Gullane Golf Club

Gullane No. 3 is the shortest of the club’s three eighteen-hole courses: a par 67 of about 4,893 metres, opened in 1910 on Gullane Hill. Its compact scale, small greens and frequent changes of direction make it not a secondary course but a concentrated expression of East Lothian links golf.

After No. 2 opened in 1898, demand continued to grow and the club sought another circuit. Gullane’s committee and head greenkeeper William Logan organised the layout, which was ready for play in 1910. Unlike No. 2, it is not tied to a single famous architect; its identity came from pragmatic in-house work grounded in daily knowledge of the hill and wind. No. 3 uses a compact part of Gullane Hill within open country overlooking the Firth of Forth. Views toward the sea, islands and Fife coast appear between climbs and turns. It shares the firm turf and gorse of its neighbours, but shorter distances make hazards feel closer and give the course a more intimate scale.

The card contains more par threes and short par fours, yet compact greens, bunkers and slopes prevent indiscriminate power. Holes use folds to partly conceal a target or send the running ball in an unexpected direction. Variety comes through rapidly changing angles: each tee poses a different question despite the smaller footprint. The course measures about 5,351 yards, or 4,893 metres, at par 67. Firm ground adds length to drives, but a bounce on the wrong side can reach rough or sand. Small greens increase the value of exact distance. In strong wind, short holes become control problems; downwind holes offer genuine birdie opportunities.

No. 3 suits every level, family golf and days combining two courses. It walks faster than the larger layouts while retaining Gullane’s views and atmosphere. Visitor services, practice and dining are shared with the other courses, making a complete club experience easy without leaving the site.

Play it for immediate enjoyment and for the way it exposes weaknesses in precision. No. 3 proves that links quality is not measured only in metres or rankings: firm turf, wind and well-oriented short holes can generate as many decisions as a championship course. It is also an excellent introduction to Nos. 1 and 2. Key facts: 18 holes; par 67; about 4,893 metres; ready for play in 1910; developed by the club committee and head greenkeeper William Logan; Gullane’s shortest course; compact greens, many short holes and hilltop views.

Club, junior, open and regional amateur competitions — Annual calendar Completed for play in 1910; known locally as a compact but strategic member favourite