Course review: Gullane no. 3 and the magic of Scottish short courses

Players walk to the next tee box on Gullane no 3.

One of the sneaky differences between golf in the British Isles and in North America doesn’t have to do with the presence of the sea, bouncy turf, mean-spirited bunkers, or long wispy grass. 

With the notable exception of the brand new Sedge Valley in Wisconsin, you would be hard pressed to think of a well-regarded golf course in the US or Canada that comes in at less than 6000 yards, at any price point. Here, a short course means an executive course, a pitch and putt, or a cheap and cheerful nine-holer, but never one of the courses that you would build an itinerary around.

The same isn’t true in Scotland.

Sporty courses—a delightful Scottish euphemism for short but still fun/challenging—are often the highlight of a trip. Courses like Crail, Kilspindie, and Gullane #3 all come in well under 6000 yards and par 70, but never making you feel like you’re playing an afterthought.

Golfers putt out on Gullane no 3. Edinburgh is visible in the distance.

Gullane #3 traverses the same central hill as its two bigger siblings do, and although there are many short holes of ~330 yards or so, it also has a 450-yard par 4, a fun par 5, and beefy par 3s that range up to 180 yards.

It has the same thoughtfully designed green sites and similar approach shots as you’ll find on #1 and #2, but typically to smaller targets with shorter clubs in your hand.

As a member, if you had 2 hours to squeeze in a game, #3 might be the most logical choice to race around all 18 holes. But thanks to the wide variety of shots and consistently strong hole strategy, time alone isn’t the only reason members often choose the short course.

The view looking out over Gullane no 3 and neighbour Luffness New.

When you have an option to tack on a round at one of the sporty Scottish links don’t brush it off as a novelty. It will often be some of the best value you can find and can act as a brilliant afternoon complement to a beefier course in the morning.

Want to learn more about Scotland’s best short courses? We’d love to chat!