Gullane
Course
Gullane Golf Club, Gullane, East Lothian
Founded 1882. Links Course
Gullane Golf Club was formed in 1882 and boasts three links courses, simply named No. 1, 2 and 3, reflecting their age rather than stature. Blessed with perfect links turf, pot bunkers, wispy grasses and a spectacular location, Gullane No 1 has a long history of hosting major events and recently hosted the local final qualifying for the 2013 Open at Muirfield. Gullane also hosted the 2015 Scottish Open over a composite layout featuring 16 holes from the No 1 Course and 2 holes from the No 2 Course. Gullane No 2 is renowned for its excellent short holes and was laid out by Willie Park in 1898, while No 3 was added in 1910 so a day at Gullane offers the ideal opportunity to play 36 or 54 holes of great links golf in one stress-free day without changing location.
Sightseeing
Great golf is only part of the story when considering what makes the perfect golf trip. Thankfully the other essential components are all found in abundance in Scotland, not least in the sights to see department. Whether scheduling a day off from golf or filling an afternoon after your morning round, there are many options regardless of which region you are visiting. The below is intended as a very general guide to sightseeing in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Central to your time in this region is the wonderful and historic city of Edinburgh. Whether you are staying in the city itself or on the East Lothian coastline, Edinburgh is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Not to be missed is a visit to Edinburgh Castle (pictured above), with its many highlights including the Great Hall, Royal Palace, National War Museum, Stone of Destiny and Scottish Crown Jewels. Other attractions in Edinburgh include the Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland, National Gallery of Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Experience; and the official Scottish residence of the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
To the east of Edinburgh, the Lothians landscape is dotted with castles, each one telling its own tales of bygone days. These include medieval Dirleton Castle in the village of Dirleton and the imposing Tantallon Castle in North Berwick, which stands perched in the most dramatic of cliff-top settings. Other attractions in the Lothians include Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery in the town of Dunbar, the 17th Century House of Binns near Linlithgow, Glenkinchie Distillery and the impressive ruins of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.