Playing the Gullane Golf Courses: A Scottish Links Experience Like No Other
Picture yourself teeing off at sunrise on a historic Scottish links course, the North Sea breeze in your face, with views stretching across the Firth of Forth—welcome to Gullane Golf Club. It's the kind of morning that reminds you why you fell in love with this game in the first place.
Located in East Lothian's famed 'Golf Coast,' roughly 20 miles east of Edinburgh, Gullane offers something truly special: three distinct championship courses all starting and ending in the same charming village. You can walk from your accommodation to the first tee, play world-class links golf, then settle into a local pub to recount your round before dinner. It's how Scottish golf has been played for centuries.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer seeking championship-level challenges or a visitor wanting an authentic Scottish links experience, Gullane's trio of courses delivers unforgettable golf on some of the finest turf in Scotland. Here's everything you need to know about playing them.
The Three Faces of Gullane: Choosing Your Course
Here's the thing about Gullane—it's not just one course. You've got three genuinely excellent options, each with its own character and challenge level. And they're all proper links golf.
Course No. 1: The Championship Test
This is the headliner. The flagship course laid down in 1884, Course No. 1 hosted the Scottish Open in 2018, using a composite layout combining 16 holes from No. 1 with 2 from No. 2. It's consistently recognized among Scotland's finest courses, and when you play it, you'll understand why.
At Par 71 and stretching 6,873 yards, it's a pure links challenge. Expect undulating fairways that test your course management, strategic bunkering that punishes wayward shots, and the iconic climb to Gullane Hill with panoramic views that'll have you reaching for your camera even mid-round. On a clear day, you can see across to Fife—assuming the wind hasn't already knocked you sideways.
Best for: experienced golfers seeking a world-class links test that'll demand every club in the bag and most of the shots you know how to play.
Course No. 2: The Hidden Gem
Funny enough, many regulars argue Course No. 2 is just as good as its famous sibling. Designed by Willie Park Jr in 1898, this Par 71 layout measures 6,385 yards—slightly shorter but absolutely no less demanding.
The course delivers similarly spectacular views with what some call a touch more forgiveness, though don't let that fool you into complacency. The bunkering is strategic, the greens are tricky, and the wind still has plenty to say about your scorecard. What No. 2 does offer is slightly easier booking availability, especially during peak season.
I've heard more than one golfer say they actually preferred their round on No. 2. It has that championship quality without quite the same intimidation factor when you're standing on the first tee.
Best for: golfers wanting championship-caliber links golf with a fraction less pressure and potentially better tee time availability.
Course No. 3: The Accessible Classic
Don't dismiss this one as the "easy" option. Course No. 3, also designed by Willie Park Jr (opened in 1910), delivers authentic links golf in a more compact package. At Par 68 and 5,259 yards from the white tees, it's perfect for a morning or afternoon round when time is limited.
But it's still proper Gullane. Same quality turf, same character, same views—just without the marathon yardage. Families love it, beginners appreciate it, and experienced players use it for warm-ups before tackling No. 1 the next day.
Best for: beginners, warm-up rounds, families, or anyone who wants genuine Scottish links golf without blocking out an entire day.
The Gullane Experience: What Sets It Apart
Playing Gullane isn't just about the courses themselves—though those would be enough. It's the complete package that makes this place special.
Exceptional Year-Round Conditions
Here's what every links golfer wants to hear: Gullane's turf quality allows play without winter rules virtually all year. The free-draining soil means you can book with confidence even if rain is forecast. I've played here in March and found conditions that rivaled summer rounds elsewhere in Scotland.
This matters more than you might think. Nobody wants to travel from overseas only to find soggy, plugged lies and temporary greens. At Gullane, the course conditions remain consistently excellent throughout the season.
Authentic Village Golf Atmosphere
All three courses begin and end in Gullane village itself. You can literally walk to the first tee from several local accommodations, play your round, then wander back through the village to a pub or restaurant steps from the 18th green.
This is how Scottish golf has been played for centuries. There's a community feel here—locals out walking their dogs across the courses, fellow golfers sharing stories in the village—that modern resort complexes simply can't replicate. It grounds the experience in something real and historical.
Visitor-Friendly Facilities
Despite its prestigious member club status, Gullane genuinely welcomes visitors. The dedicated Visitors' Clubhouse, opened in 1993, provides modern amenities without sacrificing traditional character. You'll find a well-stocked pro shop, practice facilities, and rental equipment if you're flying in without your clubs.
