Gifford Golf Club was established in 1904 as a 9-hole parkland course blending challenging play with the natural beauty of the East Lothian countryside. Designed to be both challenging and accessible, it offers a variety of Par 3 and Par 4 holes and one Par 5, and can be played as an 18-hole round.
The club has been shortlisted for the second year running in the 9-hole course category by the Scottish Tourism Awards, and currently has a 95% rating on Google Reviews.
Gifford also enjoyed a six-fold increase in the number of rounds played in 2024 following a campaign to raise the club’s profile, bringing in both more visitors and additional members. As a result, captain Peter Imrie says the club may be setting up a waiting list for new members later this year.
So if I play Gifford as an 18-hole course, how long’s the walk?
At that the course extends to 6,129 yards, with par set at 71 and a slope rating of 128.
Designed by Willie Watt of Royal Epsom, the course was built on land gifted to the parish by the 11th Marquis of Tweeddale and has benefited from the fact that during its first 100 years there were only four head greenkeepers, indicative of their love for the course.
The layout is celebrated for its scenic landscape and tranquil setting, featuring undulating fairways, lush greens, and a combination of natural and man-made challenges that make every round engaging. Designed to create a balance between challenge and playability, each hole offers a unique experience that demands strategic thinking and precision.
Doesn’t it get boring playing the same nine holes twice in a row?
When playing eighteen holes, a number tee boxes on the back nine are located in different positions and at modified lengths, offering new perspectives on the course. For example, the 162-yard Par 3 1st hole is transformed into a 347-yard Par 4 10th hole.
While the course may be compact, it is designed to require strategic thinking and precision, making it ideal for players looking to test their skills while appreciating the calming beauty of the surroundings.
What would you say is your signature hole?
One is the Par 3 5th, which is known for its elevated, sloping green and the placement of bunkers that challenge players’ accuracy. This hole exemplifies the course’s focus on precision over power, as the right approach angle and club selection can make all the difference.
Another notable hole is the Par 5 9th, a longer, more open fairway that demands a solid drive to avoid the rough and offers a real birdie opportunity for well-placed shots.
How many members do you have?
One objective for 2024 was to enhance the visibility of the club to attract new members as well as visitors. A brand-new website was launched together with new social media channels.
These platforms have been used to enhance communication with members, engage with visitors and promote the club’s golf packages, open competitions and other activities.
We also ran a very successful Get Into Golf Programme in the summer which was well-attended.
The culmination of these efforts was the addition of 84 new full, intermediate and junior members, taking total membership to 527, and a 600% increase in the number of rounds played last year. There has been a commensurate increase in visitor revenue, including clubhouse catering.
We currently membership availability but expect to set up a waiting list for membership later in the year.
What are the club’s development plans going forward?
We are making an effort to further increase the club’s profile, particularly among visiting societies. A number are now coming on annual basis and we are looking forward to hosting these events.
Gifford has a strong list of open competitions throughout the year and a number of these in 2025 are already close to being full. These provide a great opportunity to showcase the club and its facilities.
When did you take up golf? What do you love most about the game?
I married into a golf-loving family and once I began to play I was hooked. My handicap is currently 13.9.
I enjoy the fact that no two rounds are the same and that you can play competitively with friends of all ages and abilities. The game in many ways is equally rewarding and frustrating, but it’s so much more than a walk whilst “hitting a wee ball”.