Mixing elements of both parkland and moorland styles, Lothianburn is a hilly track, with a high-point some 900 feet above sea level. Like many of Scotland's older golf courses, Lothianburn was originally just a nine hole layout, but in 1903 the course was extended westward, adding a second nine. A further change came in 1907 when two weak holes were scrapped and two new ones were created beyond the T-Wood area of the course. These holes would eventually becomes the present-day 11th and 12th.

In the 1920's James Braid was commissioned to re-design the layout, and work was completed by late 1929. The new course was opened in 1930 with a challenge match featuring Braid and the local Champion. The only changes since then have been extensions to various tees, some minor bunker alterations, and of course a considerable increase in the speed of the greens!

The first eight holes run parallel to the Pentlands, in alternating east-west directions. Braid was known for his use of doglegs, and the 4th and 5th holes present the player two unique examples. The front nine ends with a steep climb due south-west to the 9th green, set on a plateau just below the summit of the course.

The turn, from the 10th through 13th, is dominated by the ' T' - Wood and the Caerketton (1,568ft) and Allermuir (1,618ft) peaks.

The remainder of the back nine tumbles down the hill to a series of short tight finishing holes flanked by gorse which provide a good viewing arena - ideal for watching matchplay ties unfold.

Sloping lies, deceptive approaches, and some very tricky plateau greens more than make up for Lothianburn's lack of yardage. With a par of 71 against the recently re-rated SSS of 69, Lothianburn represents a stiff test for golfers of all levels.

The course record of 64 is held by Chris Brown (2002) and has been equally three times since - Iain Campbell (2003), Paul Logan (2005) and George Wither (2006).