Machrie
Machrie
There’s no doubt that part of the remarkable Machrie experience
begins long before you reach the course itself. A ferry brings you to
the island of Islay, and such remoteness has its own rewards. This
is a breathtaking location that now boasts a revitalised classic links
(designed by Willie Campbell in 1891). The original links was renowned
for its many blind shots over cavorting dunes of all shapes and sizes
beside the Bay of Laggan… but the new design has rerouted holes
so that most of these blind shots have been removed. Greens have
been changed too, although some old green sites were reused. Golf
course designer DJ Russell has exploited the potential of this revered
old site to turn an old classic into a modern tour de force… and one
that contains but a handful of bunkers. And remember, the island of
Islay promises some of the best whisky in the world.
Powfoot
Tucked away in the south west of Scotland, Powfoot overlooks the
Solway Firth. It is a course which owes much of its design to James
Braid, combining links and parkland holes. Gorse cloaks the edges
of fairways inland and the rough proves mischievous, especially on
the links holes… so this is no place to go wild or Powfoot will gobble
you up. The land is relatively flat which can prove deceptive off the
tee, especially with careful bunkering, and the wind is guaranteed to
tease you all day long. The course begins with links holes and it is not
the easiest of starts as OB awaits on the right of the first four holes.
And mind the 9th – named Crater – where a German bomb has
created an interesting hazard.
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Portpatrick (Dunskey)
Combining rolling moorland and seaside heath, Portpatrick’s Dunskey
course splashes gorse across an open terrain. It has many links-like
attributes and an affinity with links skills will always prove useful
given the wind whipping in off the North Channel. Modest greens
can also prove difficult to find in the wind. Panoramic views across
the North Channel to Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Mull of Kintyre
prove especially attractive on the cliffside holes and from the
signature short par four 13th: the tee sits high above the green with
Sandeel Bay beyond. The course has just two par fives and only one
par four over 400 yards… which makes it accessible to all golfers, and
the excellent par threes show off the best shapes on the course.
Prestwick St Nicholas
This is a course which proudly boasts Old Tom Morris as a founding
member… so you can be sure of a traditional links experience.
Located next to the Firth of Clyde, the first three and last three holes
enjoy the most shapely terrain – certainly the 16th is a rollercoaster
and the dramatic short par four 3rd (280 yards) hits from a high tee
out towards the sea. A small road dissects the course and when
you cross to the 4th, the dunes roll at a gentler pace… but don’t be
surprised by a blind shot here or there, and the greens are excellent.
The course is on the short side but the 18th is a 220 yard par three!