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Machrihanish, Scotland |
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Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6PT
Scotland |  | Old Tom Morris |  | Ken Campbell |
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The small village of Machrihanish is situated on the western side of the remote Kintyre Peninsula; this is where the sky is big, the sunsets are dramatic and the air has been warmed by the Gulf Stream. Nearby Campbeltown was once the whisky capital of the world, but today only the Springbank distillery remains in full operation.
In 1876, the Kintyre Golf Club was founded; it’s unclear who originally laid out the course, so we’ll put it down to Mother Nature, but we do know that Old Tom Morris left his stamp on the links in 1879. The members felt that Kintyre was too ordinary a name for such a special golf course, so they changed it to the resonant Machrihanish in 1888.
This links must be one of the most natural, romantic and most enjoyable places to play golf in the whole of the British Isles. It’s not long, grand or a championship course, but it is sheer fun. It’s got an outstanding front nine and a thrilling start. The first, called “Battery”, is one of the best opening holes in golf, a teasing 423-yard par four with an elevated tee on the edge of the shore. The fairway hugs the beach and we must drive diagonally across it. How heroic can we afford to be with our very first tee shot? The beach is in play, not out-of bounds. But dare we play our second shot from amongst the seashells?
Machrihanish is not just about one great opening hole – the front nine is exceptional and the entire experience is magical. The greens are firm, fast, true and are positioned in the most varied of locations. Some are sunk in punchbowls whilst others are on a raised plateau or flattened dune tops. There are blind tee shots, fabulous sea views, undulating rippling fairways and exciting rugged dunes.
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According to the results of a recent Top 100 survey Machrihanish is the best value golf course in the British Isles. | You have to make an extra special effort to get to Machrihanish, but it is worth it. The welcome is extraordinarily friendly and the golf is extraordinary. Expect to leave this place with a broad smile on your face. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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In the section below, headed “Your Reviews”, are golf course reviews posted by visitors to the Top 100 website. There are no specific rules for reviewing a golf course except you MUST have played the golf course first. Merits of each course are left entirely to your discretion. Important factors, such as course location, condition (or presentation), course difficulty and historical importance are all left for you to judge and we have developed a simple rating system where you can allocate one score to each course. | |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | In mid-June I made my 3'rd trip to Machrihanish in the last 20 years. The weather had been dry and the course was running. The course is very, very good. The turf was fine even in such dry conditions. There are a couple of criiticisms: the course has several internal out of bounds--on the front as well as the back. Also, on an approach to a blind green on the front nine, the aiming pole is not remotely accurate. My strongest impression was that Mach is changing---with more tourism and Machrihanish Dunes now open, I got the feeling that many of the members and townspeople may have preferred the old Machrihanish. Twenty years ago, the American author Bamberger wrote in To the Linksland about the magic of the place---I don't know if he would still find it today.  | | 12 July 2010
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| Response: | | | Dewi Henderson | 12 July 2010 | | Since Machrihanish is my favourite golf course I thought I'd comment on the negative aspects of the above review. I'm glad the reviewer thought the course was "very, very good" and agree that some people have an issue with the increased tourism the course receives (opinion seems to be divided on this one). I was a bit confused by the reviewer stating that the course has "several internal out of bounds". Only on two of the holes on the course have I been aware of OB coming into play - the 3rd and the 17th (the OB on the 18th is for extreme snap hookers only). If you define an "internal OOB" as one that partitions a part of the course from another part of the SAME course then there are no internal OOB. On the 3rd the OB delimits the course from the practice area and is a mild OB since the fairway is wide and generous. On the 17th the OB forms the boundary between the old course and the Pans course. This OB is a toughie and, although some people may consider it artificial, I like the challenge of the narrow fairway