Recent infrastructure improvements have enhanced the visitor experience even further. But the atmosphere remains warm and unpretentious—you're a guest, not a transaction.
Planning Your Gullane Golf Adventure
Let's talk logistics. You want to get this right.
Booking and Availability
Advance booking is essential, particularly for Course No. 1 during peak season (May through September). Tee times can be reserved online through the club's website or by phone—I'd recommend doing this as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
If you're staying several days in East Lothian, consider playing multiple Gullane courses. Early morning and late afternoon slots are often more available, and twilight rates in summer can offer genuine value. The Scottish summer light lasts until after 10 PM in June and July, so you'll have no trouble finishing your round.
Beyond Gullane: The Golf Coast Connection
Now, here's where it gets really interesting. Gullane sits at the heart of what many consider the world's greatest concentration of championship links courses. Muirfield is practically next door. North Berwick is ten minutes down the road. Dunbar, Renaissance Club, and others are all within easy reach.
The Golf Coast region attracted 1.56 million visitors in 2024, underscoring the area's enduring appeal. The Genesis Scottish Open drew 88,000 spectators in 2025—testament to just how special this stretch of coastline is for golf.
Use Gullane as your base for a multi-course Scottish golf trip, and you'll understand why this is called the Golf Coast.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Getting there: Gullane is approximately 45 minutes by car from Edinburgh Airport, or you can take the train to nearby stations and taxi the final stretch. Having a car gives you flexibility to explore other courses.
Accommodation: Options range from village B&Bs to nearby North Berwick hotels. Staying in Gullane village itself puts you steps from the courses and captures that authentic atmosphere.
What to bring: Wind-resistant clothing is non-negotiable. Pack rain gear regardless of the forecast—this is Scotland, after all. Layers work better than bulk.
Caddies: Available and highly recommended for first-time visitors. They'll read the wind, help you navigate the greens, and share stories that bring the course to life.
Playing style: Links golf rewards creativity. Think bump-and-run over high loft. The ground game is your friend here.
Making the Most of Your Round at Gullane
You've booked. You've arrived. Here's how to play it smart.
Course Management for Links Golf
If you normally play parkland courses, adjust your expectations and strategy. Links golf rewards creative shot-making over brute force. The wind—and there's always wind—becomes the real challenge. Club selection matters more than raw distance.
Conservative play often scores better than aggressive. Those bunkers are deeper than they look, and getting greedy with a long iron into a green will cost you. Read the greens carefully; subtle breaks deceive even experienced players.
And don't be discouraged by the occasional quirky bounce. That's part of links character, not a flaw in the design.
Signature Holes and Photo Opportunities
The elevated tees on Course No. 1 offer views across the Firth of Forth that'll stop you in your tracks. The climb up Gullane Hill is challenging—your legs will feel it—but the vistas from the top reward every step.
The finishing holes returning to the village carry a special satisfaction. You've conquered the links, and now you're heading back to civilization with your scorecard (for better or worse) complete.
If you can, time a round for sunrise or sunset. The light across these holes is genuinely spectacular.
The 19th Hole: Post-Round Traditions
The traditional Scottish clubhouse experience is part of the package. Recount your round over local whisky or craft beer. Browse the pro shop for authentic Scottish golf souvenirs—quality stuff, not tourist tat.
Then explore Gullane's village pubs for dinner. The camaraderie of links golf means you'll likely share stories with fellow visitors from around the world. That's half the fun of coming here.
A Links Experience That Stays With You
Playing the Gullane golf courses offers more than just outstanding golf—it's an immersion into the very soul of Scottish links tradition. Three distinct courses provide options for every skill level and time commitment. The exceptional year-round conditions and authentic village atmosphere create the kind of memories you'll be recounting for years.
Being located at the heart of the Golf Coast makes Gullane ideal for a comprehensive Scottish golf journey. The combination of championship pedigree, visitor-friendly facilities, and historic character is difficult to match anywhere in the world.
Whether you're planning your first Scottish golf pilgrimage or returning to explore more of East Lothian's treasures, put Gullane Golf Club at the top of your list. Book your tee time, pack your waterproofs, and prepare for the kind of golf experience that reminds you why this ancient game remains so captivating.
The links await—and Gullane delivers Scottish golf at its absolute finest.