Glasgow Gailes makes up the wonderful links foursome on this stretch of the Ayrshire coast. Tucked in beside Western Gailes (with Kilmarnock and Dundonald to the south), the links dates back to 1892, with Willie Park Jr redesigning the course in 1912. Set slightly inland – the railway line hooks around it – this is a stern links test where accuracy is paramount. Gorse and heather dominate, appearing constantly on the low ridges which typify this course. They will swallow any errant shots and escape is unlikely. It makes for a round where your judgement and nerve will be tested constantly. Those narrow fairways will be daunting to many, but what joy when you find them. It really is that sort of place where you’ll find yourself holding your breath. The course starts strongly and never lets up, presenting one good hole after another. Known for its springy turf, its wonderful greens and its variety of holes, perhaps Sandy Lyle said it best: “One of the world’s truly great tests of links golf.” Glasgow Gailes is an Open Final Qualifying venue in 2017.View our guide to the Top100 courses in Scotland for 2017:
http://www.destinationgolf.travel/destinationgolf-scotland-2017/
