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Western Gailes, Scotland |
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Western Gailes Golf Club
Gailes
Irvine
Ayrshire
KA11 5AE
Scotland |  | F. Morris, Fred Hawtree |  | None |
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 | +44 (0) 1294 311649 |  | 3 miles N of Troon, off A78 |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Welcome Mon, Wed & Fri – contact in advance |  | Jerry Kessell |
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Western Gailes Golf Club is wedged between Irvine Bay and the railway tracks on one of Ayrshire’s narrowest strips of links land. Western and its next-door neighbour, Glasgow Gailes, are the northernmost of the exceptional links courses located on this prodigious stretch of Ayrshire coastline.
Four Glaswegians who were fed up with playing on muddy parkland founded the club in 1897. They recruited the first keeper of the greens, Mr. F. Morris, to lay out the course on land leased from the Duke of Portland. The original Western Gailes course remained virtually untouched until Fred Hawtree revised a number of holes in the mid 1970s.
Western is an unusual layout in that the clubhouse is more or less centrally located. The first four holes head north, parallel to the railway tracks. The next nine holes head straight back along the coastline in a southerly direction, passing the clubhouse along the way, and then the closing five holes head northwards, back towards the clubhouse and once more along the railway line.
Whilst the layout, as we have already mentioned, is unusual but ostensibly nine out and nine back, the holes are wonderfully varied. The fairways undulate gently, interrupted occasionally by three meandering burns that dissect this thin strip of land. The greens sites are cleverly located in naturally folded ground; some are protected by burns whilst others, like the 6th, are in hollows guarded by sand dunes. All the greens are fast, firm and subtly contoured. The 14th hole, a wonderful par five which often plays downwind, provides a huge temptation for big hitters, but numerous bunkers lie in wait.
Be prepared for a westerly wind that can be undeniably ferocious and cunning as it switches direction from south-westerly to north-westerly. On occasions it can be soul-destroying. Western Gailes is a suitably fitting name for this golf course.
Western is a very stiff golfing test – expect to use every club in the bag. The layout measures 6,714 yards from the back tees and Western has hosted a number of important events, including the 1972 Curtis Cup, narrowly won by the USA and the 1964 PGA Championship, won by AG Grubb. Additionally, the course is used for final qualifying when the Open is played at Troon or Turnberry. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | | £85 twilight rate as a visitor was well worth it to play this magnificent links. Aesthetically (for lovers of links golf) this place is pretty hard to beat with its traditional layout of superb holes sandwiched between the railway and the sea. Henry the starter is a true gent and has many fun stories about all the greats of the game (banter with Rory when he drove the 1st into the wind with a ridiculous stinger 3 wood shot etc.). Holes 6 and 7 are ‘out of this world’. Double breaking par 5 with a green partially hidden into a dune and then one of the best par 3’s you could ever wish to play. Just go and play it as my words won’t do it justice. The 17th is a lovely par 4 and very challenging with a marker post the beacon for a challenging 2nd over some trouble. Most fun you can have playing links golf I think. Just pipped to the post by Turnberry Ailsa and Royal Troon as they have the ‘open factor’ but ahead of Prestwick old IMHO. 5.5 stars so rounding up to 6! |
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| 16 June 2013
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| | Played this great course last weekend on our Annual Golf Trip and as ever it was a pleasure. It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination always different depending on the wind strength and direction but it does not rely on length for defence. This year the rough was deep and thick resulting in a lot of ball searching and as a result a long tiring round but we were rewarded afterwards with a fine lunch.
The first 4 holes were a gentle opener with an iron off the tee being suffice. When we turned though the course showed its teeth and the nine hole stretch south bound along the sea was tough going. There are some great holes along this stretch, the Par 3’s are good without being long, a fair test, some tough Par 4’s, the 5th, 11th & 12th amongst them and the Par 5 6th always a favourite. We then turned back towards the Clubhouse for the closing five holes, a fine finishing stretch with some strong holes including the bunker strewn Par 5 14th and the 17th with a blind second shot. A lovely course laid out many years ago but standing the test of time. However I would say Glasgow Gailes & Dundonald are closing the gap and as a three they make a great golf experience. Try them you wont be disappointed.
