Gullane Golf Club is a two-time host of the Scottish Open and a frequent stop for travelers visiting the golf rich region of East Lothian.
For most golf travelers, Muirfield is the main attraction in this area. The enigmatic West Links at North Berwick isn’t far behind.
But the area on and around Gullane Hill has hosted the game far longer than the current home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.
If you’re eagerly awaiting a golf trip to this part of Scotland, here’s what you shouldn’t miss during your round at Gullane Golf Club.
The Climb
The round at Gullane Golf Club is reminiscent of a roller coaster. The first few holes play straight up the teeth of Gullane Hill. The march can feel relentless, especially when the wind is up. At times, it will also require everything you have in your bag.
All of which may leave you cursing the course architect. That is, if we knew who it was. The designer of the #1 course at Gullane is something of a mystery.
There are a few great holes on the climb. The par-5 3rd hole features a great view from the tee box and borders a former horse racecourse. Despite failing to crack the 500-yard mark, the hole will take three solid strikes to reach the green thanks to the elevation change. The long par-4 5th hole is another great one, assuming you steer clear of the half-dozen fairway bunkers.
7th Tee View
Just like a real roller coaster, the slow climb up Gullane Hill builds the anticipation for something special at the top. That payoff comes at the 7th tee.
The view from the 7th tee at Gullane Golf Club is regarded as one of the finest in Scottish golf. Some might say, the game as a whole. From this vantage point you can see the spires of Edinburgh, the southern shores of the Kingdom of Fife, and the links at Muirfield.
Besides the phenomenal view, the 7th tee has another delight up its sleeve. The par-4 7th hole runs straight back down Gullane Hill. If you happen to catch it downwind, the 7th tee just might provide the longest drive of your golfing career.
Photo courtesy of Gullane Golf Club
World War II Fortifications
Up and down the eastern shores of Scotland, the keen eye will spot numerous reminders of its role in World War II. During the war, the coastline was reinforced with pillboxes and anti-tank fortifications to guard against a possible invasion.
Although most of these barricades have been removed through the years, many still remain. This is particularly true on the 12th hole at Gullane, where rows of anti-tank barriers are found adjacent to the tee box.
The Old Clubhouse
Just a stone’s throw from 18th green at Gullane Golf Club, the Old Clubhouse is a great choice for recounting the round over post-round pints and lunch. But as the name suggests, the site is more than your ordinary 19th hole.
The building dates to 1890 when it served as the first clubhouse for Gullane Golf Club. The club quickly outgrew the original structure – what today is the bar area for the restaurant – and a new addition was built. Before long, the members required an even larger space and relocated to its present clubhouse.
Nearly 100 years later, the “Old Clubhouse” was revived as a restaurant bearing the same name and countless members of the H&B Forces have enjoyed the Good Life here after their round at Gullane Golf Club.
Photo courtesy of The Old Clubhouse
Gullane #2
Gullane Golf Club is home to three 18-hole courses as well as a six-hole children’s course. And while the #1 course rightly receives most of the attention from visitors, the #2 course is also a fine test of golf. When the Scottish Open was played at Gullane in 2015 and 2018, it was played on a composite course that included a few holes from Gullane #2.
In our view, the #2 course is an excellent choice for the traveler looking to squeeze in a little extra golf during their trip.
Photo courtesy of Gullane Golf Club
The Good Life in Edinburgh
In addition to the great golf, a round at Gullane Golf Club is easily paired with sightseeing in Edinburgh. Whether you’d like to do some souvenir shopping for the family back home, enjoy a tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience, or take-in an unforgettable performance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, no visit to this part of Scotland is complete without a little time exploring this ancient city.
To help get you started, we’ve compiled this list of things to see in Edinburgh.
The Museum
The Heritage of Golf Museum is located adjacent to the pro shop at Gullane Golf Club and chronicles the game from its beginning in the 14th century.
The museum was curated by Archie Baird, a former captain of Gullane Golf Club and author of the book “Golf on Gullane Hill.” Mr. Baird passed away in 2019 at the age of 95, but his legacy carries on at the museum.
Anyone who loves this great game should set aside some extra time to survey the extensive collection at the museum. The H&B Concierge can arrange for a personal tour, which are available by appointment only.
Golf and the Good Life in Your Inbox
For more valuable insight on Scotland golf travel, sign-up for our Among Friends newsletter.
For additional advice on planning your golf trip to Scotland, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…
Discover More of Golf at its Finest with H&B
