Gullane (No.2)

As you might expect, the No.2 Course was the second to be designed and constructed at Gullane. Despite that, it was still opened prior to the start of the 20th Century.

Willie Park Jr, the two-time Open Championship winner, was the man to design the course, which intertwines with the No.1 Course. Frank Pennink has made changes to the layout in the last few decades.

The No.2 Course has hosted Final Qualifying for the Open Championship during its history, along with the Seniors Open Amateur Championship and the British Girls Home Internationals.

Holes from the No.2 Course were used alongside the majority of the No.1 Course as a composite layout for the 2018 Scottish Open and Scottish Ladies Open.

Although it is somewhat in the shadow of the Championship No.1 Course at Gullane, the No.2 Course is a beautiful layout in its own right. It comes in at just under 6,400 yards, with the Par 71 layout made up of two par 5s, three par 3s and the rest as 4s. The course is laid out on the firmest linksland turf you could wish for, meaning that it is pretty much playable throughout the year.   The opening stretch features three gentle par 4s, where you can really get off to a flying start. The 1st is the longest of those, but it is only 366 yards from the Championship tees. There is out of bounds down the left, but if you can avoid that, then you should give yourself a good opportunity for birdie. A good drive down 2 will also offer up another birdie chance, while the 3rd is only 237 yards long. It does play significantly uphill, but those who have played here before known the line to try and hit the green with their drive.   The 4th is the first real challenge on the No.2 Course. This par 4 stretches out over 450 yards and plays gently downhill offering views of the Firth of Forth, the city of Edinburgh in the distance and the East Lothian coastline. A row of five bunkers sit in front of the green, one that will be taken on with a long iron or even more in hand.  5 is the first short hole on the course, with seven bunkers surrounding the green. The 6th is then the first par 5. It is fairly straight but if you can avoid the bunkers, then there could be a chance at eagle. 375, 393, 354. That’s the run of par 4s to bring you to the close, but don’t be fooled into thinking that it will be a simple driver and low iron to the green.   The back nine on the No.2 Course begins with another par 4 of less than 400 yards, before you come to the par 3 11th. This 'short’ hole measures over 200 yards, and is played downhill to a green that continues to slope away from you. The 12th and 13th run uphill, and both par 4s play more than 400 yards. 14 is a tricky par 4 despite only being 366 yards long. It plays as a dog-leg left with a wide fairway, but the green does not take any prisoners.  The closing stretch at the No.2 Course begins with the par 3 15th. It is 175 yards, and there are three bunkers to avoid greenside. 16 is the final par 5 on the No.2, measuring 527 yards. Eight fairway bunkers are there to catch shots both down the middle and on either side. Avoid those, and there is a chance at reaching in two.  The course finishes with a pair of short par 4s. Behind the 17th green is out of bounds, so it’s better to be short than long, while the closing hole is only 305 yards from the tips. A wide fairway is offered up, but do you choose to go for it, or lay up?

Jim Marshall: A really enjoyable course. Large fast running greens protected by some deep pot bunkers. Some very good par 3's and an enticing finishing 18th hole.

Charles Abraham: Gullane No.2 is shorter, easier and less heralded than Gullane No.1 but just as much fun.

Michael Atkinson: Another pretty pedestrian opening hole, then follows a great links, often forgotten in favour of No.1, but really it is almost as good, as challenging, great condition, great holes, great views.

David Walker: As with all three Gullane courses, there is fantastic turf and spectacular views. Holes are protected not by length but the wonderful strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes.

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Where is Gullane Golf Club located?
Gullane Golf Club is situated in the village of Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland. The course looks out across the eastern coastline of the country, and out to the North Sea. North Berwick is five miles to the east, while the capital city of Edinburgh is only 20 miles west of Muirfield.

North Berwick and Drem are the two nearest train stations to Muirfield. Both stations sit on the East Coast Rail Line, which sees trains run from Edinburgh through to London. For international travellers to the eastern side of Scotland, Edinburgh Airport is approximately 45 minutes from the golf club. It is the biggest and busiest airport north of the Scottish border.

How many courses does Gullane Golf Club have?
Gullane is blessed to have three 18-hole layouts, along with the Children's Course, which opened in 2010. Along with the No.2 Course, the venue is also home to the No.1 Course and the No.3 Course.

Are there any other NCG Top 100s: Scotland venues nearby?
Gullane is one of several stunning venues in East Lothian, and not the only venue to have multiple layouts on the NCG Top 100s: Scotland list either... Next door to the east are Muirfield, The Renaissance Club and Archerfield - the latter being home to the Fidra Course and Dirleton Course. Luffness and Kilspindie are to the west of Gullane, while North Berwick is within a five-mile drive as well.

What golf facilities does Gullane offer?  
If having 54 holes to play wasn't enough, Gullane Golf Club also has world class practice facilities. There is a full-length driving range with both matted and grass tees depending on the weather. There is also a recently-improved short game area, which is next to the range, between the opening holes of the No.2 and No.3 Courses. There is also a putting green, there, along with a putting green by the start of the No.1 Course as well.

What are the green fees at Gullane?
The price of a green fee at Gullane changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.  For more information on current green fees at Gullane, visit their website here (opens in a new tab).  

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