Machrihanish Golf Club Review: Golf as It's Meant to Be
GolfMagic visits Machrihanish, a remote, world-class links course that remains surprisingly affordable. Founded in 1876 as The Kintyre Golf Club, the course expanded from 12 to 18 holes three years later with the help of Old Tom Morris. This expansion included the iconic 1st hole, frequently celebrated as one of the best opening holes in golf.
Challenging Journey and Stunning Location
Reaching Machrihanish is part of the experience. Located about 20 miles from the Mull of Kintyre, near the beach where Sir Paul McCartney filmed a video, the course is accessed via a scenic three-hour drive along the A83. The reward is a top-40 course in Great Britain and Ireland, and ranked in the top 20 in Scotland.
Complementary Courses Nearby
- Machrihanish Dunes
- Dunaverty
Both offer additional rounds that enhance the golfing experience in the area, making the visit even more memorable.
Course History and Design Philosophy
Old Tom Morris once described the land as “specifically designed by the almighty for playing golf.” Tom Doak noted it's the “only course in Scotland that still seems just as raw and natural as the first time I was there 35 years ago.”
“Specifically designed by the almighty for playing golf.” — Old Tom Morris
“The only course in Scotland that still seems just as raw and natural as the first time I was there 35 years ago.” — Tom Doak
Adjustments were made by JH Taylor in 1914 and Sir Guy Campbell in the 1940s, but the course retains a natural flow that feels perfectly integrated into the landscape rather than artificially crafted.
Growing Popularity
In recent decades, more golfers have discovered Machrihanish, enriching the game with this authentic links experience.
Author’s Summary
Machrihanish Golf Club offers a rare, unspoiled links experience far from the crowds, celebrated for its history, natural beauty, and powerful legacy in Scottish golf.