Gullane No. 1 #13

Gullane Number 1: The Ultimate Links Experience in Scotland’s “Village of Golf”

When we arrived at Gullane Golf Club, we knew we were in for something special. Driving down a B-road with golf courses stretching out on either side, we were immediately immersed in what they rightfully call “The Village of Golf.” The entire setting feels as though it was created specifically for the game, with the golf club serving as the centerpiece for this remarkable golfing community.

Our introduction to Gullane began with a warm welcome from Dylan, the Sales Manager, who showed us around the impressive facilities. The club features two distinct clubhouses – the original Members’ Clubhouse that serves Gullane No. 1, and the newer Links Clubhouse, built approximately ten years ago as part of a five-year upgrade program, serving Gullane No. 2 and No. 3. This investment demonstrates how Gullane isn’t resting on its laurels despite its prestigious history; they’re continuously improving to better serve both members and visitors.

What sets Gullane apart is their approach to hospitality. Dylan explained that visitors are treated as “members for the day,” and this wasn’t just a marketing slogan – we experienced it firsthand. From the starters to the bar staff, everyone we encountered was friendly, welcoming, and proud of their club. This exceptional service has earned them the prestigious Gold Flag award from the 59 Club for five consecutive years, making Gullane one of only 70 venues worldwide to receive this recognition.

The course itself is a masterpiece of natural design. As Dylan explained, Gullane No. 1 is laid upon natural land that predates golf, with the course seeming to emerge organically from the landscape rather than being artificially constructed. This becomes immediately apparent as you play the opening holes and reach the summit at the third tee, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire course, the North Sea, and Edinburgh in the distance.

The layout of Gullane No. 1 is simple yet brilliant. Essentially, the course wraps around a single hill, with holes strategically positioned to maximize the natural contours and views. The opening holes guide you up the hill, while the middle section weaves along the coastline, offering spectacular vistas at every turn. The 17th brings you back to the hilltop, where you’re treated to a magnificent view of the village below as you play the closing holes – as Dylan poetically put it, “the village welcomes you back home.”

What makes Gullane so enjoyable is its playability. Unlike some championship courses that can feel punishing, Gullane strikes the perfect balance between challenge and fairness. The course encourages you to hit good shots without severely penalizing the occasional miss. The fairways were immaculate, providing crisp contact, while the greens were true and consistent. This approachability doesn’t mean it’s easy – strategic thinking is still required, especially when the Scottish wind picks up (though we were fortunate to play on a calm day).

Beyond the championship course, Gullane offers two additional courses – No. 2 (the “Champions Course,” designed by Willie Park Jr. when he was the reigning Open champion) and No. 3 (affectionately known as the “gem of the club”). There’s even a children’s course in the village where young golfers can play for free and receive a certificate – a wonderful initiative to introduce the next generation to the game.

Our experience at Gullane left us completely enamored with the place. The combination of the historic course, modern facilities, exceptional service, and the overall ambiance of the “Village of Golf” creates a truly magical experience that every golf enthusiast should have on their bucket list. It’s not just about playing a Top 100 course; it’s about connecting with the very essence of the game in one of its most natural and beautiful settings.