The Kintyre Peninsula isn't the easiest part of Scotland to reach, sitting a decent drive west from Glasgow, but that remoteness is a big part of the appeal. Machrihanish Golf Club occupies a genuinely special piece of linksland on the Atlantic coast, the sort of place where the dunes, the wind and the sea dictate everything. On a clear day you can see across the water towards Ireland.
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1876, the layout follows the natural contours with minimal fuss, letting the land do the talking. You'll hear about the opening hole for good reason too, the tee shot plays across the beach and it's as exhilarating as links golf gets. Right, that sets the tone for what follows.
Out on the course you'll need to keep it low when the wind picks up, use the ground and accept the occasional wild bounce. Miss the fairway and the rough can be properly penal, while the greens tend to run firm and quick in good conditions. It's not a course that flatters, but it's honest, memorable and brilliantly scenic, exactly what most golfers mean when they talk about real Scottish links.
The drive feels long, then you hit that first tee shot and forget all about it. This is classic links golf in one of Scotland's most beautiful and remote corners, well worth the journey if you want the authentic experience away from the crowds.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want classic Scottish links away from the usual tourist trail, and don't mind travelling for something special.
Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers who enjoy shaping shots in the wind and tackling a sterner test, particularly mid handicaps and better.
