“ 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 . ”
DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2024
Machrihanish ( Championship )
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 . An additional course is not far in the future !
“ 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 . ”
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