Fairways of Gullane

Dating back to the 9th century, the town of Gullane has a mystical air. The sacred ruins of the Old Church of St. Andrew, built in the twelfth century, accompany the pro shop and starters hut. Gullane Hill has had golf coursing through its veins since our game’s conception. At the other end of the town you’ll find the prestigious, historic home to Golf’s rulebook and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers: Muirfeild.

  

  
The first hole on Gullane 1 offers a gentle but heavily bunkered start, a flat, wide and relatively short par 4. Gullane 1 is the most revered and oldest of the 3 courses on the property, home to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. To add to the mystical essence, Gullane 1’s architect is unknown. The real test begins on hole number 2 as we climb up the bowl-like, narrow fairway to the top of the hill. Flanked by wispy grass this hole demands accuracy. Atop the crest lies a thin, narrow green. Its fringes scuffle with the amphitheatre of deep rough, menacing bracken defends the rear.
  

  


 
A bogey later, we arrive at the summit. From here on in, Gullane 1 meanders its way towards the estuary in a dance of wilderness and perfect undulating links turf. There’s no let up from the bunkering we narrowly missed on the first hole. Pot bunkers are craftily placed among the swales, subtly waiting to devour that inevitable miss-hit.

Walking in the footsteps of the ancient handloom weavers and artisans of Dirleton and Aberlady; Gullane Hill offers some of the most testing and enjoyable golf I have ever experienced. The subtle breath of history in the salty sea air is magical. It’s historic dunes under a graphite coastal sky still whisper to the days of golf’s origin, truly something not many courses can brandish.

Words & Photography By Ollie Allison