Gᴜʟʟᴀɴᴇ (Tʜʀᴇᴇ)

Ask a few locals which is their favourite Gullane course and I bet a few will say G3. They’ll probably have a knowing smile on their face when they say it too - like they know a well kept secret.

Well maybe there’s something to it. As well as being the youngest of the three Gullane courses (at 111 years old this year) it’s by some way the shortest. Only 5,250 yards - it’s actually wonderfully liberating playing a short course conditioned to championship standards.

There is no difference in the presentation quality between any of the three Gullane courses, they’re all excellent. The rough is thick and has the inland feel of a broader leaf meadow grass in places than some of the other Scottish links’ - but that is the only negative on an otherwise impeccably presented property.

The holes start on the flat land by Gullane’s visitor clubhouse. Two and Three are charming, before crossing the main road to play up the steep Fourth - a bit of a novelty, such is the severity of the incline.

But from the top, you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views out over the Firth of Forth and beyond.

For the golf mad locals, I can completely understand why they love it so much. Its fun! With its short yardage you can play 18 holes in a couple of hours whilst enjoying many of the same views and splendid conditioning of the two older Gullane courses. Will definitely look to play it again, next time I think I might even take my hickories.