The links of Glasgow Gailes is owned and run by Glasgow Golf Club. And though the current layout of this course is based on Willie Park's design in 1912, the club's origins date back to 1787, thus making it the ninth oldest golf club in the world. Lying less than an hour from Glasgow, Glasgow Gailes is a supremely challenging and traditionally Scottish links and is regularly used as a qualifying venue for the Open Championship. Situated between Troon and Irvine on Scotland's renowned Ayrshire Coast, Glasgow Gailes boasts undulating fairways, fine greens and all the subtle qualities expected from the World's best links courses.
While the course generally plays approximately a half-mile from the shore, rest assured that this does not protect the golfer from the usually strong, swirling and often Machiavellian, firth winds. The inherent challenge of Glasgow Gailes is stiffened by its heather-lined fairways, which when in full bloom during summer months often results in heartbreak for the less than accurate strike. Situated on the renowned Ayrshire Golf Coast, where its renowned neighbours include the likes of Royal Troon, Prestwick, Barassie, Irvine Bogside, Turnberry and Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes is a natural inclusion for any golf trip in the area.
As a designated Open Championship Qualifying venue, the course itself is tough and traditionally Scottish in nature, while the condition and playing characteristics are second to none. The relatively modest championship length of 6,535 yards is matched by a par of 71 but with a standard scratch of 72, it's clear that Glasgow Gailes is a tough test. Offering just two par fives and three short holes throughout, the challenge begins with four consecutive par fours, followed by the tough 536-yard par five, 5th hole, which is rated as the most difficult on the course. Each tee presents a unique challenge and though it is difficult to select any single feature-hole, many people's choice is the 152-yard, par three, 6th, which bears the name "Weeniat" meaning "small and compact". And as if fact that the green is small and sloping is not enough, an array of deep bunkers encircle the green like Indians around a carriage in the old Wild West.
Situated north of Irvine, this unfussy restaurant is housed in 200-year-old whitewashed former millers' cottages. The menu is simple, while open fires add to the intimate ambience.
The service tends to be formal but the overall atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. With flair in evidence throughout, cooking is in a classic vein, while the dishes can be quite elaborate.
Freshly caught fish along with meat and game from the hills and pastures of Scotland are the essential ingredients of the distinctive cuisine of this excellent basement restaurant.
The links of Glasgow Gailes is owned and run by Glasgow Golf Club. And though the current layout of this course is based on Willie Park's design in 1912, the club's origins date back to 1787, thus making it the ninth oldest golf club in the world. Lying less than an hour from Glasgow, Glasgow Gailes is a supremely challenging and traditionally Scottish links and is regularly used as a qualifying venue for the Open Championship. Situated between Troon and Irvine on Scotland's renowned Ayrshire Coast, Glasgow Gailes boasts undulating fairways, fine greens and all the subtle qualities expected from the World's best links courses.
