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Western Gailes

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These rankings are based solely on post-trip surveys received from clients. Although the surveys are not accessible via our website, you can click on "testimonials" above to read the actual comments in their original format.
Founded: 1897
Designer: Unknown, James Braid
Championship Length: 6,639 yards
PAR: 71
SSS (Course Rating): 73
Type: Links
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Who this course is best for:

A golfer who wants to play a visually spectacular course, wants to play a final Open Qualifying course, and is ready to be surprised by a course that most foreigners have not heard of but will never forget.

Overview:

If not for its more famous neighbors (Royal Troon), Western Gailes would be renowned across the globe as one the finest links courses in Scotland. As it is, many seasoned golfers will tell you it is the best, and with its reputation growing all the time, Western Gailes looks sure to finally get the recognition it deserves.

A frequently used venue for Open Championship qualifying, Western Gailes is generally accepted as a difficult course. Positioned between the railway lines and the sea, its narrow fairways demand accurate tee shots, and with so many greens tucked away in little hollows or dells, the course presents an excellent test of skill, patience and concentration.

As fine a true links as one could imagine, Western Gailes presents an abundance of undulating dune ridges, heather and gorse, which will test the most accomplished golfer. And when the wind blows which is, of course, not uncommon, the test becomes tougher still, with the long stretch between the 6th and 13th becoming somewhat of an endurance test.

Having just two par 5’s and three par 3’s has no negative impact on the enjoyment factor, and every hole here is a real thrill to play. And though there are no weak holes, the long par 5, 6th from an elevated dune ridge to a partially hidden green, does stand out on this classic links.

Your drive on this hole, named “Lappock” after Lappock Rock, which is located just offshore, should ideally be positioned on the right side of a left sloping fairway. This will leave a demanding second, which could, with luck, reach the green, given a well struck shot right of the target. You will, however, be grateful to achieve par here, a sentiment that will be echoed should you walk off the 18th green having broken 71.

Course review content courtesy of Golf Publisher Syndications

Western Gailes

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Testimonials

“All of the courses were fantastic and in excellent shape.  The Old Course and Kingsbarns definitely stood out as favorites among the group. Western Gailes was a very pleasant surprise.”  

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Tours that include this Course

Dundonald Links

Dundonald

Ultimate West Coast

Six rounds of golf:

  • Royal Troon-Old Course
  • Royal Troon-Portland Course
  • Dundonald
  • Prestwick
  • Turnberry-Ailsa Course
  • Western Gailes