Machrihanish Golf Club
Sightseeing attraction | Machrihanish | Scotland | United Kingdom
The "Machrihanish Golf Club" in Machrihanish, Scotland, is one of the most prestigious and historically significant golf courses in Great Britain, located on the remote west coast of the Kintyre Peninsula. This classic links course, often considered a hidden gem among Scottish golf courses, offers a combination of spectacular nature, challenging design, and a deep connection to golf history. Founded in 1876 as Kintyre Golf Club, the course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris, one of the pioneers of modern golf, who allegedly said that the Almighty had created this place specifically for golf. This statement reflects the extraordinary landscape that shapes the course – wild dunes, Atlantic coastlines, and expansive views of the islands of Islay, Jura, and even Northern Ireland on clear days.
The Championship Course, the main course of the Machrihanish Golf Club, is a traditional out-and-back links course with 18 holes and a length of approximately 6,226 yards at a par of 70. The first hole is particularly famous, considered one of the most spectacular opening drives in the world. Here, players hit across part of the Atlantic Ocean, with the decision of how much of the bay to carry creating a classic risk-and-reward scenario. The beach remains in play, adding an extra dimension to the hole – a rare and exciting start, highly praised by golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus. The first nine holes wind along the coast through tall sand dunes, often requiring them to be crossed rather than just played around, giving the course a rugged, almost Irish character. After the turn at the ninth hole, the second half leads slightly inland back to the clubhouse, with the landscape becoming somewhat flatter but still providing challenges through wind and undulating fairways.
The history of the course is as fascinating as its design. After its founding with ten holes, the course was expanded to 18 holes by Old Tom Morris in 1879, introducing the legendary first hole. Later, in 1914, J.H. Taylor made changes, and after World War II, Sir Guy Campbell brought the course to its current form. During the world wars, the land was repurposed – in World War I as an airfield and in World War II used by the Royal Air Force for training purposes. After the war, the course was restored and maintains its original character as an unchanged links course to this day. The club suffered a major blow in 2018 when the old clubhouse was destroyed by a fire, but most of the historical records and memorabilia were saved. Three years later, a new clubhouse was opened, meeting the needs of modern golfers without losing its rustic charm.
The Machrihanish Golf Club stands out for its natural beauty and challenging character. The fairways are wide but marked by strong undulations, requiring precise play. Small, deep pot bunkers and undulating greens, often surrounded by natural contours, make the course a true test for golfers of all skill levels. Particularly the wind blowing in from the coast plays a crucial role and can challenge even experienced players. In addition to the first hole, standout holes include the seventh, a par 4 with a blind second shot over a hill, and the tenth, a par 5 with a clever dogleg that rewards strategic thinking. The greens designed by Old Tom Morris are considered particularly sophisticated, with subtle elevations and false fronts that make putting an art.
In addition to the Championship Course, there is also the Pans Course, a 9-hole course that offers a more relaxed alternative. This course is shorter and less challenging, but still provides an authentic links experience with smaller greens and narrower fairways, often used by members for a quick round. Both courses benefit from Machrihanish's remoteness, protecting the place from excessive tourist crowds and preserving an atmosphere of silence and authenticity. The views of the surrounding coast, dunes, and maritime air contribute to the golf club often being described as spiritual or romantic – a place where golf is played in its purest form.
The Machrihanish Golf Club is not only a paradise for golfers but also a testament to Scottish golf tradition. Its remoteness – about a three-hour drive from Glasgow or accessible by small plane – enhances the feeling of embarking on a pilgrimage to a special place. The course has gained recognition worldwide and is regularly featured in rankings of the best golf courses in Britain and the world. For many, it is a must-play, not only for the challenge but also for the untouched nature and the feeling of playing on a piece of golf history. Visitors to the Machrihanish Golf Club experience a rare blend of athletic challenge and scenic grandeur that makes the course unforgettable.
