Golf at Gullane goes back to the 1600s, which is the kind of detail that'll make any golfing geek smile, even though the club itself wasn't formally established until 1884. The original architect of the No.1 Course is lost to history, but Willie Park Jnr. later added two more layouts to the property: Gullane No.2 in 1898 and Gullane No.3 in 1910.
All three courses sit on proper East Lothian links turf, firm underfoot and built for running golf, perched at the west end of Gullane village in East Lothian, roughly 45 minutes from Edinburgh airport. On a clear day you'll pick out Edinburgh's skyline to the west, the Firth of Forth stretching away and the Kingdom of Fife sitting across the water.
It's a brilliant base for a short Scottish links break because you can combine 36 holes in a day without feeling rushed, then be back in Gullane for food and a pint. If you're building an East Lothian run, it also fits neatly between the bigger-ticket stops and still gives you proper, traditional links golf.
The turf here is classic links, playable year-round. Find the fairway and you're almost guaranteed a perfect lie. If you're planning a trip to East Lothian, playing all three Gullane courses in one visit gives you a proper sense of the variety on offer across the property, and it's an easy one to slot in for a day or two.
Who is this for?
Golfers looking to tick off a historic Scottish links with genuine pedigree, strong conditioning and spectacular coastal views, all within easy reach of Edinburgh.
Who is it best for?
Keen club golfers who want a proper links test, plus mixed-ability groups who'll appreciate three different challenges on the same stretch of turf. It also works brilliantly for anyone building a multi-course East Lothian itinerary around Muirfield, North Berwick and the Renaissance Club.