with trouble left and trouble right! To state "several internal out of bounds" is inaccurate in my opinion. For the "aiming pole" referred to by the reviewer (presumably for either the 3rd or the 7th hole) for approach shots, such poles should be taken with a pinch of salt anyway - their accuracy (as an alignment guide) depends on where the approach is taken from (as in the parallax effect in physics!). I find both poles to be very useful as (only) a reference guide when approaching these greens. | | | Dewi Henderson | 12 July 2010 | | In my above response I refer twice to the 3rd hole when I actually meant the (excellent) 2nd hole. Sorry! | | | charles reppke | 06 August 2010 | | I was interested to read this review and the response from dewi .I am a member at machrihanish having been brought up playing the course.I recall that mr bamberger particularly commented on the welcome and the interest that members had in how visitors found the course and how they had played.The course is certainly better known these days and is easier to get to but the essential aspects remain' the wonderful links course and the local members still take the same interest in visitor reaction to the course that so captured the imagination and respect of michale bamberger all those years ago.I believe that were he to return today he would still adhere to his conclusion that if he could only play one course for the rest of his life it would be machrihanish . |
| | Make the drive and just go play it. It is one of the most stunning drives I have ever made to include Big Sur. Once you get there, it is even better than the drive. Plan to play it at least twice. It has so many bumps and rolls, you need a second round just to begin to understand the course. It is simply one of the all time best courses I have played. | | 09 July 2010
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| | | I played at Machrihanish in August on a fifteen day tour of Scottish courses. Playing 36 per day, we arrived in Campelltown and found a nice B&B outside of town and found our way to the links. It is somewhat unassuming at first, but as with many of the great courses I've been blessed to play it has that special something. The pro shop is quite small but could there be a more spectacular setting? Of course the first tee shot is what is so often spoke of and is all of it and more. The 1st green is classic links sunken into the land with a taste of the wild greens to come. While we were playing the round,with the expansiveness of the property made us feel small and quite alone. It has been written in some of the other reviews that the last two are a let down? I found them to be an opportunity to reflect on the round,and possibly recover a shot from the other 16. This place is more than just hype and a remote location. It is an absolute must for any real lover of links golf. After playing 36 for two weeks straight I am most excited to return to Machrihanish. | | 19 January 2010
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| | | Bagpipes, haggis and kilts are synonymous with Scottish culture and tradition and Machrihanish is one of the most traditional and quintessentially Scottish courses I have ever played. Prestwick, North Berwick and, of course, St Andrews are also traditional but the remote location of Machrihanish somehow takes the authentic shortbread biscuit. Much has been written about the opening hole that is a daunting prospect, especially from the back tee, which sits in splendid isolation under the rear window of the Pro shop. From here, the long sweep of the beach looks formidable and I am sure many balls have ended up on the shore. When I played here this autumn, the course was quiet and it felt not only remote but also rather eerie. The first 16 holes firmly hold your attention and back-to-back par threes at 15 and 16 are a talking point. A few blind shots did not detract from my enjoyment and the challenge was supreme. Most courses do not possess 18 great holes and the same is true of Machrihanish. The closing two holes unfortunately come at the wrong time and left me slightly disappointed as I putted out on the last, they seem somewhat out of character with the first sixteen. This is certainly one of the most natural courses I’ve played where most things feel right and I think if Machrihanish finished as strongly as it started it would be sublime. | | 13 November 2009
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| | | Played on a calm, clear Saturday morning in October 2009 and was very glad I made the effort. A number of very challenging holes, and either a caddy or a second round would have saved some trouble on several blindish shots over dunes. I agree that this in one of the real classics - much better priced than Open venues such as The Old Course, Carnoustie, Troon and Turnberry - but equally essential (along with the glorious Prestwick and Machrie) in terms of fully surveying old-fashioned Scottish links.
