Gullane Golf Course

Eighteen miles from Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is golfing heaven. The picturesque town of Gullane is home to five outstanding links courses including the well known Muirfield Golf Club. Three superb links are known, rather unimaginatively, as Gullane 1, 2 and 3, but nothing is pedestrian about the game you play on any of them. Part of the East Lothian Club formed by a group of farmers in 1859, the Gullane Golf Club was founded in 1882 on the shores of the Firth of Forth.

Gullane No 1 was opened in 1884 and is thought to be the toughest and best of the three. It boasts of the most exquisite turf and a general feeling of openness with wide open skies above an open course. Actually this is a bit of an illusion as every hole is quite tricky as the course rises and falls on Gullane Hill. In addition, like a typical links course, it has no trees or water but it poses a serious challenge with its gorse thickets, rough, tight fairways, bunkers, well-guarded greens and above all the wind.

Gullane No.1 has hosted several final qualifying rounds for the British Open and many major amateur events. Most of the holes are either uphill or downhill holes around Gullane Hill. The early holes are mostly uphill leading to the 7th tee on top of Gullane Hill. The 360 degree panoramic view from here is breathtaking. In the foreground are the fluttering flags of Muirfield, Gullane and Luffness New. One can see around for miles on a clear day with the Lammermuir Hills to the south and the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock in the other directions.

Enjoy a memorable day on Gullane Hill when you play Gullane 1 in the morning and Gullane 2 in the afternoon. Many people actually prefer the links course Gullane 2 which was also used in the 1980 open Championship qualifying. It runs parallel to Gullane 1 in the first seven holes. It is easy to be lulled by the fascinating view of Aberlady Bay at 11th, but beware; it is perhaps the best short hole. Gullane Golf Club is home to a fascinating golf museum as well.

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