Gullane Golf Club
No. 1 Course
2nd Hole, 414 Yards, Par-4
“Windygate”
Architect: Willie Park, Jr. (1894)
Gullane / East Lothian / Scotland
For those intent on enjoying a superb array of well-designed courses, the Lothians section of Scotland is certainly a location one must visit at some point.
Within an easy drive of the capital Edinburgh the combination of courses is headed by the likes of Muirfield – a 16-time host for The Open Championship.
Just 5 minutes away from those storied links is the multi-course facility at Gullane Golf Club.
Leading the way at Gullane is the more noted No. 1 Course.
The continuous 18-hole layout starts off in a rather meek manner with a docile short par-4 to get the golf muscles loosened up.
Matters change dramatically with the 2nd.
The 417-yard hole rises from tee-to-green. The fairway also turns slightly from right-to-left and while there is ample landing area in the forward area of the fairway – the landing area farther down becomes especially narrow — think of the width of a Scottish countryside road.
Flanking the fairway are hillsides on both sides. Those missing too far left or right will find advancing one’s ball a problematic exercise.
The approach is played to an elevated green. The putting surface is very deep and narrow — proper club selection for the task is a must. The internal contours present vexing subtle movements and require a deft touch.
There’s a solitary bunker but its involvement is secondary to the terrain encountered.
Once the hole is completed you walk uphill to the tee at the 3rd and gaze upon the rolling land with the holes ahead.
Be sure to pay ample attention when arriving at the tee box. The 2nd is like an honest judge — no bribes accepted. State your case with solid evidence of superior shotmaking or a swift guilty verdict will be the result.
Forewarned is forearmed.
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Images courtesy of Gullane GC
