DESTINATION GOLF GLOBAL GUIDE 2026
place. Closely managed but not over-engineered turf supports this style of play, proving that authentic golf experiences don’ t require constant intervention, just informed, thoughtful stewardship.
Another Place, The Machrie is a clear example of this balance in practice. Its 2018 redesign elevated the course to a world-class standard while respecting its heritage and setting. Wide, playable fairways invite golfers of varying abilities, but the course remains unmistakably links: exposed, uneven and shaped by humps, hollows and tightly mown short grass. For industry peers, the lesson is clear. Evolution does not mean dilution. When heritage courses focus on strategic design, sustainable conditioning and an honest expression of place, they don’ t just preserve relevance, they actively set the agenda for modern golf experiences. conversation in a more credible, experience-led way. At courses like Another Place, The Machrie, the landscape and terrain naturally encourage walking, unhurried play and sustained time outdoors, embedding wellbeing into the core golf experience rather than treating it as an added extra.
SUSTAINABILITY IN GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT At Another Place, The Machrie, sustainability is fundamental to how we manage the course, particularly given our coastal environment. Parts of the site sit alongside designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, with clearly defined boundary lines established during construction to protect sensitive areas, including how close we can work to the coastline.
We are working towards GEO Certification( Golf Environment Organisation), which is widely recognised as the leading sustainability framework in golf. GEO provides a very detailed and rigorous set of criteria, covering everything from chemical and fertiliser use to community engagement and long-term financial sustainability. As an industry, golf has already made significant progress over the past 30 years due to stricter regulations on what products can be used and at what levels. At Another Place, The Machrie, we are aiming to go further by closely monitoring rainfall, grass clippings, and exactly how much product we apply. Beyond turf management, sustainability also extends to how we operate as a business. We focus on recycling waste from the golf course, exploring composting options using food and beverage waste from the hotel, reducing single-use plastics through waterfilling stations, and making thoughtful decisions about sourcing; from where our food comes from to where our golf equipment is produced. As part of Another Place, sustainability is embedded across the wider business, not just on the course.
Links golf naturally lends itself to sustainability. Because links courses are more natural and sand-based, they require fewer inputs and are less reliant on chemicals than many inland courses. In that sense, links golf is inherently more eco-friendly.
THE INTERSECTION OF GOLF AND HOLISTIC WELLNESS Golf’ s physical and mental health benefits are well established, but links destinations are uniquely positioned to lead the wellbeing
If you’ re serious about connecting golf with wellness, links courses should be at the centre of the conversation. A round on firm, free-draining ground delivers hours of continuous, low-impact movement that feels purposeful rather than programmed. Add in open coastal landscapes, fresh air and an overwhelming sense of space, particularly on island links, and the effect is unmistakable. This is not just golf; it’ s a physical reset. Compared with urban or parkland courses, links environments strip away distraction and amplify immersion, which is exactly what today’ s guests are seeking. Venues that recognise and lean into this, framing links golf as a restorative journey rather than simply a sporting test, will resonate far more strongly with players looking to feel better, not just score better.
The mental benefits are just as significant. Links golf demands focus, adaptability and problem-solving, encouraging players to engage fully with conditions, shot selection and strategy. At the same time, the pace of play and exposed setting create space for reflection and social connection. This balance between challenge and calm is increasingly valued by modern golfers and represents an opportunity for venues to reposition golf as a genuinely restorative experience, not just a competitive one.
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