I intend to go to Scotland in Aug. I will probably only play three times. The first three days (one is a Sunday) are in St.Andrews so I hope to get on TOC.

   Then we go to Musselburgh for Tuesday through Sat. I have a time at N.Berwick for Wed. Aug. 16 at 12:30.


    So, am I on the right track that Gullane is my next best option ?

    I prefer "quirk" to "prestige".

Mayday - I went to Gullane recently for the golf part of a stag do, and we played 2 and 3. Some of the lads had hardly played so we couldn't attempt number 1 but it looked terrific. Number 2 was really nice, such a great setting and fine views from the highest part of the course. Its quite a friendly club, too, I will definitely be going back to play number 1 sometime.

I'd be interested to hear more if you do choose that course.

Cheers

Richard

 I should make it clear that I have a nongolfing wife so that I won't travel far from the Edinburgh area for this additional round.

 Mark,

   I may do that . But I prefer to experience more if possible.

A little history with the concrete anti nazi landing structures.  

OT:

Anti-nazi?

I doubt that there were many NSDAP (Nazi party) members in German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe.

I am not picking nits; I am just tired of the notion I see often, namely that WWII was fought by some nebulous "nazis".

It was fought by the German forces; by German army, air force and navy.

On topic - can't go wrong with Gullane #1. It is much better than the neighboring Luffness.

Richard P

I've played Luffness but not Guillane! Not much help comparing.  It is a tough ticket, but I played elsewhere with a member and was invited to play. I personally loved it.  Purported to have the "best greens in Scotland" they were first class, haven't played enough to say they were the best but were as good or better than any others I've played.

Luffness New is billed as a "junior Muirfield", I don't know if  that's the correct comparison, however it's indeed very good. It's on flattish terrain mostly, but has very interesting twists and turns and when I played it the fairway defining hay was rather tall giving a surreal feeling to this seldomly-played course.

Do it if you can swing it.  

I'll vote too for Gullane #1 over a 2nd round at North Berwick.  Also try Gullane #2, particularly if you are into quirk.  Finally, don't miss out on Old Musselburgh.  It's a bit rough and ready but has some very good holes and a huge amount of history.  #4 is worth the journey.

PS--Bob H, all the Luffness members I have known are indeed fine people.  As most of them have graduated to Muirfield, I can't really speak for the present generation.

Gullane 1 gets my vote as well, assuming you decide not to play North Berwick again.

Luffness is not in the same category as Gullane although still a nice track to play. Another place to try would be Dunbar - holes 1, 2 & 18 are bland but there are some good holes in the stretch between 4 & 17 on the seaward side of the wall.

Bob, you softy you. I did not think you would climb up to 7 tee, even from the dead end street for a sunset view of the area. I do love the view and yearn for another day there. I like Luffness as well but it is not in the same conversation with Gullane 1 and North Berwick. I like it as a course to play late in the day when the legs are saying no to Gullane Hill.

Yes, I have some comments. You are working too hard brother, Gullane is the one for you.

Mayday,

Kilspindie is delightful as Ran's profile suggests.  Relatively short, simple and straight-forward, it lacks for quirk with the exception of approaching the blind 17th through a small gap in the stone wall and avoiding the porch of the clubhouse while attempting to drive the green on the 260 yards finishing hole.

That said, it's a wonderful glimpse into a modest local club and an opportunity to enjoy some fresh air hard by the shore and make a few birdies along the way.  

I loved it and prize my copy of the club history, but would not recommend it for one of three rounds during your trip.  It was perfect in my rota as I played there in the a.m. and at North Berwick's West Links that afternoon.  It was a splendid day with a 75 and 78 carded.  Likely the last time I'll ever walk and carry 36 holes in a day.  

I'll try to post some pics.

Kindest regards,

Mike

I thought the town of Gullane was one of the nicest small towns I saw in Scotland. It was very clean, and there was a very nice butcher shop just across and down from the Gullane Golf Shop. The hotel and food there was very good and the peolpe were most accomodating. I could live quite comfortably in Gullane.

Seconded - has anyone read Curtis Gillespie's "Playing Through"? His account of living in Gullane for a year, the idea presumably taken from Lorne Rubenstein's "A Season in Dornoch".

    Mikey, word to the wise: pronounce it correctly when you're there.  True story.  Played in a mixed event at Gullane #2 with my wife twenty years ago.  Hooked up with a member and his wife.  I asked if the proper pronunciation was "Gillan" or "Gullan."  His answer, "Only you Americans who are trying to impress pronounce it 'Gillan.'  We here pronounce it 'Gullan.'"
    By the way, #1 is awesome!