In 1897 when a small number of Glasgow golfers tired of playing on the muddy parkland in the city and were able to lease land on the coast, the Club was formed. Mr F Morris was hired as the Keeper of the Green and tasked with laying-out the new course, which remained virtually unchanged until the mid-1970s when a number of changes were made under the guidance Fred Hawtree. Situated between the railway and the Firth of Clyde Western Gailes is recognised as one of the top links courses in Scotland measuring 7014 yards from the championship tees. The course has many undulating fairways, is well bunkered and has three burns which on a number of holes meander around the front of the green, increasing the difficulty of the second shot, particularly in the wind. The greens have excellent putting surfaces, are undulating, cleverly positioned in the natural terrain with a number protected by sand dunes.