As noted by others, a round at the nearby, shortish Dunaverty Golf Club near the Mull of Kintyre in Southend is a worthwhile second round in this area. Basically an executive course layout, with terrain equal to Pebble Beach (or Cruit Island in rural County Donegal, Ireland). Dunaverty would be a $200 green fee in the U.S. based on scenery alone. | | 19 October 2009
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| Response: | | | Pat Garrett | 27 October 2009 | | I have played Machrihanish since 1962 with my friends. It is the most magnificent test of golf in all weathers. The welcome is second to none and the resident pro Ken Campbell carries on the great tradition. Surely one of the greatest tests of golf in Scotland. I look forward to next year from my home in Northumberland to arrive at Wreck Cottage and attempt to overcome this truly magnificent course. |
| | | I had the pleasure of playing this course in August. I rose at 530am and took the drive from Loch Lomond on a perfect sunny Scottish morning. The 2hr 20min drive around the Lochs with the stunning scenery was worth it alone before I arrived at Campbeltown and took a right to Machrihanish. I had read the reviews on this web page and agree with the warmth of welcome by both the pro and the steward. I had traveled and intended to play alone if necessary but the steward said he would ask and see if one of the members would partner me. By the time breakfast was eaten I had a partner. Another visitor shortly followed by another and we had a three ball, all organised by the Steward, fantastic!
The opening tee shot over the beach is fantastic and the carry varies depending on the angle you take. I knew it was going to be a good day there was hardly any wind and I murdered a drive across the tightest angle into the middle of the fairway.
Miss the fairways and you are in trouble. The fairways are immaculate and hardly look like there have been golf shots played off them. The greens can be difficult but are quick and very firm and very true. The second shot to the second is to a blind raised green. Fortunately one of my partners knocked it to a foot for a certain birdie. The view from this high point is fantastic across the bay. Nearly a hole in one for me on the 4th a tricky short par three “Jura”, a dog leg 5th Punchbowl with mounds that fool the eyes to think it is longer than it is then a short par 4. For the first time in my life I managed three birdies on the bounce!!! Around the turn the views get better and better but accuracy and course management are put to the ultimate test in this out and back course. The wind began to get up and suddenly I could see that this course will bite in inclement weather. The back nine, borders Campbeltown airport. Prince Andrew was stationed here whilst in the Navy. He is a honourary member of the club and his photos adorn the walls of the clubhouse. I can think only of St Annes Old Links, which borders Blackpool airport, as another course with that borders an airport. IT is also where you fly into from Glasgow airport and at £115 for a return flight and a round has to be exceptional value.
The two par fives 10 and 12 are both of a high quality especially the 10th. This is followed by Strabane a long par 3, guarded by several bunkers. Castlehill the stroke index 1 14th is a tough hole, then the 16th a long par 3 Rorke’s Drift, a tough hole, with a raised green and steep drop off areas. I have read that 17 and 18 are “ordinary” holes. This is rubbish in my view. You have just had sixteen tough, holes superbly crafted from the natural landscape you deserve a little relief. They are no means easy anyway. Hit a wayward drive and you will do well to get down in par. If you have a score after Rorke’s drift then let’s see how you play the two “easy, ordinary” last two? I think not.
As for my partners, Scott and Chris thanks for a great day. We will play together again one day. We all agreed the mark of a great golf course is one where having just played a full round, could you walk back immediately onto the first tee and play it again? Machrihanish certainly is one of those courses. A classic.
| | 26 September 2009
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| | People rightly say the 18th is an average hole. They also mention 17 and, again, they might be right. But I’ve heard 16 spoken about too in such a capacity. How can anyone say anything bad about Rorke’s Drift, the long par three? The first hole of course has much made of it and quite rightly so. The drive is glorious, especially from the far back and left tees. But the approach fizzles out a wee bit, though the green's a good one. However, the second hole, which seems to be somewhat forgotten with everyone talking about the stretch of holes ‘from 3 to the turn’, is, I feel, a classic hole. I love the approach, hitting high onto the sand dunes where the rest of Machrihanish’s best holes are to be found.
