Western Gailes
Western Gailes is an enchanting and elegant links, and a thriller
to play. Everything about it has an air of quality and the tee
boxes perched up high above the beach and Irvine Bay promise
stunning views of both the holes around you and the Isle of
Arran to the west. Holes move north or south in two parallel
lines between the sea and the railway line, and over rolling
dunes. These duck and dive to create all manner of interesting
shapes and a charmingly unpredictable rhythm. The clubhouse
is perched high at the midpoint, so you get a taste for it all when
you first arrive. The variety of holes means much is asked of your
game, especially on approach play, but you will
at least have level lies to help you battle the
inevitable wind. Greens are cunningly located
beyond burns (there are three) or in pockets created by the
dunes… and they have some beautiful contours to make putting
a joy. The par five 6th and par three 7th have two of the best
green settings you will ever encounter. Heather tops many dunes
and wild rose stretches below tee boxes and above the beach.
If it turns out to be the favourite course of your trip, don’t be
surprised.
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