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.
www.westerngailes.com
9