Yes, get down here and play some golf. It’s very otherworldly, very very lovely. The front nine is perhaps the most interesting stretch of holes I’ve ever encountered. The greens are fabulous rollercoaster affairs. They’re not especially fast though in my experience. When Greg Norman visited (touching down on the first tee in his helicopter having given about 45 minutes notice) he stopped putting after a few holes because he was practising for The Open and the greens were miles slower than he’d get at Troon or Turnberry or wherever it was. In fact, I say the greens are rollercoaster affairs. But according to a book by Alister MacKenzie they’re nothing like as rollercoaster as they once were. If that’s what you’re after, go to the new neighbouring Machrihanish Dunes. It’s an amazing course. Check out the 13th green for the undulating putting experience. Then feast your eyes on 14, one of the most fun par 3s anywhere. 15 is a similarly excellent one-shotter. If I say Machrihanish itself has the most interesting consecutive nine holes of any I know then perhaps Machrihanish Dunes has the most interesting three holes of anywhere I know (until I get to Amen Corner anyway). ANGLOSCOT | | 19 August 2009
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| | | Played 3 rounds here August 2008. Ludicrously good value for money @ £80 for a day ticket. Welcome in pro shop and clubhouse very warm. Welcome form taxi-driver from airfield to clubhouse a real throwback, he rang the caterer @ clubhouse to organise bacon rolls, all on first-name basis. Welcome from God, overwhelming, he laid on a blessed 2 days on a natural classic links - I agree the last 2 holes are a bit weak with another course sharing the inland bondary. Even the quirk of having landing lights on 9 and 10 seems fitting. I must mention the flight over which was a special experience (don't stop pedalling) and the airfield - to call it an airport would be misleading. It must be the smallest airport building in the world coupled with one of the longest runways...Tim Gorman | | 27 February 2009
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| | | I had yearned to play this course for so long and even though it was a bleak winter’s day when I finally got to play here, it lived up to its hype and more. I could easily write my review with 5 simple words: Macrinhanish is absolute golfing heaven. No more is needed. But what a crap review that would be (well more crap than my normal reviews). This course deserves every glowing testimonial it receives and itwas well worth every second of the 6 hour round trip.
The first thing I saw on arrival at the course was the fabled 1st hole which, I admit was a wee bit of disappointing (oh my God I am committing golfing sacrilege) because I didn’t realise that there is a significant bail out area should you choose to take it. I was always under the impression that you had no choice but to take on the Atlantic Ocean but that is not necessarily the case. However, if you take the death or glory route it is one hell of an adrenalin rush, the kind of which would put laxative manufacturers out of business.
The magic just flows from here, as there is not really a weak hole on the front 9 perhaps, the par 3, 4th being the weakest and holes 5 through 8 absolutely breathtaking with words hopelessly inadequate to describe their brilliance. The back 9, normally played into a hostile prevailing wind, is not as aesthetically pleasing. True to form the day we played it was so bleak that even Heathcliff and Cathy would have stayed in doors. It just inspired me to battle on, pitching myself against the likes of the 12th and 16th holes which, for me, where the outstanding holes of the inward half.
Machrihanish is an old fashioned throw back in time it has a fairytale magic due to its remote location making it a course you simply must experience. You will never regret it or forget it MPPJ
| | 02 February 2009
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| | I returned to play here just over six years after first playing the course and the weather was not so kind this time (not that I expected to play in short sleeves in mid December right enough) with rain falling during the last six holes played. I loved the 2nd, with the green perched on a mound over the burn but was disappointed to find the 4th had a temporary green on. Holes 6 and 8 are great par fours and all in all, the front nine is as good an outward half of golf that you’ll find. If I’m honest, the back nine was a slight let down (maybe the weather played its part in dampening my spirits) but I felt the rhythm of the round was broken by playing two par fives at holes 10 and 12, then playing back-to-back par threes at 15 and 16. I’ve no complaints about the closing two holes as I think they are an excellent way to finish the round with no gimmicky final flourish. Greens were great for the time of year so all in all there was little room for complaint, especially after tucking into another bowl of soup from the famed urn in the corner of the clubhouse – simple golfing pleasures are hard to beat!  | | 16 December 2008
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| | | Played this course on a warm calm day.From the elevated 1st tee we could see this was going to be a good course and we were not disappointed which was good news due to the drive to get there. Highly recommended although do agree with previous comments about the last two holes being uninspiring. Used Dunaverty course as a warm up ,which is a neat little course. Gerry | | 25 August 2008
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| | | The first time I played here I stood on the first tee and hit a 3 wood, wedge to 6 feet and holed for a birdie. Another day staring across the beech to the distant fairway, buffeted by a 40mph headwind it was a solid driver and 3 wood to get close! What a start and it just gets better and better! Each hole has its own unique character and as is the nature of links golf the challenge changes from day to day always teasing, testing and questioning the player. The one thing that remains constant is the quality and enjoyment of this test. This is raw and natural links golf where the course was made to fit the landscape and there is nothing artificial or contrived about this place. Uneven stances, blind shots, treacherous bunkers, impossible roller-coaster putts on slick, true windswept greens…such wonderfully frustrating pleasure! Each turn reveals a breathtaking vista from seascapes, to wind-tossed marram topped dunes, to mountainsides and the distant Isles of Jura and Islay and evokes an incredible feeling of timelessness and isolation. Also what a wonderfully friendly and relaxed club where what matters most is the love and enjoyment of the game of golf. Once you have visited Machrihanish golf will never be the same again! | | 13 August 2008
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| | | This along with Ballybunion Old and Carnoustie are my favourite all time 3 courses.
