Destination Golf Scotland 2021
Machrihanish Old
Machrihanish Championship
The name alone summons up an air of mystery and romanticism … and the golf course promises that same spirit and beauty . It is as natural as you could hope for , holes rising and falling as if in the swells of an ocean . And the ocean only adds to the drama on this remote spot on the Kintyre Peninsula . Nowhere is this more evident than on the famous 1st hole where the tee sits above the shore and you must drive diagonally across the beach to find the fairway . It ’ s the sort of thrilling start that marks a course for greatness … but Machrihanish never falters and the variety of hole shapes and beautiful green settings will prove utterly endearing .
Shiskine
The experience of Shiskine starts with the ferry trip to the Isle of Arran , an inspiring trip from the Ayrshire mainland . Then there ’ s the 12 holes … and the claim that this is the best 12-hole course in the world ! It is certainly one of the most beautiful you will play with views spilling across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Mull of Kintyre . The golfing test comes in all shapes and sizes with links holes moving over rollercoaster terrain . Two burns also interrupt proceedings . In all , there are seven blind shots so expect a riotous day ’ s golf as you head up and down … and get shaken side-to-side on occasion . And , with 12 holes , what better opportunity to play two rounds with an enjoyable pause for lunch .
Machrihanish Dunes
If there was a classification for ‘ wild golf ’ then Machirihanish Dunes would hold the title . This is a young course , designed by David McLay Kidd in the 2000s , yet the land and nature have dictated the terms of the course ’ s development and layout , right down to the bunkering . Set on a Site of Special Scientific Interest the terrain buckles sharply and constantly … including on the greens . There ’ s no doubt that the wildness and the sheer scale of the dunes make this a muscular adventure ( there are some long green-to-tee walks ) but the location and that natural rhythm make the two Machrihanish courses irresistible .
Stranraer
If you ’ re a fan of James Braid ’ s designs then Stranraer should hold a particular attraction . It was the last course he designed and it opened for play in 1952 . The course sits on the shores of Loch Ryan and views over the loch and out to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran all add to the occasion of playing this highly regarded parkland . Set up high and with a smart layout , visitors will find plenty of gorse and dense stands of trees ( especially on the back nine ) to trouble them . This is a stern test of golf , epitomised by the glorious par four 5th : from a high tee you drive down to the loch with no forgiveness if you miss the fairway . It is little surprise that the hole is regarded as one of the toughest – and best – in Scotland .
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