Course: Machrihanish Golf Club “ Machrihanish

For most golfers the western coast of Scotland translates into great courses like Prestwick, royal Troon and Turnberry. The dogged golfer however, takes off the beaten track and gets to the Machrihanish Golf Club on the Kintyre Peninsula for a course carved out of land described by Old Tom Morris as being œspecially designed The Almighty for playing golf.

Located in its namesake village of Machrihanish, the original architect of this course is widely believed to be Mother Nature. However, Old Tom Morris in 1879 and subsequently J.H. Taylor and Sir Guy Campbell made considerable contributions to the layout giving it its present form. Set amid majestic sand dunes, Machrihanish is a links course and a delight for the purists. Although it takes a bit of work getting to Machrihanish; it is 140 miles from Glasgow; this classic layout is quite popular.

At 6,225 - par 70, Machrihanish is not a long course yet is renowned for its naturally undulating fairways and well contoured greens. The initial hole, œBattery, is considered one of the best opening holes in golf and offers a stunning view of the sea from its elevated tee. A nine out nine back layout; Machrihanishs outward set is hemmed to the beach and winds its way through sand hills and hollows demanding accuracy in shots. The greens are exceptionally vivid, firm and undulating.

The back nine set against the Kintyre Hills as a backdrop is just as imaginative. There is a lot of variety in holes and you would need to use as many clubs as you can carry. The tough part on the course starts from the 15th till the end with the Machrihanish Burn posing a hazard on the final two holes.

When the course began life it took a steamboat and a carriage ride to get you there. It isnt any easier than a 3-hour road trip today, but Machrihanish still pulls golfers like a magnet.