Western Gailes

No course in the world is more aptly named than Gailes. If I ever should play these links on a calm day, I fear I shall be awakened from my dream before ever reaching the final hole. Nonetheless, Western Gailes is without question among one of my three or four favourites among the more than 130 courses in the Strathclyde region. With Prestwick as the original host club, the Ayrshire coast is where the Open Championship began and is renowned for the competitiveness of its golfers. For that matter, the locals are rather hardy and competitive in all their undertakings.

I am especially fond of the work of Willie Park, Jr. and find Gailes to be a fine example. In the latter part of the 19th century, Park became renowned as a golfer, author and course architect. He won the Open in 1887 and 1889, wrote two books on golf, and became "one of the virtuoso golf architects", in the words of one design historian. He laid out more than 150 courses in North America and Europe with the best known being the Sunningdale Old Course, Formby and the first major redesign of Carnoustie. At Western Gailes, one may still view his use of sleepers (railroad ties to Americans) to face deep bunkers and to inspire the devilishness of a myriad of Pete Dye designs. Recognising the paucity of links upon which the course is placed, the genius of Parks the architect is also revealed.

William Davis, originator of the Great 100 lists of golf courses, wrote about Western Gailes:

The reason there are no ladies tees is because male chauvinism reigns. There are no women members, but they are permitted in the clubhouse, except on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In America, the place would be picketed. Western Gailes is a true links, among the finest in Scotland, and sandhills abound. The first four holes tend to parallel the railroad tracks and the fifth to the 13th go south along the seashore. When a southwest wind blows these holes become a test of survival. At the 14th, the course swings north again following the railroad tracks to the 18th. An awesome finishing stretch led by the 562 yard 14th.

I could not have put it better and, thus, I will not venture to do so.

Independent travellers: Take the A 78 north towards Irvine; about two miles south turn left on the A 737. The course is on the western (ocean) side of the road two miles south of Irvine. Do not confuse it with Glasgow Gailes across the road. Check in with the caddie master just inside the clubhouse entrance who will direct you to the changing rooms and the secretary's representative. Enjoy soup and toasties in the lounge after your round.