The reputation of Western Gailes as one of the game’s finest and more exacting courses has spread worldwide as evidenced by its numerous visitors from around the world including golfing legends from this and the last century. The great Harry Vardon arrived at Western Gailes in June 1903 celebrating his fourth Open victory. In 1923 its attractions were being lauded by the then US Open Champion Gene Sarazen who played the course with three other outstanding professionals. The Western Gailes golf links resides on Scotland’s south-west Ayrshire Coast, not far from the Open venues of Royal Troon and Turnberry. Travellers visit Western Gailes because of its reputation as a classic Scottish Links golf course whose focus is on renowned golf and great hospitality.
The course is situated between the railway and the sea, so typical of the classic Ayrshire links courses, with both being very much in play for the errant golfer. It is also special amongst seaside courses that are no more than two holes wide, in having its clubhouse in a more or less central position leaving seven holes to the north and eleven to the south. The course is never other than an excellent test of true links golf. Any change in the strength or direction of the wind, that usually varies between south-westerly and north-westerly off the adjacent Firth of Clyde, provides new challenges that are compounded by the undulating terrain and finely contoured greens cleverly located and set in the folds of the surrounding sand dunes.
Together with the line of dunes running down the coastal stretch from the 5th to the 13th holes, the out of bounds wall from the 14th onwards, the plentiful supply of pot bunkers plus the meandering burns, all combine to present variety and a memorable challenge. Western Gailes is much like other fantastic golf courses in the area such as Dundonald Links or Kilmarnock Barassie Links.
The clubhouse sits at the very heart of Western Gailes – both geographically, as unusually for a links course it sits halfway along the course, and for the traditional comforts, it offers our members and visitors. From the moment you step into the clubhouse, you will relish the day ahead. The entrance is warm and welcoming, while the main hall indicates the pleasures that lie ahead, including a first glimpse over the Firth of Clyde to Arran.
The main bar provides a warm haven in which to anticipate the treat ahead or reflect on the glories or challenges of your round. The dining room allows you to overlook the course while enjoying lunch or dinner and to again enjoy the ambience enjoyed routinely by the members. Elsewhere, the main locker room provides a unique insight to the very earliest beginnings of the present clubhouse, the original lockers remain in place with some having been handed down from founding father to grandson and beyond.
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