Machrihanish Dunes

Before coming to Machrihanish, I have to admit that I never really understood whether Machrihanish Golf Club and Machrihanish Dunes were one course or two. Once you arrive, it all makes sense: there are two completely different courses sitting almost next to each other. One is a historic Old Tom Morris links, while Machrihanish Dunes is the relatively new neighbour, opened in 2009 and designed by David McLay Kidd. But “new” is probably the wrong word to describe how Machrihanish Dunes feels. This is pure, natural links golf and a course that looks as though it has been here forever. The story behind the design makes it even more impressive. The course sits on 259 acres of protected linksland, and only seven acres were actually disturbed during construction. Essentially, only the tees and greens were shaped, while the fairways follow the natural contours of the land. You can really feel that when playing it. And then there are the greens! They are some of the most adventurous I have played, with huge slopes, waves and movement everywhere. Sometimes you stand over an approach shot wondering where the ball might finish – and putting can become an adventure of its own. But that is also what makes the course so much fun. I also loved the different teeing options. Moving from one tee box to another can completely change your perspective of a hole. I would love to come back, play several rounds and choose a different set of tees each time. You get different angles, different views and probably a very different experience. The scenery is another highlight. There are fantastic views towards the sea throughout the round, and the course feels wonderfully remote and peaceful. During our visit, the condition was absolutely perfect. Everything was incredibly well maintained without losing the raw and natural character that makes the course special. Even the warm-up is memorable. The driving range immediately tells you that you are somewhere different – instead of normal targets, you are hitting towards whisky barrels. It is a small detail, but one that fits this part of Scotland perfectly. After nine holes, we stopped for a short break and a Bacon Roll before heading back out. There is also a small golf shop, and I loved the relaxed, personal atmosphere. It feels like the opposite of a huge commercial golf resort – simple, friendly and completely focused on golf. Machrihanish Dunes is a dream for the golf purist. No unnecessary distractions, no artificial feeling – just dunes, wind, sea, incredible greens and golf. The more you know about the course, the more impressive it becomes. David McLay Kidd, also known for designing the original Bandon Dunes course in Oregon, created a modern links here that feels like it could have been played for generations. And one final fact that sums up just how special this place is: when Machrihanish Dunes opened in 2009, it was the first new golf course to open on Scotland’s west coast in more than 100 years. For me, Machrihanish Dunes is exactly what a trip to this part of Scotland should be about: natural, slightly wild, sometimes unpredictable and completely focused on the game. I could happily spend several days here playing Machrihanish Dunes and its historic neighbour again and again. A fantastic golf destination and an absolute must for anyone who loves true links golf.

Machrihanish Dunes is a fascinating links course and, despite being literally only around 100 metres from Machrihanish Golf Club, the two courses are surprisingly separated by the road network, the drive between the first tees takes around 15 minutes. The course was designed by David McLay Kidd and opened in 2009. One of the defining principles during construction was to move as little earth as possible, and that is something you can really see and feel when you play it. The course sits naturally in the landscape rather than appearing to have been imposed upon it. I actually enjoyed it even more than Comporta Dunes in Portugal, another David McLay Kidd design that I rate very highly. The experience starts before you even reach the first tee. The driving range has whisky casks as targets, and the range balls are Titleist Pro V1s, not a bad way to warm up. The current clubhouse is fairly simple and combines the starter, pro shop, restaurant and reception functions, but it has a relaxed atmosphere. The bacon rolls were excellent, the staff were extremely friendly, and the merchandise was surprisingly affordable. Of all the clubs we visited on this trip, Machrihanish Dunes had the best-value shirts, and the quality was very good. The black-sheep logo is also a great piece of branding. Once you get onto the course, it is simply a joy ride. The layout is very playable, with plenty of width in the areas where you need to land the ball. Even when we missed into the rough, we were often able to find the ball, which makes the course much more enjoyable than a links where every slightly errant shot disappears. My only slight reservation was the greens. They are extremely undulating, and sometimes I felt there was almost nowhere on the course where you could stand completely square to the ball. After working your way onto a green in two or three shots, having another very strongly contoured putting surface waiting for you can occasionally feel like one challenge too many. That said, it is also part of what makes the course distinctive, challenging and fun. The more I played it, the more I felt this was a course that would reward repeated rounds. I don't think it would become boring even if you played it five days in a row. The wind, the angles and the way the natural contours affect your shots would constantly change the experience. There are ambitious plans for the resort, including a larger clubhouse, hotel and cottages. If these developments come to fruition, and with Machrihanish Golf Club so close by, this part of Kintyre could become a genuinely outstanding golf destination. For now, Machrihanish Dunes already offers something I really value: natural links golf that feels as though it belongs exactly where it is. It is strategic, playable, memorable and, above all, great fun.

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club – my new No. 2. Only Ailsa has ever moved me more. From pouring rain over the first six holes to almost T-shirt weather by the finish, we experienced Scotland in all its moods. Built in 2009, this course feels as though it has always been here, flowing naturally through the dunes without disturbing the landscape. A pure links experience and a true masterpiece of golf architecture. Simply unforgettable.

Wenn an heir übern Platz geht und seinen Blick schweifen lässt, dann fragt man sich: wo ist denn da der Platz? So einen au der Natur heraus gestaltete, in die Natur eingebetteten Platz gibts wahrscheinlich nirgendwo. Hier zu spielen, ist ein Erlebnis besonderer Art. Pure Golf. Die auf den Fairways herumtrottenden Schafe verstärken dieses Bild noch. Die meisten Löcher sind blind zu spielen, die Greens sind klein und onduliert, die Fairways wellig, hart, aber meist groß und weit. Wäre nicht ab und an des ehemalige Militärflugplatz-Gelände im Blick, würde man denken, man sei alleine auf der Welt. (Also mit seinen Spielpartnern!) Ein Muss!

Che bellezza alzarsi con il sole in Scozia! Tee time prenotato tanti mesi prima e il posto è proprio bello come me lo ero immaginato. Un campo aperto da pochi anni che condivide il nome con il più blasonato Machrihanisch Golf Club che è a poca distanza. Una basica club house dove un gentilissimo signore mi ha fatto il check-in e mi ha accompagnato poi sul tee della 1 che non è esattamente li vicino; tutte le distanze sono importanti per cui preparatevi a camminare parecchio. Il percorso e un link lungo la bellissima spiaggia che si svolge secondo il classico IN-OUT ma che ha delle varianti. All'inizio non capivo la logica della disposizione di alcune buche e soprattutto degli ostacoli naturali presenti lungo il percorso, poi rientrando ho letto e mi hanno spiegato che il sito è un'area ambientale protetta e che nella costruzione del campo si sono dovute tenere in considerazione molte delle caratteristiche naturali preesistenti. Il risultato è superbo ed il gioco ne risulta divertente e impegnativo. La manutenzione è eccellente. Sono segnalati benissimo i percorsi da fare per il next-tee ed i tee di partenza sono messi con cattiveria. Immagino che giocare con il vento forte dal mare sia un incubo, io per fortuna ho avuto una giornata di sole e brezza marina!