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| 11 June 2013
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| | Four of us visited Western Gailes last week on our annual trip to Scotland and were all mightily impressed by this classy lay out. We were told beforehand that we would enjoy this course the most and sure enough we did. We loved every second of walking the famous fairways of Royal Troon and Prestwick but for us Western was the star of the show. The welcome we received on arrival and inside the clubhouse was first class. On top of that the starter was extremely helpful offering us lines from the tees as well as a friendly warning of the dangers to come on some of the holes. We were lucky enough to play the course on a calm, sunny day and the views across to Arran particularly from the nine holes that run along the beach are simply stunning. My favourite holes are amongst the dunes, particularly 6 and 7 but there are so many good ones to choose from. The burn running in front of the green on 8, 13 and 16 only adds to the excitement and the railway line down the right of the closing holes keeps you on your toes until the end. Every hole offers a different challenge and there is not a weak one on the course. On top of that, the greens were as good as anything I have seen this year. This place may be overshadowed by some of its neighbours when it comes to the history of the game but should be very much viewed as an equal when comparing the quality of golf on offer. Brian W |
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| 13 August 2012
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| | What a wonderful golf course. I last played here almost 20 years ago in some of the most severe weather I ever remember encountering in the UK, yet I always held fond memories of the course and the club. On a calmer day during a recent trip I was able to enjoy and admire the subtleties of the course. The layout is indeed unique, with 4 hole out, nine back, and five returning to the clubhouse. There are two great par 5's, 6 and 14, which are as good as any par 5's in the UK, especially the 6th with it's devilish green tucked away behind the dunes. 7 is a justifiably famous par 3, but in truth I really enjoyed the variety of the par 4's. There are a number of shorter holes requiring strategy rather than strength, but enough longer holes such as 2, 4 11 and 12 that require strength as well as skill. Overall this is a great club with a wonderful, welcoming staff that all lovers of links golf should take in on a visit to the west coast of Scotland.
Richard Smith, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA |
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| 09 August 2012
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| | Western Gailes was the first of a nine course tour our group took recently, and it was an excellent opener. We were greeted kindly by George, directed to the changing rooms, then had lunch which was included in the fees. We found the course excellent, in great condition, scenic and eminently playable. Our experience was complemented by four of the best caddies we had on our tour - helpful, knowledgeable, hilarious, and no one was spared, neither ourselves or themselves. It was a course that one could enjoy playing for the rest of one's life. Only the comparison to Turnberry prevents me from giving Western Gailes a six-ball rating. It is a very strong five. |
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| 12 September 2011
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| | I played at Western recently and I cannot really fault the course or the setup. As has been mentioned, you are met by the starter and given a full run down of where everything is etc. The course was in very good condition and the holes through the dunes are excellent. On a nice day (as we had), the views to the beach and sea are spellbinding. The 17th is also a great, tough hole where many rounds will be made or broken. I have a few slight criticisms however that make this only a 5 ball instead of a 6 ball rating. 1)At £120 it is a bit overpriced - this is on a par with the Old at St Andrews or Carnoustie. 2)A ridiculous 'sock' rule where you have to have your socks up to your knees (if you are wearing shorts) and 3) No warm-up area / nets for hitting long irons or drives before your round. |
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| 04 May 2011
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| I know that Top100 appraisals should only focus on the course being reviewed but, really, to write about this place without mentioning the club and the atmosphere in the clubhouse would be doing Western Gailes a gross disservice. Everything here has quality stamped on it in very large letters. From the moment you’re welcomed at the front door by the genial caddie master to the farewell you are bid by the catering and bar staff in the lounge you know you’re made to feel a member for the day. If, on leaving, you feel unimpressed with the 18 holes of traditional Scottish links golf that’s on offer here, then I suggest you must be one of the most demanding golfers to ever have set foot on a golf course. The stretch of fairways from hole 5 to 13 are magnificent, bookended by a sprightly opening foursome and a stirring final five holes. The par five 6th and par three 7th are two of the best holes in the country, as is the brilliant par four 17th. Such was the excellent state of the fairways and greens when I played yesterday, you would never know the country had just endured one of the worst winters in living memory. Indeed, as a matter of opinion, I think the course at Western Gailes is only bettered in Ayrshire by the Ailsa at Turnberry. |
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| 24 February 2011
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| | played as part of 'Gailes experience' promotion (180 pound for Glasgow / Western and Dundonald). This was the best of the 3, in no small part down to the sea views which the others dont have. Also probably has more quirky holes and elevated tees, which I am a personal fan of. Condition was spot on and the above deal was a tremendous bargain. |
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| 07 September 2010
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| | This was my first experience of a (Scottish) top 20 course and initially I found it intimidating. Pulling up into the car park in my battered Peugeot 206 and being surrounded by Merc a BMW’s left me the sense that I did not belong here. This was quickly abated by the starter’s friendly and professional manner. However, my first glance of the course whetted my appetite and I was instantly in the mood to play golf. A superb drive on the first further relaxed me and as I meandered down the first fairway I began to absorb the quality that surrounded me. The first few holes contained undulations like I had never seen before. Although I had seen many Open’s on TV I simply had no appreciation of how difficult links golf could be with all the run off areas and uneven lies.
