The Machrie Golf Course & Hotel
The Golf:
Having made the trip to Machrihanish don’t miss the chance of going just a little further afield. The Island of Islay is only a two-hour ferry ride away and although most famous for it's fine collection of whiskey distilleries is also rich in golf history. The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, which dates back to 1890, is a stand-alone stronghold Designed by Willie Campbell in 1891, Machrie is one of Scotland's oldest and most traditional links courses. Its stature was such that it held its own Open Championship in 1901 where “the great trio of Harry Vardon, John Taylor and James Braid competed for a £100 first prize. Taking place a few days after the Open Championship had been won by James Braid at Muirfield, the same man stood on the final green at Machrie with a putt to halve the match against Taylor. Unfortunately, his putt struck a piece of sheep dung on its way to the hole and Braid was denied his chance of pocketing the richest prize in golf!
The main feature of the course is the large number of blind shots that have to be negotiated, including the approaches to both the 17th and 18th. The fairways are undulating and tight and the rolling greens are superb. The 3rd to the 10th, holes, rather similar to, Turn berry, run along the sea-shore with beautiful views over the bay. But be warned, strong winds and waist-high grasses provide a formidable defence to the wayward golfer. So stock up on the golf balls. While Machrihanish has been described as “romantic”, Machrie has perhaps, a more eccentric feel but its charm and unspoilt location makes it a must to play.
In recent years several new tees have been built and Donald Steele did some fine-tuning in 1978, but there is a marked lack of desire to make any changes that might spoil the natural aspect of the course. This will ensure that the true connoisseurs of the game who undertake the journey will never be disappointed. Only accessible, however, via the timetables of Caledonian MacBrayne and Loganair, there is a genuine isolation which makes a visit to Machrie even more special
Address:
The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links,
Port Ellen,
Scotland,
PA42 7AN
Tel:: +44 (0) 1496 302310
Course: Classic links. 18 holes 6226 yards S.S.S. 70
GreenFees: £40.00 per round, £50.00 per day
Visitor Policy: : Welcome any day without reservation.
Golf packages available.
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