Gullane No.2 runs alongside No. 1 for the opening holes, sweeping down towards a nature reserve next to Aberlady Bay before heading back down Gullane Hill to the Visitors' Clubhouse. Whilst it may be shorter than its older sibling, Gullane No. 2 makes its mark with some spectacular short holes and exceedingly tricky greens.
National Club Golfer magazine rated the course as the 39th best course in Scotland and Top 100 Golf Courses puts it inside their Top 50 golf courses in Scotland.
Course Information
| Par |
71 |
| Designed by |
Willie Park Jnr |
| Opened for play |
1898 |
Tees
| White |
6,396 yards |
SSS 71.0 |
| Yellow |
6,015 yards |
SSS 69.3 |
| Red |
5,566 yards |
SSS 72.6 |
How to get to Gullane Golf Club
Gullane Golf Club - Gullane No.1 Course
Gullane No. 1 was established in 1884 and remains one of the greatest golf courses in Scotland. There are some genuinely unforgettable holes here, not least the 7th, whose elevated tee affords endless views across the Forth, and the 3rd, which was recently included in Golf Magazine's Top 500 holes in the world.
Unusually for a links course, there are some pronounced elevation changes in the layout, so you'll hit plenty of shots that don't feel very "flatlands links". The climbs and drops add a real strategic element, especially when the wind gets up. Club selection becomes half the fun and half the battle, and the pot bunkers are exactly the sort you can't afford to find if you're trying to score. The greens are typically quick and true, and the rough can be properly punitive once it gets to summer length.
The course has serious pedigree. It has played host to the Scottish Amateur Championship, hosted the Scottish Open twice and held Open Championship Qualifying. That tells you everything you need to know about the standard of test you're facing. When conditions are up, No.1 will expose every weakness in your game, but it's never unfair and the turf quality means you always get a fair bounce.
If you're travelling with a mixed-ability group, No.1 is the round you build the day around. Pair it with No.2 or No.3 and you get a great one-two of championship feel and very playable links golf in the same place. Gullane No. 1 is absolutely essential to a golf break in East Lothian.
