at Archerfield Links when the Scottish Senior Open – one of the most prestigious events on the European Senior Tour – takes up residency in the region for the first-ever time.

It is, by all accounts, shaping up to be a hugely exciting year for the region affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ – and, thanks to an exciting new festival, you can enjoy playing its top courses as well as spectating at them.

The inaugural Scotland’s Golf Coast Festival is set to take place for the first time this year from October 18-24. A week-long celebration of ‘golfing perfection’, it is offering the opportunity to test yourself on some of the region’s finest layouts, along a 30-mile stretch of stunning coastline.

The week comprises many great competitions, including the Nine-Hole Challenge, Heritage Challenge and flagship Saltire Trophy, whilst you will also be able to experience the very best in East Lothian hospitality, with accommodation available in some of the area’s very best and most golfer-friendly hotels. With that also comes the opportunity to sample the delicious locally sourced produce, too.

All of this adds up to a simply unmissable opportunity in what is one of the world’s finest golfing destinations. But don’t just take our word for it. Ryder Cup hero Stephen Gallacher has called East Lothian ‘a superb place to practice and play golf all year round’. “The micro climate on Scotland’s Golf Coast is truly unique,” added the three-time European Tour winner. “It’s a friendly area where everyone understands the game.”

His fellow former Ryder Cup star Andrew Coltart – who runs his popular TPEGS golf school out of Archerfield Links – is another fan of the area. “On my travels, I’ve played some of the best destinations in the world but none compare to the wonderful courses in East Lothian,” he said. “It’s a must for any golfer.”

So, don’t just watch the action in Scotland’s Golf Coast this year – be a part of it, too.