Western Gailes

Western Gailes is nestled in the Northerly part of Ayrshire's golf links lands. The course, like many others on this historic stretch is situated between the railway and The Firth of Clyde. This location ensures that the course is no more than two holes wide at any point. The traditional clubhouse, which dates back to 1909, is located in a central position, with seven holes to its North and eleven to its South. Western Gailes provides a classic test of links golf across undulating terrain, with an abundance of pot bunkers, tributary burns, gorse, contoured greens and rolling sand dunes.

Playing 7,014 yards from the Championship tees Western Gaines will require an experienced player to utilise every golf club in the bag. However, for the mere mortals amongst us, the standard 6,106 yards will still provide plenty of challenges. The ever-present wind can play havoc with both your mind and your shots. The wind, often coming off The Firth of Clyde, primarily fluctuates between a South-Westerly and North-Westerly and provides plenty to think about in terms of club and shot selection. The wind, aligned with tight fairways, pot bunkers, and dunes along the coastal stretch can put a dent in any score card, and will test your patience, resilience and character.

The phrase best describing Western Gailes is that, "the course was designed by Mother Nature, herself." However, Western Gailes was first laid out in 1898 by the original green-keeper, Mr Fred Morris. Due to tank manoeuvres in the area, during WWII, the course underwent a number of changes, resulting in modifications at the 10th “Ailsa” and the 17th “Ridge". In more recent times, Mackenzie and Ebert’s work in 2020 focussed on the bunkering, which makes some bunkers less severe, yet more visually striking.

The Ayrshire coast provides some of the best links golf courses to be found in the world and Western Gailes should be high on your list to play. It is visually stunning, demanding, full of character and the experience will live with you for years to come.

Accommodation: SGB partner with a number of hotel chains across Ayrshire, such as SimpsInns and Marine & Lawn. While we work with many smaller, more intimate ones situated across the region. In addition, we have partnerships with a number of letting agencies to ensure we provide a fantastic suite of accommodation options across Ayrshire. Whether you want to stay on a country estate, in a hotel, a luxury lodge, an apartment or a signature villa, Scottish Golf Breaks can arrange it for you.