Gailes Links
West Scotland, Scotland
(42 reviews)
Gailes Links Golf Club overview
Gailes Links is part of the prestigious Glasgow Golf Club, founded in 1787 and one of the oldest in the world. Members initially played in Glasgow but as the game mushroomed in popularity, they looked for suitable ground in Ayrshire along the coast to complement their parkland course in the city.
Glasgow Gailes officially opened in 1892 and for the first two years members travelled by train from Glasgow to Irvine and then walked a couple of miles to the course. Needless to say, Gailes soon became an extra stop on the Glasgow to Ayr train line.
Redesigned by Willie Park Jr. in 1912, Gailes Links is now regarded as an outstanding links course that has hosted multiple international competitions and is a regular Open Championship Qualifying course.
Gailes Links Golf Course overview
Gailes Links (or Glasgow Gailes) is a classic links, notorious for its gorse and heather-lined fairways. A par-71 and measuring just over 6900 yards off the tips, many of the holes are fraught with danger, with out-of-bounds beyond the railway line and perimeter of the course, along with superb bunkering that requires pinpoint accuracy.
Always in immaculate condition and consistently ranked amongst Scotland’s top 50 courses, we highly recommend including Gailes Links in any southwest itinerary alongside the likes of Prestwick, Royal Troon, and Turnberry.
Signature Holes
All great courses should have a strong finishing hole, and the 435-yard par-4 18th at Gailes Links is a beauty. The first priority is to clear a ridge that is 190 yards off the tee and typically into a prevailing wind. A good drive of 240 yards down the left side will leave 195 yards to the green, which is well guarded by a swale and four pot bunkers.
Did You Know?
The Tennant Cup is the oldest Open Amateur Strokeplay Trophy in the world and has been hosted by Glasgow Golf Club since 1880. A 72-hole Scottish Golf Order of Merit competition, the first two rounds are played at Gailes Links and final 36 holes over at Killermont, the club’s parkland course in Glasgow.
Accommodation near Gailes Links
Piersland House Hotel
The Piersland House Hotel is a stunning retreat offering charming rooms in what was originally the residence of the Johnnie Walker family of Scotch whisky fame. This is a delightful 4-star venue.
Marine Troon
Located on the beautiful Ayrshire coast, with spectacular views of the Isle of Arran. This 4-star hotel provides the perfect base from which to explore the West coast of Scotland.
South Beach Hotel
This family-run 3-star property in Troon is a great value option on the southwest coast of Scotland. A small hotel with 32 rooms and easy access to Royal Troon and Prestwick Golf Clubs.
