Volkswagen Masters 2007 – Gullane

Gullane is one of those special places where the golf course acts as the centrepiece to the town. St. Andrews and North Berwick are other fine examples and all three have focal points to be extremely proud of. Gullane lives and breathes golf, and when you witness the breathtaking views from the 7th tee it is easy to see why. Everywhere you look there is a golf hole, whether it be Muirfield behind or the three great Gullane courses in front it is an incredible sight.

Gullane No. 1 was established in 1884 and is one of the most undulating links courses you are likely to see. Every hole is different and as the third Volkswagen Regional Final got under way competitors were faced with a strong wind that made the challenge even tougher.

Considering the difficulties competitors faced, scoring was very impressive. Group A was close all day until Tom Paterson came in late on to post a terrific nett 68. The 6-handicapper from Crail Golf Club played some fine golf to seal his place in the UK Final. ?I love links golf and feel my game is well suited to it. I felt like my whole game was solid today which was helped by the fact that I drove the ball well,? he said.

Group B was won by John Foley from The Glen Golf Club North Berwick. Foley shot a nett 71 playing off 14 and was shocked to have won. ?My round started really well but I lost my way a bit half way round. I didn?t think I had a chance of winning with my score but I?m delighted,? said Foley who had nothing but good things to say about the course. ?I have played the course on numerous occasions and I love it. Its one of my favourite in Scotland.?

Finally Peter Lennon was victorious in group C with a nett 73. The 19-handicapper is a member at Alyth Golf Club and had never played Gullane No. 1 before. ?I only lost one ball which I thought was surprising out there. I had a terrific back nine by my standards,? he said.

Following their round players were treated to a swing analysis session by Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Neil Plimmer. The top three competitors in each group were given prizes as was longest drive winner Mary Summers and nearest the pin winner Liam McLaughlan. Winners will join other regional finalists at Celtic Manor in September for the UK Final.

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DATE: June 13

VENUE: Gullane (Number 1 course)

T: 01620 842255

W: www.gullanegolfclub.com

STATS: par 71; SSS 72, 6,466 yards

GF: £85-£100

Ranked No. 90 in the Golf Monthly Top 120 Course Rankings

This year Gullane Golf Club celebrates its 125th anniversary and it has all the hallmarks of an established venue. Few links courses can boast the natural changes in elevation that make Gullane such a fierce and memorable test. From its highest points, in particular the world famous view from the 7th tee, you'll enjoy views down towards the surrounding countryside that includes Muirfield and the Firth of Forth.

Controlling yardages is one of the hardest challenges and with its subtle intricacies it takes insider knowledge to return a good score. The good news is that if you are playing Gullane for the first time, it's kept in immaculate condition and the stunning views will sustain your attention whatever your score.

LIPHOOK / WESTERN GAILES / GULLANE / ASHRIDGE / ST PIERRE / LONDON GC / SAUNTON / WOODHALL SPA / LITTLE ASTON / ALWOODLEY