The History of Western Gailes Golf Club
The reputation of Western Gailes as one of the game's finest and more exacting courses has spread world wide, as evidenced by its numerous visitors from around the world.
In June 1903 the great Harry Vardon arrived at Western celebrating his fourth Open victory to win the first professional championship held and promoted by the Club. In 1923 its attractions were being lauded by the then US Open Champion Gene Sarazen who played the course with three other outstanding professionals of the day.
Our setting is imposing being situated between the railway and the sea, both being very much in play as major features. It is special amongst seaside courses that are no more than two holes wide, in having its clubhouse in a more or less central position.
The course is never other than an excellent test of true links golf. Any change in the strength or direction of the wind, that usually varies between south-westerly and north-westerly off the adjacent Firth of Clyde, provides new challenges that are compounded by the undulating terrain and finely contoured greens cleverly located and set in the folds of the surrounding sand dunes.
There are seven holes to the north and eleven to the south. Together with the line of dunes running down the coastal stretch from the 5th to the 13th holes, the out of bounds wall from the 14th onwards, the plentiful supply of pot bunkers plus the meandering burns, all combine to present variety and a memorable challenge.
17th Curtis Cup Match
Western Gailes, Ayrshire, Scotland
U.S., 10 defeated G.B. & I., 8
United States Team:
Laura Baugh
Beth Barry
Jane Bastanchury Booth
Martha Wilkinson Kirouac
Barbara McIntire
Lancy Smith
Hollis Stacy
Captain - Jean Ashley Crawford
Great Britain & Ireland Team:
Mary Everard
Diane Robb Frearson
Beverly Huke
Mary McKenna
Dinah Oxley
Kathryn Phillips
Belle McCorkindale Robertson
Michelle Walker
Captain - Frances Stephens Smith
Visitor Information
Visitors times are available to be pre-booked as follows:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 14:00 - 16:30 PM
Sunday -14:00 - 15:30 PM
Handicap, all golfers are welcome, but we ask that you let faster games play through to enhance everyone's enjoyment of their visit. The Starter will advise on the best Tees to use to enjoy your game.
Dress Code, all visitors are expected to wear suitable golfing attire on the course. Golf wear is allowed within most areas of the Clubhouse, apart from the Main Lounge. Tailored shorts worn with knee length socks are permitted.
Mobile phones may be used in the car park, but not on the course or in any part of the Clubhouse.
Location, Western Gailes is easily accesible by road and is around 10 minutes from Prestwick Airport, 45 minutes from Glasgow Airport or Glasgow city centre, and 90 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. Please go to the Location page to get directions to the club.
Accommodation, there are no residential facilities at the club. However, the area is well served with hotels and B&Bs. Our reservation team have a list of local hotels should this be required.
Golf Merchandise, the club carries a range of essential golf merchandise including balls, sweaters, shirts, caps, hats and tees etc.
Catering, full lunch is available in the dining room every day, except Sundays. A comprehensive snack menu is available at all times. Lunch is included in the green fee, apart from Sunday. Breakfast, High Tea or Dinner is also available by prior arrangement with the Reservations team.
Bookings, bookings can be made by phone, fax, or e-mail or online . A booking form is available to complete online.
Green Fees
Weekdays:
March - 1 Round= £85
April - September - 1 Round= £115, 2 Rounds= £165
October= £85
November - February - TBC
Sundays:
April - September - 1 Round= £125
October - 1 Round= £95
November - February - TBC
Weekdays - cost includes lunch in the Dining Room and a Strokesaver.
Sundays - cost includes a Strokesaver. A snack menu is available in the lounges at additional charge.
Overseas Professionals will receive a 50% Discount on the above Fees, advance notice and production of current PGA card is required.
Deposit, a 50% non refundable deposit is required within 3 weeks of making the Provisional Booking. Times may be reallocated if there has been no contact within three weeks of initial booking.
Bookings with the Reservations Department can be by phone, e-mail, fax, letter or using the online booking form.
Payments may be made by cash, cheque or credit card ( Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Maestro).
Caddies, If Caddies are required, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. All Caddies are Self-Employed, a suggested rate for a Senior Caddie is £35.00 (excluding any tip).
Trolley Rental, trolleys are available at £4 per round and £5 per day from the Caddy Master.
Cart Rental, the club has a powered buggy available to visitors who require the use of one for medical reasons. A doctor's letter must be provided and the relevant insurance forms completed prior to its hire. The hire charge is £15 per round.
Club Hire, the club does not generally have any clubs available for hire, but the Caddy Master will endeavour to source a set should a visitor arrive without clubs.