Western Gailes Golf Club

A ferocious two-club wind made Western Gailes feel a little bit like a slog at times with so many holes in the middle of the course playing into the gail. Beyond that, this is an incredibly underrated links fit snug between the railway line and the sea. There's not too many blind shots or massive dunes. It's just one strong hole after another.

Western Gailes is the type of townie course, alongside Brora and Crail, that is the glue to any great Scottish itinerary.

It was our second round of the day, coming straight over from Royal Troon. We had the course nearly to ourselves. We decided to play match play and it was an awesome course for that decision.

Western Gailes is starting to get more buzz, but it is still considered somewhat under the radar. It should not be missed, however, if in Ayrshire. In my opinion, if this course was in the United States it would be hovering around that cluster of courses on the verge of breaking into the top 100 public course lists. But, here, it gets lost among Royal Troon, Prestwick and Turnberry.

The course is situated hard between the railway and the sea, typical of Ayrshire courses. Both are in play for errant golfers. The course is no more than two holes wide at any point, and is laid out over a tumbling dunescape that at times appeared to be more of the Irish variety than Scottish. No. 6 was one of the most fun par 5s I’ve played anywhere, and Tom Watson is on record as saying the seventh is one of his favorite par 3s in Scotland.

The greens sit in little folds of the dunes on several holes, rendering some shots blind.

This is one of those places you may not of heard of but is well worth the visit. An absolute must play course, and I am saying that after a round of non stop wind and rain. Pot bunkers, burns, greens tucked into the swales, this course has it all. Cheaper than most and they throw in a free lunch! Easily accessed from anywhere on the Ayrshire coast. It has moved into my top ten list!

One local told me this was his favorite course in Scotland and after playing it I can see why. One gorgeous hole after another on a true links course set seaside. Tom Watson said the par 3 seventh was his favorite hole in Scotland, but I just liked the overall flow of the course. Keep it in the fairways and you've got a chance to score. Spray it and you'll be looking for balls. We played it on a relatively calm day, though. I would imagine in gusty weather it's a real bear, but enjoyable no matter what.

Been to Western Gailes twice in the last two years. Played in 2014; after 4 holes, the wind picked up to 4 clubs and it was also raining sideways. Still liked the place, nicest staff in Scotland, and came back for 36 this year. No rain, but the wind was the same. Never the less, I enjoyed Western Gailes very much; this is Scotland so wind is actually part of the experience.
They have the best staff-period-in Scotland. Their locker room is very old school and greatest I have been in. Everybody from the pro shop, to the dining room to the starter who is an icon, was extremely nice. They got me going quickly, kindly moved maintenance for me on a hole, gave me a private room to dine in to watch golf- no tele in the dining room and were just the most pleasant staff in a land with pleasant people.
The golf-Western Gailes is a true links experience. The unique part is that you play 4 holes out, then 9 along the shore in the opposite direction, then the last holes in the same direction you started. A nice variation from the typical out and back routing of most links courses. Beside the wind the fairways are well contoured as are the greens without becoming absurd. There is a need to move the ball in a variety of directions and playing links style shots. There is not a weak hole on the course and a few great holes are there. The par 5 6th stands out for its punchbowl green which only the brave will try to get to in two. It is situated left of the main fairway and all carry over the rough. The par 3 7th also has a great green complex protected by bunkers and plays very long into the wind. The tee box has the best view as you are able to see over the dunes. The rest of the holes are good; there are a couple with a burn in front and only 1 that people mind find quirky. I'll leave it up to you to determine which one that is and if it is quirky. There is also a nice variety of shot and long 3s and 4s, as well as dog legs left and right. A really good blend.
Despite the difficult conditions, all three rounds I have played there have been completed in 3-3.5 hours.Have to love Scotland for that alone.
Due to the fact that I have yet to experience less than 3-4 club wind here, I found this to be quite challenging. The longer holes play into the prevailing wind which ups the challenge. Only a seriously good player, if anybody, will shoot near their handicap in these conditions.
After the round, head back to the clubhouse for a beverage and the view of the course and area. Stay for sunset.
If you are doing the west coast of Scotland and plan on playing Turnberry and Troon, then add Western Gailes (as well as my favorite-Prestwick) and you have yourself a memorable time. Treatment is hard to beat and the golf is a lot of fun.

We were staying in St. Andrews and thought we had caught a good day with the weather forecast (and the price), so we drove out to the west coast for the day. Weather had changed (Scotland) and we had a 3 club wind with temp around 54. Had a great caddie and staff couldn't have been nicer. Wonderful links layout and in excellent condition, but a tough challenge even if the wind wasn't 25-30mph.. Makie sure you put this one on your list.

Staff are friendly and very helpful right from the start. I was provided a stroke saver with much input from the starter on shot lines and such. Magnificent links course along the sea. Tough and challenging test with only 10-15 MPH winds off the sea for this 9.5 handicap player. Easily one of the best courses in western Scotland. Enjoyed a beer after the round and admired the stunning views of Arran and Ailsa Craig from my chair in the clubhouse.

Course was in terrific shape. Rain was coming down hard and wind was blowing 30-40 mph. caddie called it a 4 club wind. Great experience, worth the drive if staying at Turnberry. Caddie master even let us borrow his clubs as the airline lost mine. Excellent service, will be back on our next trip!

We played this track during a five-day golf excursion before the British Open. I knew absolutely nothing about the place beforehand, but was blown away by the stunning vistas and fun layout. Make no mistake: Western Gailes will beat you up if you're not playing well, and you better bring a few extra balls if you're a little loose off the tee. But it's a great walk and there are a lot of different ways to make pars. Afterward, I'd highly recommend a beer on the patio that overlooks the course.

Played as a sixsome, each with a caddie so there were 12 people on the course all at once.

There was a lot of commotion, but that didn't distract from the stunning layout. Too bad I was slapping it all over the map that day.

I can remember every hole vividly, especially the par 3s. You don't hear about Western Gailes as much as, say, Royal Troon or Prestwick, but you should. It's a gem.

Make sure you have a beer off the back of the clubhouse porch at the end of the day as the sun sets. Heavenly as you look out at the Firth of Clyde the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig.