Glasgow Gailes
Glasgow Gailes makes up the wonderful
links foursome on this stretch of the Ayrshire
coast. Tucked in beside Western Gailes (with
Kilmarnock and Dundonald to the south), the links dates back
to 1892, with Willie Park Jr redesigning the course in 1912. Set
slightly inland – the railway line hooks around it – this is a stern
links test where accuracy is paramount. Gorse and heather
dominate, appearing constantly on the low ridges which typify
this course. They will swallow any errant shots and escape is
unlikely. It makes for a round where your judgement and nerve
will be tested constantly. Those narrow fairways will be daunting
to many, but what joy when you find them. It really is that sort of
place where you’ll find yourself holding your breath. The course
starts strongly and never lets up, presenting one good hole after
another. Known for its springy turf, its wonderful greens and its
variety of holes, perhaps Sandy Lyle said it best: “One of the
world’s truly great tests of links golf.” Glasgow Gailes is an Open
Final Qualifying venue in 2017.
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