I was so engrossed with the run of holes along the sea that I paid no mind to the cold and blustery conditions. The Par 3 7th to this day is perhaps the most inviting Tee shot I have ever taken on.
If you have experience playing the higher rated championship links courses you maybe left wondering what all the hype is about. If you are venturing into the more upmarket courses for the first time this is the place to start.
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| 18 June 2010
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| | I have just completed a round in glorious sunshine but with a steady “breeze” which made this wonderful links all but impossible without the benefit of local knowledge or the direction of an in the know caddie.
This is links golf at its beautiful, intoxicating, frustrating best.
Undulating fairways, knolls, knobs and run offs carry your ball into tiny yet cavernous pot bunkers so deep that they require little flights of steps to get you in or out, or into knee high wispy rough so thick that anything but a sand iron shot out is sheer folly.
Blind shots and hidden greens abound and the meandering burn offers protection against the pitch and run at several holes, leaving your airborne approach shots to the mercy of the ubiquitous “breeze” which guarantees yet another visit to the pot bunkers and their thick, powdery sand.
None of the above means that the course is in any way unfair however. Bunkers do not appear in bizarre or unnecessary locations, the course relying on subtle borrows, doglegs and pinch points for its protection off many tees.
Despite one of the wettest months on record the fairways are in stunning condition: bone dry, springy and long running. The greens are immaculate and billiard table like and run totally true to your chosen line.
Up there with the best of the great natural links courses, this is one not to be missed.
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| 06 August 2009
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| I have come to the conclusion that Western Gailes is a wee bit taken for granted. Let me explain: like many others I have been seduced by playing the glamour tracks of Turnberry, Troon and Prestwick even though I was well aware of Western Gailes’ highly regarded reputation and that I would get round to playing it sometime. Well, that someday came and I quickly realised my mistake as Western Gailes is as good, if not better, than all of the above with the exception of the Ailsa at Turnberry.
At just over 6000 yards from the regulars Western Gailes is short in comparison to today’s monsters but as Harry Colt, the man behind Muirfield and Hoylake among numerous others stated “length has very little to do with merit”. It is, like many other of the courses in this area, a club of olde worlde charm. The ubiquitous rough and gorse coupled with stunning views, lift your golfing soul to new levels. In fact, you will have to travel far and wide to get a more magnificent and thought provoking stretch of holes than that of holes 3 – 9 which can see you using every club in your bag and every shot in your armoury. The back 9 may seem less relenting but there are still some classic holes the best being the 17th which wouldn’t look out of place at any championship course.
