WESTERN GAILES

Western Gailes dates back over 125 years to 1897, when the earliest golfers used to arrive on the train south from Glasgow. 

Stretching to over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, the entire links lies between the sea and railway. The opening holes head north, before a stretch of nine consecutive holes played in the opposite direction, with the sea on the golfer’s right. The closing quintet of holes include the unforgettable 17th, one of the most testing par 4s in all of Scotland.

The original architect of this unusually routed links is unknown but Tom Simpson probably had at least some influence, as, more recently, did Fred Hawtree.

“Nearly half the greens lie in saucers or bowls and so gather the ball, but as many are full of subtle slopes that neutralise any advantage” said Frank Pennink in his timeless Golfer’s Companion.

Western Gailes is most certainly as traditional, attractive and testing a Scottish links as you could wish to find.

Take a closer look at the holes below.

1st Hole

Par 4     309 Yards

1st Hole

Par 4       309 Yards

2nd Hole

Par 4     430 Yards

2nd Hole

Par 4       430 Yards

3rd Hole

Par 4     369 Yards

3rd Hole

Par 4       369 Yards

4th Hole

Par 3     355 Yards

4th Hole

Par 4       355 Yards

5th Hole

Par 4     500 Yards

5th Hole

Par 4       500 Yards

6th Hole

Par 5     498 Yards

6th Hole

Par 5       498 Yards

7th Hole

Par 3     183 Yards

7th Hole

Par 3       183 Yards

8th Hole

Par 4    393 Yards

8th Hole

Par 4       393 Yards

9th Hole

Par 4    336 Yards

9th Hole

Par 4       336 Yards

10th Hole

Par 4    349 Yards

10th Hole

Par 4       349 Yards

11th Hole

Par 4    477 Yards

11th Hole

Par 4       477 Yards

12th Hole

Par 4    470 Yards

12th Hole

Par 4      470 Yards

13th Hole

Par 3    154 Yards

13th Hole

Par 3       154 Yards

14th Hole

Par 5    592 Yards

14th Hole

Par 5       592 Yards

15th Hole

Par 3    194 Yards

15th Hole

Par 3       194 Yards

16th Hole

Par 4    428 Yards

16th Hole

Par 4       428 Yards

17th Hole

Par 4       470 Yards

17th Hole

Par 4       470 Yards

18th Hole

Par 4       407 Yards

18th Hole

Par 4       407 Yards