Volkswagen Masters 2007 – Gullane

published 15 June 2007

Gullane is one of those special places where the golf course acts as the centrepiece to the town. St. Andrews and North Berwick are other fine examples and all three have focal points to be extremely proud of. Gullane lives and breathes golf, and when you witness the breathtaking views from the 7th tee it is easy to see why. Everywhere you look there is a golf hole, whether it be Muirfield behind or the three great Gullane courses in front it is an incredible sight.

Gullane No. 1 was established in 1884 and is one of the most undulating links courses you are likely to see. Every hole is different and as the third Volkswagen Regional Final got under way competitors were faced with a strong wind that made the challenge even tougher.

Considering the difficulties competitors faced, scoring was very impressive. Group A was close all day until Tom Paterson came in late on to post a terrific nett 68. The 6-handicapper from Crail Golf Club played some fine golf to seal his place in the UK Final. ?I love links golf and feel my game is well suited to it. I felt like my whole game was solid today which was helped by the fact that I drove the ball well,? he said.

Group B was won by John Foley from The Glen Golf Club North Berwick. Foley shot a nett 71 playing off 14 and was shocked to have won. ?My round started really well but I lost my way a bit half way round. I didn?t think I had a chance of winning with my score but I?m delighted,? said Foley who had nothing but good things to say about the course. ?I have played the course on numerous occasions and I love it. Its one of my favourite in Scotland.?

GF: £85-£100

This year Gullane Golf Club celebrates its 125th anniversary and it has all the hallmarks of an established venue. Few links courses can boast the natural changes in elevation that make Gullane such a fierce and memorable test. From its highest points, in particular the world famous view from the 7th tee, you'll enjoy views down towards the surrounding countryside that includes Muirfield and the Firth of Forth.

Controlling yardages is one of the hardest challenges and with its subtle intricacies it takes insider knowledge to return a good score. The good news is that if you are playing Gullane for the first time, it's kept in immaculate condition and the stunning views will sustain your attention whatever your score.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.