Golf Guide - Ayrshire & Arran

GAILES - Just outside Irvine on the south side are the two Gailes courses of Western Gailes and challenge. The 14th is a worthy Glasgow Gailes. For golfers around the world these are two cherished names as they have no doubt had rich golfing experience here. Glasgow Gailes is run by Glasgow Golf Club in Bearsden in Glasgow and it was primarily opened as a winter course for their members. But it is now an attractive venue in its own right and visitors are made most welcome. Heather and shrubs are the main hazards so to stray off the fairway can have more serious repercussions than usual. Apart from the 7th and 10th, which are almost identical, no two holes are the same at Gailes. Each hole presents something singular in its design and par five of 526 yards off the medal tees. Two humps stand sentinel 70 yards short of the green, which can be reached with two good shots onto the large putting area.

Just across the railway track and closer to the water, the reputation of Western Gailes has grown such that it is now regarded as one of the finest examples of a true Scottish links. The regard for the place is perhaps strongest in the United States, where it is referred to as ‘‘a real hidden Scottish gem.’’ Thus each summer Western Gailes sees a continuous flow of American golfers. On the course the first few holes play north, with heather, gorse and wispy, ensnaring mar-ram grass providing the hazards. Then it turns into folds of high, sandy dunes interspersed with resourceful, sensuous greens that are defended by hungry little pot bunkers. The best example might be the exciting 7th, a par three, well guarded with one treacherous, deep, sleeper lined bunker on the left. Most members aim a little right in the hope that it will turn into the green or, at worst, hang up in the rough to allow a chip at the flag. Three burns and a ditch cross the course at least seven times and feature more significantly from the 8th on, adding to the fascination of this magnificently natural layout.

KILMARNOCK - The town of Kilmarnock is only a short drive away from the centre of Glasgow using the recently-upgraded M77/A77 route. You can be here in less than 25 minutes and ready for action. With two challenging public courses at Annanhill and Caprington, which themselves are quite close to one another, this can make an ideal and inexpensive day’s outing.

Annanhill is quite close to the centre of Kilmarnock, a very pleasant parkland laid out on the grounds of an old estate. It was here that the young Gordon Sherry learned his trade as a member of the boys’ club. The original house overlooks the 5th green, a testing, raised target to hit and hold successfully. The well-defined fairways roll up and down, edged by trees yet offering plenty of room for error should you be off your drive a tad. The feature hole of this fine course is the 13th, a par three of only 135 yards, Stroke Index 5. Here you are playing across a valley to a raised green that is smaller than the famous Postage Stamp at Royal Troon. Bunkers with only a narrow entrance also surround it so to bump and run would be brave. Should you run off the green, you could roll 50-60 yards down an embankment caution is the watchword here. The long par five finish, curving and climbing back to the clubhouse, is a grand finale.

Caprington Golf Club, a public facility that takes visitors throughout the week is found on the south side of town. This is part of another estate with a castle and similar ancient relics dotted around the grounds. It appears easier than Annanhill yet there are some good feature holes that make it worth exploring, especially at such advantageous cost. To take full advantage of a day out on these courses, phone the clubs in advance and catering can be organised at your request.

To the east of Kilmarnock following the A71, you come to Loudoun Golf Club near Galston, the only course in Scotland to have formally kept the ancient spelling of the game in its title. From the road the course looks quite flat and uninspiring but do not let first impressions deceive you. In playing the course we found there were plenty of rises and tricks with wonderful old, specimen trees and a snaking burn that could easily catch you out if you played too brashly. The first five holes are flatish with a rise up to the 5th.

The back part of the course tightens up considerably The 10th and 11th are new holes that have been carved into the Big Woods. While the 10th is a demanding par three, it is the 11th that really gets the wind up most players. It’s a long par five which, off the medal tees, drives through an avenue of trees. That snaking burn comes into play on the second shot and mere mortals just don’t carry it, if they manage to clear the trees, that is. To top it all, a strong west wind will push you off-course and back into trouble. This is where you’ll find the torn-up score cards and hear yelps of frustration. With two par threes and an excellent par four to finish, any player will come off Loudoun either licking his lips or licking his wounds. Next door to the Gowf Club is Loudoun Golf Range, a fully-equipped facility where you can make the most of your game before you go out.