A special word and hearty thanks go out to Caddy master George Ferguson who took time out of his schedule to give us a behind the scene tour of the clubhouse which displays the club’s interesting memorabilia. It was greatly appreciated: a fabulous day rounded off with an unexpected treat. Don’t make the mistake that I did. Western Gailes is no “B” list, best supporting actress job. It is an “A” list, up for an Oscar star which shouldn’t be seen as subservient to others and which on no account should be missed. MPPJ |
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| 27 January 2009
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| Managed to squeeze a game in last week at  Western Gailes and it was a real delight to play again, even if the greens were a wee bit on the bumpy side due to overnight frost. Holes 5 to 13 which hug the coastline are very good and the winter tee positions at sizeable angles to the side of the holes gave you lots to think about in relation to finding the fairways. The clubhouse has such a lovely feel to it, with the staff making you feel like a long serving member – not a hint of snootiness or stuffiness here. Western Gailes is an excellent example of the maxim that clubs with the best courses never have to try too hard to convey that fact to visitors, resulting in a very relaxed atmosphere both on the course and in the clubhouse. |
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| 23 December 2008
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| | Western Gailes deserves to be higher on the list of great British Golf Courses. It has stunning natural beauty and a rugged grandeur that leaves a memorable impression on the visitor. On a day of brisk wind and sunshine, I kept the ball low and managed to compete with the undulating links. The holes from 4 to 9 were a joy to play and the quality of the fairways and greens were the best I have experienced. The standards in the clubhouse are also first class. I'll be back soon! |
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| 11 November 2008
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| | Great links golf. If I was being picky I'd say the closing holes become a tad flatter and less interesting, and for the better golfer there are too many short par fours. Doesn't have the sheer brutal challenge and tight bunkering of Troon, but I suspect most ordinary golfers may enjoy Western better. The 4th through to the 7th is a great stretch of golf. |
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| 14 October 2007
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| | The layout and terrain is so diverse you could play here solidly for a month and not get bored. Brilliant out and back narrow course, jammed between the sea and the railway. Lots of rough, lots of burns and a whole lot of fun. The most tidy links I have ever played- as a links greenkeeper myself I can honestly say I was inspired by the quality of work at Western. Neat wee bridges, sleeper edged ditches, perfectly constructed bunkers, excellent playing surfaces- I absolutely loved every single thing about this place. |
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| 19 August 2007
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| | Not much to add to Jim's review!!!This place is top class!!! Fantastic clubhouse where you can feel the unique atmosphere of a great course…The front nine is probably better than the back nine. Even with almost no wind, this is a tough challenge…Will return anytime! |
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| 21 April 2007
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| Western Gailes is separated from adjacent courses like Barassie , Glasgow Gailes and Dundonald by the railway line but,  what REALLY keeps this course apart from the others is the understated class of the layout - a traditional links course which just oozes quality. I was fortunate enough to play on a sunny Spring day when the wind was never more than a light breeze and it was an absolute joy to tread the fairways. The front nine are laid out on ground to the north of the property that is more undulating than the inward half and it is here that the best holes are located. I particularly liked the punchbowl green on the 2nd hole and admired the swale in front of the putting surface on the 3rd – no easing your way into a round here so hit the fairway running or you’ll be punished early on. The top hole on the card was the 498 yard 6th, called “Lappock” where mounding keeps you in the dark about the cunning green location in the sand hills until the very last minute – a hole where a distance guide is a must for the first time visitor. The back nine have burns in front of holes 10, 13 and 16 so no easing off here on your way back to the clubhouse. All in all, Western Gailes is a must play on any west coast rota of top tracks and with lunch included in the visitors fee, it is surprisingly good value when compared to other leading courses in the vicinity. Jim McCann |
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| 16 April 2007
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| Response: | | | stewart | 17 April 2007 | | Jim - The sixth is indeed a fantastic hole. Inspired by my recent trip to Ayrshire I just finished James Flanagan’s book, “ Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens.” He sums up Western Gailes perfectly: “…beginning at the first and running without interruption through the 11th, there are holes—natural and challenging, fair and fascinating—that we not only take the most intense pleasure in playing but that actually articulate why true links golf is the best there is. These holes are routed over the perfect terrain; undulating, mildly hummocky, rising here, tumbling there, the greens sited exactly where—indeed, only where—the greens should be, the fairways marvelously defined by the low dunes and the wild grasses and the heather. We suspect that this just may be the perfect seaside course…. Permit me to insist that Western Gailes is a grand place to play, for it is surely no less.” |
| | | I just returned from 4 days of Golf in the Ayrshire area, having played Glasgow Gailes, Turnberry Ailsa, Turnberry Kintyre, Prestwick (Old), Dundonald and Western Gailes. All were excellent, but the course that surpassed my expectations was Western Gailes. What an interesting and delightful layout. If it had a lighthouse and hosted a few Open Championships I think it would be held to the same level of esteem as Turnberry Ailsa. The green fee is just a fraction of what is charged at Turnberry and includes a fine lunch. The stretch from #6 to #10 is about as good as it gets anywhere. I could play this course every day and never tire of it. |
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| 26 March 2007
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| Response: | | | Wimpie | 03 April 2007 | | I have to agree with the review. I played Royal Dornoch, Gleneagles, Carnoustie, Western Gailes and Turnberry(Ailsa) and the best were Royal Dornoch and Western Gailes. A wonderful surprise and one of the best courses in Scotland. I will return again this year in July and play Muirfield and Glascow Gailes amongst others. Have told everybody that wanted to listen aout this friendly and wonderful course. |
| | | Western Gailes is truely one of the hidden gems of golf in Scotland. I have played this course for the past two years during my spring golfing excursions to Scotland. It is a wonderful experience that I can hardly wait to repeat. |
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| 08 January 2007
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| | Played the course with 3 friends in October 2006. The green fee was reduced slightly because the greens had been hollow-tined – they were pretty slow, a bit woolly really.
