Western Gailes has captivated golf pros and connoisseurs over the years for the true golfing test it represents, as attested to by just how many legends of the game have graced its greens. Plenty of important championships have been contested over its deceptively demanding fairways, and the course has frequently been used as a final qualifying venue for the Open Championship when hosted at Turnberry or Royal Troon.
At more than 6,700 yards, Western Gailes delivers a tricky test to experienced golfers as well as unique thrills to less experienced players, placing emphasis on shot quality just as much as length. Boasting ever-changing and powerful winds, a plentiful supply of bunkers and meandering burns, and an unusual layout with the clubhouse located in the middle of the course, this course is one of Scotland’s finest. Expect to use every one of your clubs to meet the strenuous challenge it presents.
About Western Gailes – Brief History
- Founded in 1897 by William Johnstone, James Lang, Will G O Lindsay and Andrew McCulloch, who grew fed up of playing on muddy local parkland and decided to do something about it
- Built on land leased from the Sixth Duke of Portland, then sold to the club in 1920
- Few modifications over the decades, still faithful to its original design
- An Open Qualifier for Troon and Turnberry
- Host to the Curtis Cup, PGA Championship and Scottish Open
- By 1923 the course had won an enviable reputation, loved by US Open Champion Gene Sarazen
- Gary Player, Tom Watson and Tony Jacklin also rate the course highly, along with Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson
- Three quarters of the course is named a Site of Special Scientific Interest
- Home to the Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship in 2017
Western Gailes Course Scorecard
Click here to view the scorecard
Featured hole – Hole 7
Hole seven, aka ‘the sea hole’, is the icing on your Western Gailes golfing cake, and has been challenging golfers since Western Gailes’ inception. A 198 yard par-3, this is one of the greatest links par 3s in the nation and demands a lot from players. Only the very the straightest tee shots are good enough – if you happen to miss the green anywhere else, you're unlikely to achieve anything beyond a par-4.
Known for being an excellent test of true links golf
Western Gailes, famed for its classic links game, sits between a disused railway and the sea, no more than two holes wide with seven holes to the north and eleven to the south. The variable wind is a big feature here, blowing hard from the south or north-west, depending on the conditions, and the undulating ground and contoured greens are cleverly hidden in the dunes. The dunes themselves, and the out of bounds wall from the 14th onwards, offer an unending supply of tricky pot bunkers. Streams peppered throughout the course makes every Western Gailes golf round a varied and memorable challenge.
Western Gailes Golf Breaks
Would you like to experience the joys of a top class Western Gailes golf vacation? At The Experience Scotland we pride ourselves on curating amazing, individually tailored golfing packages, providing you with the opportunity to play some of Scotland’s finest links golf. All our packages incorporate the best accommodation and courses the game has to offer, and guaranteed tee times.
Get in touch so we can help plan your dream Western Gailes golf break. We’ll provide you with everything you need to make an unforgettable golfing experience.