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 dema.
