Western Gailes Golf Club

Between the Railway and Sea

The golf course at Western Gailes Golf Club began with four Glasgow golfers seeking coastal turf suited to year-round play. The club formed in 1897, and its first keeper of the green, F. Morris, completed all 18 holes by 1898. The links developed largely from the existing ground, with Fred Hawtree making the most substantial later changes during the 1970s.

The clubhouse sits near the centre of the routing. Four opening holes head north beside the railway, nine then run south with Irvine Bay on the golfer's right, and the final five return towards the clubhouse. The par-five sixth crosses the dunes on a demanding direct line before the short seventh settles into a natural arena guarded by pot bunkers.

Firm, subtly sloping greens often occupy bowls in the land, while three burns interrupt the narrow strip at important points. The northern part of the course is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and summer wildflowers remain part of the landscape. Changing coastal winds add another judgement to club choice and preferred lines.