Playing the Course
Machrihanish has become well known in the last few years mainly because of its exceptional first hole which requires the round’s opening shot to carry the Atlantic. It’s a tough start, particularly into a strong breeze.
The course is set in wonderful dunes in the small village of Machrihanish, situated on the western side of the remote Kintyre Peninsula. This is where the sky is big, the sunsets are dramatic and the air is warmed by the Gulf Stream. Moreover, its relative inaccessibility has saved it from becoming more commercialised.
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It’s a joy to play and, most of the time, very quiet, allowing the visitor to relish the ups and downs of the fairways and tussle with undulating greens.
There are also arresting views across to the islands of Jura and Islay, providing a delightful backdrop on an idyllic summer’s day with the firm Machrihanish turf underfoot, the majesty of the dunes, and wheeling seabirds providing the only sound.
Machrihanish, Old Course
Providing a stern test for competent golfers, the layout isn’t quite a predictable nine out, and nine back.
The classic links holes, apart from the 1st, are the 5th, another par four with its fairway like an elephant’s graveyard, the 10th, a clever dogleg par five and the 15th, a “one shotter” which becomes really difficult if the elusive green is missed from the tee.
Location:
Golf Club House,
Machrihanish,
PA28 6PT
Accommodation in West of Scotland
Accommodation in West of Scotland