Overall we were a little disappointed and would not rank the course as high as 26. All four of us are experienced links players but playing 9 consecutive holes into the wind becomes a little tedious!
A good course but not as high as 26.
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| 19 October 2006
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| | Great links course squashed between the railway and the sea. Holes 1-4 go north, 5-13 south and 14-18 back to north, therefore the wind is a big factor. Pretty as a picture at the far end of the course (13th, 14th), so much gorse providing a wonderful scene. Some truly brilliant links holes at Western, par 3 7th and par 4 17th my picks – Highly recommended. |
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| 27 April 2006
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| | Western Gailes is the understated gem of the Ayrshire coast. It doesn't have the pedigree of Turnberry, Troon or Prestwick, but in many ways Western is the best all round course of the bunch. A sense of quiet and unassuming confidence is all around the place and there's nothing showy just a good honest links course with a fine collection of holes and an especially strong set of par threes. Make sure it's up at the top of your list of courses to play when you're visiting this neck of the woods, you won't be disappointed. |
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| 24 April 2006
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| | A great test of golf with 18 honest and fair holes. There are no unfair or obvious designer hallmarks here. The course was in fine condition in April 06 and it proved one of the more enjoyable rounds on this tour ranked in my eyes just below Turnberry's Ailsa. Well worth a visit and a must play if you're planning a tour of the region. The clubhouse was being refurbed on our visit but you could still get lunch though it's a jacket and tie affair. We only found four people eating and no staff members anywhere so left without so much as a pint. |
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| 11 April 2006
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| | Ranks in the echelon just behind the great links courses of Scotland, i.e. a fine test with some excellent holes and lovely views. Try to play here if you can. |
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| 04 February 2006
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| | A course you should absolutely not miss if you are on the western coast of Scotland. We played this course in a fierce wind, and when it started raining we thought it was hail because it was hitting us so hard. Our first four holes were downwind. To give you some idea of the severity, I drove it into a greenshide bunker at the first (325 yards or so). After turning into the wind I hit a driver and a 4 iron to the 320 yard 9th. The course is wedged between the ocean and runs straight out, back for nine wholes, and then straight back in. Most of the time the wind is either dead with or against you. Hole #5 is a stern par 4, and at 460 into the wind we were hitting 5 irons on our third shots! 7 is a great par three, hard against the coast line with the green nestled between high banks of rough.
The holes are all interesting and challenging.
The club is exceedingly friendly and playing this course is one of my foundest memories. This course deserves it high ranking and is one I would seek out and play any time I was close by. |
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| 20 November 2005
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| | You need to know how to handle a links course to play well here. Western is a demanding course with tricky subtle greens that are well protected. A couple of excellent little par threes provides great entertainment. A course that will appeal to the connoisseurs because it has everything going for it but always in an understated way. The run from the 6th is especially good. A true links course and one of the best on the Ayrshire coast. Clubhouse is an imposing but welcoming building and the staff and members are really friendly. |
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| 19 April 2005
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| | I was fortunate enough to play Prestwick, Turnberry (Ailsa), and Western Gailes on one of my golfing trips to Scotland. Out of the 3 I liked Western Gailes the best. I thought it was fabulous. We played 36 and would have played more if we had the time! |
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| 08 November 2004
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| | My son and I played 10 of the great courses in Scotland including Turnberry, Troon, Prestwick, St Andrews, North Berwick...etc. Out of all the courses we played Western Gailes was our favorite. We truely loved this links the best. |
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| 19 October 2004
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