Machrihanish

Golf has been played at Machrihanish since 1871, and with Old Tom Morris having had a hand in its layout, you can’t go wrong. Situated on the edge of the Atlantic, little has been changed to disturb the rugged, scenic beauty of its setting. Playing a round here really is the most unique experience: you get to take in awe-inspiring sunsets spread across the vast sky, breathing in air warmed by the Gulf Stream. 

  • Machrihanish 1St
  • Machrihanish 7Th
  • Machrihanish 17Th

The club lies at the southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre with views of the stunning western coast, towards the  Isle of Jura and distant Ireland. Ranked the 39th best golf course outside the USA by Golf Digest in 2005, it offers one of the finest opening holes in the world that demands a challenging opening drive across Machrihanish Bay. 

The Machrihanish Golf experience offers both an 18 hole Championship course, popular with members who enjoy a leisurely game, and the 9-hole Pans course, nestled between the larger course and dairy fields. Featuring smaller greens and shorter fairways, it presents an equally demanding yet different challenge.

About Machrihanish – Brief History

  • The club dates back to 1876
  • Before 1876 there was an old ten hole course on the site, which was soon expanded to twelve holes
  • Originally called the Kintyre Golf Club
  • In 1879, Old Tom Morris redesigned and expanded the course to the full 18 holes
  • J.H. Taylor modified the course in 1914
  • During the 1940s Sir Guy Campbell remodelled the course again to create its current configuration
  • Nominated for a place in the top 100 links courses by National Club Golfer 2014
  • Nominated in the top 100 GB and Ireland courses by Golf World in 2013 and 2014
  • Nominated in the top 100 GB and Ireland courses by top100golfcourses.co.uk 
  • Hosted the Scottish Ladies Championship on multiple occasions.

Macrihanish Scorecard 
Click here to view the scorecard

Featured hole – Hole 2

There isn’t a single weakness in this course. Hole number two, a par 4, is particularly notable thanks to the stream running right across the fairway. Make your shot too long and you’ll venture into trouble. Leave it too short and you’ll find yourself mired in a tricky uphill situation, facing a bowl-shaped green studded with quirky wrinkles. Holes 3 and 4 are just as much fun – all the dunes make it a bit like playing golf in a lunar landscape.

Known for legendary tee shots and extraordinary green complexes

Fantastic tee shots are the name of the game at Machrihanish. Add the 5th hole, an infamous par four whose fairway has been compared to an elephant's graveyard, the clever dogleg at the 10th hole, and elusive greens at every stage – this course is a difficult but satisfying conquest indeed. Breathtaking views over the Inner Hebridean islands complete this stunning picture.

Machrihanish Golf Breaks

Get in touch so we can help plan your dream Machrihanish golf break. We’ll provide you with everything you need to make an unforgettable golfing experience. This can be fully customisable so you can have the golf holiday experience of your dreams.