Gullane GC

Established back in 1884, you'd expect Gullane to have a familiar old, traditional Scottish feel. And with the course a central feature to the small seaside town, that's certainly what you get. The course itself is hilly for a links track and standing on the first tee looking at the opening few holes that slope up and away you'll know just how tough the challenge ahead will be. And if the wind is in your face (rest assured the wind will probably blow) you'll need to strike the ball well from the opening shot.

As you climb to the 7th tee, you'll realise just why Gullane is regarded so highly. It's a well designed and maintained track but the views over Edinburgh and Fife are what linger long in the memory. You'll also get a bird's eye view of nearby Muirfiled (home of the 2002 Open). But take your mind of the golf and you'll pay a hefty price. Inevitably, the bunkers are deep and the rough thick. Our advice would be to keep the ball as low as possible and don't let it get affected by the wind.

The back nine features two tough par threes and fives. On the card you might mark these down as holes you'd like to attack but come through these without recording a high number and you'll be pleased.

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Best Hole: The 7th offers a breathtaking view over the Fith of Forth and towards Fife. You won't forget this one in a hurry.

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.

A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.