Gullane No 2: The crispest links with a backdrop like you've never seen before

“There is probably no other golfing centre quite as good as Gullane,” was the description offered by acclaimed golf writer Bernard Darwin on sight of the famed East Lothian village, and 100 years on that sentiment still rings true.

Gullane No 2 plays out against a backdrop of the stunning coastal landscape, nowhere more evident than the vista from the testing par-4 4th tee. It also offers three of the best short holes you’ll find, and is a true test of golf, while teasing you with birdie opportunities throughout your round.

Much of the layout is alongside and intertwined with Gullane No 1. For long spells the holes are interchangeable in terms of quality.

History

Golf at Gullane dates back to 1650 when the weavers of Dirleton played the weavers of Aberlady annually on Old Handsel Monday. Despite the regularity of the matches, there was no organised club and this remained the case until the early 1800s when a number of local farmers began meeting to play golf.

But the club wasn’t founded until 1882. The then current Open Champion, Willie Park Jr, laid down Gullane No 2 in 1899 for 10 guineas.

What makes it special

With the choice of three stunning links courses, each with their own unique character, Gullane Golf Club offers a choice like no other. Throw in a world-class practice facility, which opened in 2020, and the superb new Links Clubhouse which welcomes visitors into the heart of this golfing mecca, and you have the perfect combination to spend a few days savouring the beauty of this incredible links landscape.

It’s just the firmest, crispest linksland you could hope to walk on and play from. Nor does it seem to make much difference what time of year you are here.