Gullane Set to Benefit from New Irrigation System
Gullane Golf Club, one of the jewels in the Scottish golfing crown, is continuing with its programme of investment this winter with the installation of a new irrigation system on its No.2 and No.3 links courses.
With the club firmly established as one of the premium links golf destinations in Great Britain and Ireland, the latest project builds on Gullane’s ongoing development over the past five years, which has included the new Links Clubhouse, world-class short game facilities, Top Tracer technology on the driving range and a new Stater’s Pavilion which opened earlier this year.
Boasting three links courses each offering a unique golfing experience but with equally stunning views along the Firth of Forth coastline, Gullane has twice played host to the Scottish Open during the last decade, as well as the Ladies Scottish Open in 2018, further elevating its status as a must play destination for golfers from all over the world.
This year’s winter project will see automatic irrigation installed on fairways throughout the No.2 course, in addition to greens, surrounds and fairways on its No.3 course over a 4-month period, with work commencing in November. The extensive work will be overseen by the club’s Course Manager Paul Armour, who has led further improvements to the three courses since his appointment last October.
The Club is aiming to minimise disruption to members and visitors alike during the installation works, and while specific holes will be closed at times, there will be 17 holes open on No.2 and No.3 throughout the period of works, Monday to Friday. 18 holes will be played on the weekend, Saturday and Sunday.
Club secretary Gordon Simpson said: “The installation of a new irrigation system is another major investment from the club to enhance the experience on No.2 and No.3, ensuring that all three of our links courses are aligned by way of playing surface quality. Once completed, it will also free up time and resources for our greenkeeping team, allowing them to devote attention to other areas of course maintenance and preparation.
“We are committed to continuous improvement at Gullane and the enhancements we have made over the last five years have made a huge difference to the Gullane experience. The new Links Clubhouse has been a major success, and we now boast some of the finest practice facilities in the country, with the addition of our short-game area and the new Top Tracer technology on the range.
“The courses are in fantastic condition all year round and we are proud of the feedback we receive from members and visitors about the quality of the greens and fairways, which are commensurate with the incredible views on offer. We are excited to see the results of our latest project come the start of the 2025 season, and look forward to welcoming visitors to sample pure, links golf at Gullane for the first time, or for a return trip.”
Course Manager Paul Armour added: “It’s an exciting time to be part of the team at Gullane, with investments being made across all three courses. The upgraded system irrigation system will not only help during periods of low rainfall, but it was also aid us with general maintenance practices such as seed germination or watering in wetting agents and soil conditioners.
This winter we will be looking to further enhance the condition of the courses and build on the excellent work the team undertaken over the past year, with the backbone of our winter programme comprising of bunker building, aerating and ecology work. Having been in post for almost a year, I’m delighted with the progress we have been making, with the courses playing great and the presentation improving all the time, despite some challenging weather.”