Machrihanish Golf Club Review: Golf as It's Meant to Be - If You Can Get There
GolfMagic visits Machrihanish, a remote yet world-class links course that is surprisingly affordable. The club originally opened as The Kintyre Golf Club in 1876. Just three years later, Old Tom Morris transformed it from a 12-hole layout into 18 holes as new land was added. This included the famed 1st hole, often praised as one of the best opening holes in golf.
The most challenging and rewarding aspect of visiting Machrihanish is the journey itself. Located about 20 miles from the Mull of Kintyre, a region known for its stunning views and where Sir Paul McCartney filmed a music video on a nearby beach, the course rewards those willing to make the trip. The drive along the scenic A83 takes about three hours, leading to a course ranked among the top 40 in Great Britain and Ireland and inside the top 20 in Scotland.
Visitors can enhance their experience by playing additional rounds at Machrihanish Dunes and Dunaverty, making for a memorable golfing getaway. The course's design seems to naturally fit the landscape, preserving the raw and untouched character that first attracted golf enthusiasts decades ago.
“The land here is specifically designed by the almighty for playing golf.” – Old Tom Morris
“It's the only course in Scotland that still seems just as raw and natural as the first time I was there 35 years ago.” – Tom Doak
JH Taylor made some modifications in 1914, and Sir Guy Campbell made final adjustments in the 1940s. Despite these changes, the course never feels artificially shaped; instead, it blends perfectly into the natural terrain that has existed for centuries.
In recent decades, Machrihanish has gained wider recognition among golf lovers, and the golfing world has truly benefited from discovering this hidden gem.
Author’s Summary
Machrihanish Golf Club offers an authentic, natural links experience rewarded by a scenic journey and timeless course design, making it a must-visit for dedicated golfers.