Western Gailes Golf Club
TOP 10 FACTS
Name:
Western Gailes Golf Club
Location:
Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland
Opened:
1897
Designed By:
Evolved naturally with influence from Tom Simpson and Fred Hawtree
Category:
Traditional Scottish Links
Stats:
Par 71 / 6,412 metres (7,014 yards)
Rating and Slope:
Information not available
Tournament History:
Hosted events such as the 1972 Curtis Cup and the 2007 European Amateur Team Championship
Facilities:
Historic clubhouse, pro shop, short-game and putting practice areas, and dining room
Signature Features:
The thrilling 6th hole "Lappock", and the par-3 7th "Sea", both surrounded by towering dunes and coastal views
Unique Fact:
The routing of the course means players constantly change direction, with the clubhouse positioned in the centre, exposing golfers to shifting winds throughout the round
Western Gailes Golf Club, located on the scenic Ayrshire coast in Irvine, Scotland, is one of the country's best-kept secrets when it comes to championship-quality links golf. Opened in 1897, the course was originally created by a group of Glasgow golfers looking to escape city life and find year-round golf along Scotland’s west coast. More than a century later, it remains a firm favourite among golfers seeking a traditional yet demanding links experience.
Stretching to 7,014 yards and playing as a par 71, Western Gailes showcases the natural contours of the land and the elements. The course’s unique layout places the clubhouse in the centre, with the front nine heading out along the coast and the back nine returning inland. This routing leads to dramatic shifts in wind direction throughout the round, requiring adaptability and careful shot selection at every turn.
Two of the most memorable holes are the 6th, nicknamed “Lappock,” a doglegging par-5 that snakes between rugged dunes, and the 7th hole, called “Sea,” a challenging par-3 framed by bunkers and the rolling surf of the Firth of Clyde just beyond. These holes, along with the links’ fast fairways and naturally shaped greens, deliver a pure and authentic Scottish golf experience.
Western Gailes has a proud competitive history. In 1972, it hosted the prestigious Curtis Cup, and in 2007, the club welcomed the European Amateur Team Championship, reinforcing its standing among elite amateur venues in the UK and Europe.
The clubhouse offers golfers a traditional and welcoming space to relax before or after their round. Facilities include a pro shop, practice greens, and excellent dining options, all delivered with warm Scottish hospitality. The club’s heritage is palpable, and its dedication to maintaining a true links challenge keeps Western Gailes on many experienced golfers’ must-play lists.
Whether you’re teeing it up as part of an Ayrshire golf tour or looking for a genuine coastal challenge, Western Gailes Golf Club is a standout choice. With its ever-changing wind, historic charm, and world-class design, it delivers one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf in the west of Scotland.
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