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Glasgow Gailes Golf Club © 2006, Richard & Mary-Alice Jafolla Glasgow Gailes Golf Club is the northernmost of the fine Ayrshire links golf courses that hug the coast of southwest Scotland. Along this famous stretch of land are such suberb golf courses as Royal Troon, Turnberry Ailsa Course--both British Open venues--Prestwick, home of the very first Open, Western Gailes, Irvine Bogside, and Barassie. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews thinks so much of Glasgow Gailes that they have made it a final qualifying course for the Open when it's played at Royal Troon and Turnberry--quite a compliment. It's a tough, fair test of traditional Scotish golf. Not hilly, there are a number of evergreens to contend with and elevated greens that are difficult to get to and tough to hold. The greens are superb. Glasgow Gailes' toughest test, though, is its rough. As their yardage book puts it "...acres and acres of tough calluna heather, that puts fear in men's hearts. Do not stray from the fairway." 'Nuff said?
I played it a few years ago and when I first approached the course I was a bit disappointed. As I said, it's quite flat and doesn't look like much from the clubhouse. But that's typical of so many of the Scottish links courses. Once out on the golf course my respect grew as my score grew. It's a tough test of golf. I played in good weather and it still gave me fits. If it's like the typical Scottish golf course when the wind is blowing--and I have no reason to believe it is not--I would imagine it takes on an even meaner disposition. The rough can kill your score. Not only is it easy to find the rough, when your ball goes into the rough it's often difficult to find your ball because there are not many markers like trees or obvious landmarks with which to gauge where it goes out of bounds. Try to keep your eye on anything that goes into the rough, otherwise you'll be declaring a lost ball and hitting 3 before you know it. And while you are looking, be sure you don't hold up play. If it's obvious you can't find your ball quickly, wave the next group through.
Don't let the 6,535 yards fool you. Links golf courses should never be judged by length. Glasgow Gailes is a difficult golf course not because of sheer length or dramatic carries or intimidating topography. It is difficult because of its subtly designed holes with strategically placed bunkers on the fairway and around the greens. It is difficult because of hills and valleys in front of greens that displace and redirect shots which are short of the green or slightly mis-hit. It is difficult because many greens are inverted saucers that you must come in high on and hold or you roll off the back or sides, leaving yourself with a delicate chip or a long, uphill putt from the fringes. It's a beautifully designed golf course and one you should put on your list to play. (And if you play exceptionally well here, get a tee time at the next Q School because you're ready for the big time.) Golf Nook Scotland rating - BIRDIE
In addition to being a fine golf course, Glasgow Gailes has wonderful facilities. You can take advantage of your temporary membership and use them all. Showers, towels, lockers, and lounges. Jackets and ties are required in the main lounge but in the McLaren Room golf attire is acceptable. By the way, as with virtually all Scottish golf courses, no denim is allowed and if you are wearing shorts they must be tailored shorts. You are required to dress "smartly." And, please, NO CELL PHONES! One more thing, you cannot play the back tees unless you have a handicap of 6 or less. Rates: November 1 thru March 31 - £30/round April 1 thru October 31 - £55/round, £70/day Weekends - £60/round Note: £15 reservation deposit per player. Caddies - £30 plus gratuity Buggies - £20 (this is one of the few Scottish golf courses that allows buggies--called golf carts in the USA). Trolley - £3 Club rental - £25 . Tee Times: Mon, Tu - 9:30 to 3:30 Wed, Fr - 9:30 to noon & 1 PM to 3:30 Thurs - 8:30 - 10 & 11 - 3:30 Weekends only from 2:30 to 4 Contacts: Clubhouse - (0)1294 311 258 (from the USA dial 011 44 1294 311 258) Fax: 1294 279 366 Professional: Jack Steven - (0)1294 311 561 Booking Inquiries - Secretary, DW Deas - (0)1419 422 201 Booking fax: 1419 420 770 e-mail: secretary@glasgowgailes-golf.com GLASGOW GAILES GOLF CLUB Gailes, Irvine Ayrshire, KA11 5AE Scotland www.glasgowgailes-golf.com For What To Do All Day, please see the Ayrshire page. |
