Gullane Golf Club No.1 Key Information
Interesting and unusual links played over a hill with excellent greens. Gullane is unfussy - a course well-guarded by wind, bunkers and long rough. The green sites are thought-provoking with run-offs and pot bunkers catching errant approaches. The flow of holes offers superb variety with the best over Gullane Hill and along the coastal stretch.
REASONS TO PLAY GULLANE GOLF CLUB NO.1 COURSE
– Stunning views across the Firth of Forth and along the coast towards Aberlady
– Historic links land where golf has been played for 100s of years
– Follow in footsteps of recent Scottish Open winners
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 66
Gullane No.1 is one of the most unique and characterful links courses in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I ranking.
Completed in 1884, the No. 1 course was the first of three 18-hole layouts to be built at Gullane. It’s unknown who was responsible for its design, but there is no doubting that it is one of the best golf courses in East Lothian.
With stunning views along the Lothian coast and out over the Firth of Forth, this is a superb links full of character.
In 2015 Gullane played host to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, won by Rickie Fowler. In 2018 the club hosted the Ladies Scottish Open won by Ariya Jutanugarn and the Scottish Open won by Brandon Stone.
In recent years, I have found the visitor experience at Gullane has been greatly enhanced with the development of the practice facilities and the improved clubhouse is a further improvement for the customer journey.
In addition, other than hosting Final Qualifying when the Open has been at Muirfield, Gullane No. 1 has been a regular venue for significant amateur competitions.
The Scottish Amateur Championship, the Jacques L’Eglise Trophy, the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship and the British Boys Championship are among the most notable.
The course begins on the very edge of the town of Gullane before forging uphill towards the high point at the 6th and 7th holes where the views down to Aberlady Bay are spellbinding.
The wind plays its part in any round here, particularly up on the plateau. The greens at Gullane are as good as you will find on a Scottish links.
Gullane is unusual in that it’s a true links, running around and over a hill. On paper it appears it might be quirky, but I feel this could not be further from the truth as the feature delivers tremendous character.
Towards the end of the round, the 17th and 18th holes take the golfer back down towards the great golfing town of Gullane.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
A club well versed in offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers and huge investment has been made in last few years to increase the facilities on offer to members and visitors.
I liked the long reaching views and some truly excellent green complexes and very fine turf, but I don’t care too much for severely uphill or downhill holes on links courses unless there are some epic dunes to frame them.
The variety of golf holes, fairness of the links test and the atmosphere make this a must play if you are in this area. If you are lucky enough to play here on a nice day with not too strong a wind that it is a little piece of golfing heaven. In a gale force wind and a bit of rain perhaps more like hell!
Gullane Golf Club No.1 Course Location
Gullane Golf Club No.1 Course scorecard
Best Courses Near To Gullane Golf Club No.1 Course
Places to stay near Gullane Golf Club No.1 Course
Greywalls Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
The ultimate in convenience for Muirfield, the elegant, Edwardian Greywalls hotel sits right on the edge of the course. With views across to the Firth of Forth, it's a luxurious hotel and the onsite Chez Roux restaurant provides excellent cuisine.
The Bonnie Badger - Book now at Booking.com
Set on the main street in Gullane, the Bonnie Badger is a characterful but classy hotel offering very comfortable accommodation plus an excellent bar and restaurant. It's walking distance from both Muirfield and Gullane.
Gullane Golf Club No.1 Course Gallery
Gullane Golf Club No.1 Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 66
- 2023/24 - 64
- 2021/22 - 61
- 2019/20 - 61
- 2017/18 - 63
- 2015/16 - 68
- 2013/14 - 72
- 2011/12 - 76
- 2009/10 - 79
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Juniors Get A Discount At Gullane Golf Club No.1 Course?
Juniors who are under 18 at the time of play receive a reduced green fee of 50% discount off the full rate (not seasonal offers.)
How many courses are there at Gullane?
There are three courses at Gullane Golf Club - No.1, No.2 and No.3 ... Luffness Golf Club is just next door and Muirfield, Archerfield and Renaissance are all just on the edge of Gullane.
Does Gullane Golf Club have a dress code?
Guidance on the club website about clothing reads as follows: "Golfing attire is required for all players. Denim jeans, t-shirts, cargo or combat trousers/shorts, tracksuits, rugby and football shirts are not permitted on the course or in the clubhouse at any time. Tailored shorts are allowed on the course and in the Clubhouse. Flip-flops, and sandals without socks are not allowed Clothing that may have endured the rigours of golfing for example wet or muddy garments must be changed out of before entering any lounge, bar or dining areas. Coats and other outdoor clothing should be left in changing rooms. Hats should be removed in the Clubhouse."