I hear what others say - and agree 18 is weak but that has arisen to the scurge of the modern abge - health and safety. When that green was up wedged between road, club-house and pro-shop it was a far tougher target.
That notwithstanding I defy anybody not to marvel at holes 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 16 - and accept that on most days the course, architect and history (1876) have probably beaten you.
But come back, learn the course - and enjoy it even more.... | | 04 August 2008
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| | | Played the course today. Great design; just wish the flight times had allowed us to squeeze in two rounds as knowing your way around will certainly help your score. Greens were true, if a bit slower than I had expected (lots of rain so maybe I am being a bit harsh). Do agree with others. This course has some great holes, somewhat let down by ordinary last couple. | | 11 July 2008
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| | | Traveled a fair way, no pun intended ,to play this great course.I think its the quality of greens that makes a course and some being the size of a football pitch you have to be able to putt to make a score. The greens have so much undulation on them it still brings a smile on a cold winters night to reminisce about them.The drive over the Atlantic ocean is not that intimidating but being the 1st of the day it gets the juices flowing straight away.Although 3 days on a fast horse from Glasgow I would really implore you to play it.Great fun!!!! | | 27 November 2007
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| | | Good track, although i think the famous drive over the beach at the first is a bit overstated. You could actually get to the fairway with a wedge! The first couple of holes are ok, but after that it really gets going. Holes 3 through 8 are fantastic- rolling links with blind aspects that are fun, but arent quirky enough to get annoying. The two par 5s on the way back are brilliant holes, espescially the 12th, but I have to say the back 9 is a disappointment compared to the front. Maybe I`m being harsh, but the last two holes seem squashed into too confined a space, espescially when you consider how much great territory hasn`t been used here. Would it be heinous to suggest that somebody looks for another hole in the virgin land, and a good finishing hole is made out of 17&18- then maybe it would be as complete a golf course as its near neighbour, Machrie. Regardless of the poor finish, this is a top course, and the clubhouse and pro shop are excellently run by very friendly people. Highly recommended, espescially if you go to Islay as well on the same trip. | | 30 August 2007
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| | | One of the best links courses in the world! Probably the least distrurbed Old Tom Morris design links in UK (because it's so isolated it has not hosted many tournaments which require course alterations for crowd management etc..). From the third green you get great sense that your the only player out there even when the course is quite busy. Machrihanish is a must play for core golfers and it's not as far as people say !! (25 minutes from Glasgow, twice a day with BA, for only £45) or an hour from Turnberry on the new Kintyre Express high speed ferry. | | 11 February 2007
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Machrihansih was the first course I played in Scotland, and remains one of the best. The opening hole is great, but the real beuty of the links lies between holes 3 and 16. Number 4 is a fantastic par 3, the green being an almost impossible target, number 8 is one of the best par 4's you will find anywhere, and number 10 one of the best par 5's in the country. Buy a day ticket and play as much as you can, as the course is usually quite empty - I managed 54 holes and wanted more! Kem Westdyk, South Africa | | 05 October 2006
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| | | Certainly judging by the love in the other comments, this course is not lacking for fans. Count me in, too. Worth savoring, matched by few courses in world for quality of golf, setting, experience and "pleasureable excitement". | | 04 October 2006
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| | | Machrihanish is as beautiful and as enjoyable as either Turnberry or Dornoch. The fairways are classic links, the greens the best I have ever played on, undulating, as smooth as silk and firm but receptive and the holes interesting and challenging and yet short enough to be rewarding for the average golfer. The nineteenth hole matched the first eighteen and we enjoyed a long evening of great food, great wine and great craic with members and visitors alike. | | 12 July 2006
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| | | I'm a competent 11 handicapper but Machrihanish beat me. Each drive seemed more demanding than the one before (and remember the first!). This is a very difficult golf course but a great experience. Only let down by the last couple of holes (which are very ordinary). Oh,yes, it IS a very long way from anywhere! | | 04 February 2006
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| | | Machrihanish ranks in my all-time top 3 golf courses, it is always in fantastic condition . I have played it in fantastic weather conditions as well as in the rain during what felt like a howling gale. The setting is stunning with wonderful views and no matter how you are playing it’s worth taking some time out to savour the view.
