Set on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth in East Lothian, Gullane Golf Club offers three beautifully maintained courses, simply called Gullane No. 1, Gullane No. 2 and Gullane No. 3. All three are superb links golf courses and offer some dramatic views across the Firth of Forth to both Edinburgh and Fife. There is little to choose in terms of quality between Gullane No. 1 and No. 2 and both have hosted final qualifying for the British Open Golf Championship, when it is held at Muirfield. And while the third course at Gullane cannot really compare to the other two, it still offers a fine par-68 links challenge and you should not be misled by its official yardage.
A veritable golfer's paradise, the village of Gullane (as well as its own three courses), is surrounded by four other outstanding links, namely Kilspindie, North Berwick, Dunbar and the renowned Muirfield Golf Club. And as with many great Scottish golf clubs, the history of golf at Gullane is a long and colourful one. As far back as 1650, it was recorded that groups of handloom weavers from the nearby villages of Dirleton and Aberlady met over the links for their annual golf match. But in terms of the formal institution of a club, it was not until 1859 that a group of farmers formed the East Lothian Club and from their ranks, Gullane Golf Club was instituted in 1882.
If the No. 1 Course at Gullane is perceived to be the better of the two links, then it must be said that the No. 2 Course is not far behind. Completed in 1898, this course runs alongside the No. 1 Course for the first seven holes and then sweeps down to the nature reserve next to Aberlady Bay, before turning back towards the visitors' clubhouse. And although Gullane No. 2 has played host to final qualifying for the British Open, unlike its more renowned sibling, it has done so only once - in 1980, while it also staged the Seniors Open Amateur Championship in 2000.
Boasting a total length of 6,244 yards from the medal tees and a par of 71, there are seven par fours on the front nine, with only one par five and one par three. With a par of 36 and a length of 3,136 yards, the outward journey is certainly not daunting in terms of length and it has an interesting mix of par fours, ranging from the 237-yard 3rd hole to the 425-yard, 4th hole, rated the most difficult on the course. A real feature of Gullane No. 2 is its three superb short holes, not one of which measures less than 170 yards. The 215-yard 11th hole, with its magnificent view and tricky club selection, is a particularly excellent par three. A great run of holes culminates with the deceptively challenging closing hole, which measures just 305 yards.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Gullane No. 1 is recognised as the course that everyone wants to play but no visit to Gullane Golf Club is complete without playing both golf courses. Perhaps not as difficult as its sibling, Gullane No. 2 remains a truly excellent links.
Situated just a few hundred yards from the town of Gullane, approximately 20 miles north east of Edinburgh, off the A198 route.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Greywalls, Muirfield, Gullane EH31 2EG
Tel: + 44 1620 842144. Email: hotel@greywalls.co.uk.
Overlooking Muirfield Golf Club, guests dine in an elegant atmosphere, while the chef cooks uncomplicated fare allowing the quality and freshness of the ingredients to dominate.
The Open Arms Hotel, Dirleton EH39 5EG.
Tel: + 44 1620 850241. Email: openarms@clara.co.uk.
The Library dining room offers a selection of culinary classics. Local produce abounds, while the dishes might include fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef or duck breast baked on lemon grass.
Bonars Restaurant, Poldrate Mill, Tyne House, Haddington EH41 4AD
Tel: + 44 1620 822100. Email: bonars@lineone.net.
Ideally suited to the rustic interior of the restaurant, the menu is simple and assured. And if you're looking for a treat, try the peppered sea bass with lobster and saffron risotto.
Set on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth in East Lothian, Gullane Golf Club offers three beautifully maintained courses, simply called Gullane No. 1, Gullane No. 2 and Gullane No. 3. All three are superb links golf courses and offer some dramatic views across the Firth of Forth to both Edinburgh and Fife. There is little to choose in terms of quality between Gullane No. 1 and No. 2 and both have hosted final qualifying for the British Open Golf Championship, when it is held at Muirfield. And while the third course at Gullane cannot really compare to the other two, it still offers a fine par-68 links challenge and you should not be misled by its official yardage.
