Western Gailes Golf Club

If you get to Ayrshire, this is 1 course you absolutely must play. Despite the fact that it's not one of the "famous names" along this coast, it's still one of the finest links courses I've ever played. Contact the caddiemaster George before you arrive and get a caddie, it is very difficult to play your first round without one, but this is not a course with a lot of blind shots and local knowledge required, but you will need help with yardages in the everpresent and gusty winds that usually prevail. This is a "hidden gem" if there ever was one. It's a beautiful but very difficult course where most trouble is always in view but difficult to ignore. The maintenance on this course compares with any in the world. The club itself is just wonderful and the luncheon was just as good. There are several wonderful holes on this course, but none compare with having a beverage from the dining room overlooking 6 holes and the Ocean, it's a great experience which will make you forget you couldn't shoot your handicap.

Played this course on the last day of a three day society tour. The first hole looks particularly intimidating, and the entire course is only playable by those who know how to handle a links course. The condition of the fairways and greens was exemplary and there are a number of very attractive and well protected greens. That said some of the holes are fairly "plain" and definitley overpriced at £85 for the round. Clubhouse is quite grand, but both staff and members were very welcoming.

A very pleasant and demanding course with undulating greens, where the 4th in particular presents a fascinating approach shot. A great test of your links ability with the weather being a constant distraction. Some cheeky par 3s such as the 6th and 12th are great fun, and the run back to the clubhouse is a grand finale. Worth and visit and is an Open Qualifying course, however in my opinion is overpriced at £50.

I played there in September of 1998 and it was probably the most fun afternoon of our week long visit, which also included playing St. Andrews, Troon, Turnberry and Carnoustie. Western Gailes did not compare to the beauty of some of the others, and I must admit that many of the holes seem to be similar in nature, but we had a very enjoyable time - no pressure, great caddies, and the place virtually to ourselves. I would definately add this to any list of courses to play while in Scotland.

I played Western Gailes in august 1997. It was one of the very best golfing experiences I've ever had!\r\nI do recommend the course for its beautiful holes, esp from the 6th; also for the warm welcome from Mr Beattie, clubhousemanager. It's a friendly atmosphere and not too many tourists around!

This a truly awesome golf course in the finest of golf links tradition.As an englishman now living in the united states,I recently took a pilgrimage back to my old golfing haunts. Western Gailes had alway been one of my favourite courses, to my delight it was evn betterthan Ii had remembered.To say it one of the finest 10 links courses in the world I do not believe is an exageration, especially the first 13 holes and # 17. If you are in the area treat yourself to a lifelong lasting experience

A true hidden gem! The course was in good shape - the greens were perfect - and very scenic. It was challenging and great fun at the same time (I had to ace the par 3 13th hole to shoot 91!).