Gullane ( No . 1 )
Gullane ( No . 2 )
DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
SOUTH EAST
NORTH BERWICK
Gullane ( No . 1 )
From the 7th tee , this coastline of golfing heaven is on full display . It may well be one of the most glorious golfing views anywhere . The tee overlooks five links courses – including Muirfield – and three of them are at Gullane . To reach this point you have meandered up and over Gullane Hill . The club is renowned for its crisp turf and fairways are therefore in play all year round . From the 7th you ’ re heading downhill again and you will discover that downhill lies are more demanding than their uphill brethren . It gives Gullane an extra feature you rarely find on other links . The challenge of those lies is compounded by the pot bunkers nuzzling up to big greens . The par three 9th has eight bunkers surrounding a 40 yard-long green .
Gullane ( No . 2 )
Younger and shorter than No . 1 , this was laid out by the legendary Willie Park Jr , in 1898 . ( The No . 3 course was also laid out by Willie Park Jr and boasts the best views of the three .) No . 2 starts right beside No . 1 and keeps abreast of it for seven holes , climbing Gullane Hill , before slipping away and dropping down to Aberlady Bay . The bunkering is strong and , like its older sibling , of the pot variety . Only two holes are over 400 yards ( middle tees ) while the par threes are highly regarded . Indeed , the day ’ s best views are from the downhill 11th tee . The similarities between the two are strong and the shorter course often gets the nod in terms of popularity as its open landscape boasts intricately designed holes . It has been used for Open Championship Qualifying .
North Berwick
On such a famous links it is easy to focus on North Berwick being the third oldest club in the world … but what sets it even more apart is the enthralling , often quirky and always brilliant course you will be playing . Holes constantly deliver an electric jolt of the unexpected as you head out and back in a classic links layout . The course offers wonderful views over the Firth of Forth , but its openness means any wind will influence your strategy and , with the natural and bold shapes , all of your skills will be tested . The famous 13th hole , with its green protected by a wall , makes North Berwick bucket list stuff … but so do several others , including the 16th with its Biarritz green and the par-3 15th , named Redan … a word recognisable around the golfing world to describe the specific green shape .
Muirfield
Host to 16 Open Championships and revered as one of the greatest links designs , it is little wonder that Muirfield is seen as such a desirable golfing destination . Old Tom Morris , Harry Colt and Tom Simpson all contributed to a masterpiece that works in two concentric rings . The front nine forms the outer ring and contains Jack Nicklaus ’ s favourite par four ( the 8th ) in the world . The dunes here are not dramatic but the intricate design has produced astounding bunkering , a varied mix of holes and a routing that ensures the wind attacks you from every angle . Muirfield is revered for the quality of its greens and well known for the requirements placed on visitors … be sure to read up on the dress code and etiquette prior to arrival .
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