WESTERN GAILES
Western Gailes Golf Club was founded in 1897 and is situated on the Ayrshire Coast, 4 miles north of Prestwick Airport. It is recognised as one of the finest and true links courses in Scotland.

Western Gailes was bound to attract both top amateur and professional events and since Harry Vardon won the first major contest here with a 68 in 1903 the course has played host to the Curtis Cup, P.G.A. Championship, Seniors, Scottish and Boys Championships and the Ladies' Home Internationals. It is also one of the Final Qualifying courses when The Open Championship is held at either Royal Troon or Turnberry.

Western Gailes is a true Scottish links course of championship standard measuring 6714 yards from the championship tees. As the par 71 and standard scratch score rating of 73 indicates, Western Gailes is never other than an excellent test of links golf but any change in the strength or direction of the wind provides new challenges. The undulating terrain requires even the best of players to produce a full range of shot making.

The traditional Clubhouse offers first class locker room, bar, dining room and catering facilities.

www.westerngailes.com

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Building on the challenges laid down by the famous old Arran course, the Kintyre is links golf at its exhilarating best. Undulating greens, glorious fairways, magnificent ocean holes, and all with stunning views of Kintyre, Arran, and the famous Turnberry Lighthouse.

The view that greets you from the brow of Bain's Hill is just one moment among many you'll want to savour again and again. As the short ascent is made from the 7th green, it is as if a theatrical curtain is opened to reveal a stunning set. The extra elevation multiplies the panorama that stretches in every direction, but the shots, too, are breathtaking.

These range from a delicate pitch in a rocky dell on the 8th to a thrilling second along the shoreline on the 9th. Widely regarded as the Kintyre's signature hole, the 8th, involves a drive from an elevated tee towards the sea and an unforgettable blind second shot to the green set in a gully by the rocks. Unseen from the tee, hidden by a narrow ridge, the green is in a cove that seems to merge with the craggy beach beyond. As for the 9th, an invigorating drive offers the choice between adventure and caution, a par 5 set against the background of the renowned symbols of Turnberry, Ailsa Craig and the Lighthouse.

www.turnberry.co.uk

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GLASGOW GAILES
Glasgow Gailes course is owned and managed by Glasgow Golf Club, the 9th oldest golf club in the world. The Glasgow Golf Club was founded in May 1787 by 22 wealthy merchants and serving army officers and is recognised as the 9th oldest Golf Club in the world. In an historical perspective, this pre-dates the Constitution of the United States, approved in September of that year.

The Gailes course was opened on the 19th May 1892 making the Glasgow Club unique in having two courses - 30 miles apart. It wasn't long before the first professional tournament was staged with £40 prize money attracting all the leading players of the time including Tom Morris, Willie Auchterlonie and Ben Sayers. The current layout was completed in 1912 by Willie Park.

In the modern era, the course with its superb turf, fine greens and subtle qualities, is used as a final qualifying course for the Open Championship when it is played at nearby Royal Troon or Turnberry. In recent years, the Scottish PGA Championship, the Scottish Amateur Championship and the British Youths Championship have also been played over Glasgow Gailes. Sandy Lyle is a past winner at Gailes and other competitors include Ryder Cup players’ Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia.

Less well known visitors are welcome to share the golfing traditions and excellent facilities enjoyed by the members. With it's undulating fairways, fine greens and subtle qualities the course attracts many visitors. As a designated Open Championship qualifying course, the condition and playing characteristics of the course are monitored by the R & A. At Glasgow Gailes, just as at Carnoustie, St. Andrews, Troon and Turnberry, each hole presents a challenge. With a par of 71 and a course record of 64, Gailes will provide a test for golfers of all standards. Visitors are also welcome to use the Driving Range and Practice facilities situated next to the clubhouse.

Gailes lies in the heart of Scotland’s Ayrshire Golf coast with all of the celebrated courses within easy driving distance: Royal Troon - 5 miles, Prestwick - 8 miles and Turnberry - 20 miles. Close at hand are three other Open qualifying courses at Barassie, Western Gailes and Irvine Bogside.

The Clubhouse and facilities offer an ideal venue for enjoyable golfing including an extensive practice area, a Professional’s shop and high quality catering. Whether for a corporate hospitality day, part of a Scottish golfing week or relaxing with friends, you will be welcome at Glasgow Gailes.

Catering is flexible during the ‘golfing day’ and, whilst the set menus are commended, an excellent range of Bar snacks can be provided - including daily ‘Specials’.
Extensive changing facilities are available, showers, towels and security lockers being provided. Traditionally, members wear ‘jacket and tie’ in the clubhouse although this is not essential. Smart casual clothing is expected on the course and in the clubhouse.

The Caddymaster will welcome golfers and will organise local caddies if required. The course layout is compact and golf carts, although available, are not essential. If you have any special requirements, please let us know when booking.

www.glasgowgailes-golf.com

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KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)
The Barassie Links Course is an Open Championship Qualifying venue with some of the best maintained greens in Scotland. The club has undergone considerable changes over the past few years and now has a 27 hole facility.

The new nine holes are now part of the championship course (the layout used for the Classic) and have added a different dimension to Barassie with a Par of 72 anda Standard Scratch of 74.

Ongoing changes have improved the course further with a couple of strategically placed bunkers causing more trouble off the tees. The course measures at just under 7000 yards and the new holes provide some wonderful challenges perhaps no more so than the par 3 fourth hole or the quirky double dog leg par 5 eighth. The course is tough, but is typically what Scottish Links golf is about - large undulating greens, deep bunkers and dog legs.

Barassie’s course is well complemented by excellent catering facilities and the recently extended pro shop refurbishment of its changing facilities have only improved the overall visitor experience.

The course has generated some excellent publicity recently having been host for the British Amateur Championships in June 2001 along with Prestwick Golf Club. The comments from the players were fulsome in their praise as were the competitors for the second Ayrshire Golf Classic in 2001. Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club continues, with its twenty seven holes, to captivate visitors and we look forward to welcoming you to the course as part of the Ayrshire Golf Classic.

If you're visitng the course throughout the year you can play a mix of 18, 27 or 36 holes of golf and weekend play is now available after 3pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. Located only 45 minutes from Glasgow, adjacent to Barassie Railway Station, five minutes from the Belfast Troon ferry terminal and only ten minutes from prestwick International Airport the course is in one of the most accessible areas in Scotland.

www.kbgc.co.uk