Duddingston is set in the heart of Edinburgh and has a reputation of being a good course but one which does have drainage issues.  The dry hot summer of 2013 has worked wonders for Duddingston and I was very fortunate to play it in perhaps its best condition for a number of years.  

The greens were quick and true (not quite links quick but good none the less) and the fairways were lush and green. The bunkering isn't too tough but they are positioned well.  I really enjoyed the routing of the course - it is fairly hilly for a parkland course and the changes of elevation were used well.  There are some very pretty holes but I particularly liked the par 3s.  The most intriguing thing about the course is how remote it feels out on the course but you are genuinely only about 15 minutes from the city centre! I am spoiled when it comes to my thoughts on parkland courses as I play a lot of golf at Blairgowrie and Gleneagles but Duddingston was a very enjoyable course.

It is an interesting comparison between this and Dalmahoy (East) - both are parkland courses in Edinburgh but if it was up to me I would play Duddingston every time over Dalmahoy.  However, a note of caution regarding the drainage.  As I have said I played it in great condition but even the member who played with me noted that it can struggle badly when wet.  Therefore this is probably a course best played during summer - perhaps that is why Dalmahoy is ranked significantly higher.