Tee Off in Scotland » Machrihanish

6,225 yards • par 70

It may be remote (very remote) - Campbeltown, after all, is not the easiest place in the world to travel to by land - but it’s not difficult to understand why so many people make the journey to play Machrihanish.

It’s a true golfing treasure and the opening hole - a 423-yard par-4 where the drive requires a carry over the Atlantic Ocean - is among the finest in the world.

“The Almighty had golf in his eye when he created this place,” remarked Old Tom Morris before re-designing the course in 1880. It was subsequently altered by J H Taylor, the three-time Open champion, in 1914 and little has changed to this day.

This amazing golf course is well known throughout the world, voted to have “the best opening hole in golf” by golf architects and players and listed in the top 100 golf courses outside the USA by the Golfer’s Digest. The course presents 18 spectacular holes, large sandy bunkers, neat fairways, tough rough and greens of the highest standard.

Little has been changed to disturb the natural scenic beauty and inspiring challenge of this delightful links golf course. The outward nine follow the hills and hollows among the sand dunes, with the stunning clear waters lapping on the sandy beach by the first hole.

The inward nine holes are pleasant with the backdrop of the south Kintyre hills. The back nine feature two par fives and three tricky par threes.

The course, unlike mainland courses, plays differently every day with wind temperatures, strengths and directions changing quickly and regularly affected by the Atlantic currents and the coastal conditions.

The club is very friendly and welcoming; with visitors returning from around the globe to play this unique course then finish the day watching the stunning sunsets over Islay.

Weekday (M.T.W.T.F.) Round: £££. Day Ticket: £££££.
Weekend (S.S.) Round: £££. Day Ticket: £££££.
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