Although short by modern standards It is a good test of golf and will require good shot making skills to post a score.
It’s only drawback is where it is located – it’s not that easy to get to but it is well worth the trip, make a day of by staying in one of the many bed and breakfast places and then being up early to enjoy the course. Well worth a visit, you will not be disappointed.
| | 10 January 2006
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| | | have been going to this course on a semi annual basis for the last 12 years and can honestly say that it is without doubt my number one golfing pleasure. The reason is simply that the course never plays the same way on consecutive rounds, the weather constantly changes and therefore strategy is the key.As an example, my friends & I played last weekend sept 11th and we hit 5/6 irons into the par 3 11th hole 197 yds, following day one of our fourball holed in one, but this time with a 3 wood. The views are staggering and I sincerly doubt that there is anywhere else in Scotland to match the vistas across to Islay, Jura & Gigha, the locals warn you though that if you can see these islands that it is about to rain and if you can't then it is already raining. Lastly the condition of the course both greens and fairways is just superb and I echo the other comments about the welcome and the friendliness of the clubhouse.Dont just take my word for it, go play this course, meet the wonderful people there, then you too will want to visit it time and time again | | 09 November 2005
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| | | Surely one of the hidden gems on the west coast of Scotland. The 5 hour drive from our home in Thornhill passes quickly as we think of the opening shot over the sea at the 1st hole. Very few could argue that it is the best opening hole in the world. The varying wind direction ensures that each hole rarely plays the same and together with the positioning of the bunkers determines which club should be used of the tee. Although a long journey this course is well worth a visit and the friendliness of the staff and members will make it a memorable visit. | | 23 September 2005
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| | | Played in one of the many Satuday Opens run by the club in August 2002 on a lovely warm day. Well worth the six hour round trip by road from Glasgow (though you can fly to and from nearby Campbeltown on the same day). Found it a very fair course with not too many blind shots. Kept thinking they could have built another course within the acreage they used as there's plenty of land to spare amongst the dunes.You get a feeling of stepping back in time to when golf was a simple, uncomplicated game (and yardage markers were something you would never dream of having on land like this!). And what a great little clubhouse. They had a big urn of home made soup for lunch and a tidy three course meal at teatime - excellent! This playing experience is worth every minute of the full day needed to savour its delights. James McCann | | 19 January 2005
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| | | What an absolute gem of a course. Surely Machrihanish would be in the top 20 if it wasn’t for the extremely remote location. It took us nearly six hours to drive here from Glasgow! Whatever you do, make sure you set two days aside for this corking crackerjack of a course. I’ve been lucky enough to play some 50 of the top 100 and for me this is Scotland’s best course. The site is truly magnificent and it has an overwhelming feeling of space for an old fashioned links…there’s loads of spare land and great looking dunes around, seemingly enough for another course and boy would that be a special course. Anyway, it’s doubtful that I could play a more enjoyable track, I simply loved it here and if I had my own private helicopter I’d become a member of this delightful links at the tip of the world…Wow! | | 17 January 2005
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