Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club

Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club is built on the classic links land which abounds at the Mull of Kintyre and, indeed, the course is adjacent to the famous Machrihanish Golf Club. The site was so perfect for golf that esteemed architect David McLay Kidd (St Andrews Castle Course) discovered 23 natural holes were already part of the natural landscape. The course itself is the first course to be built on a Site of Special Scientific Interest since the elder Tom Morris was the nation's foremost golfing architect and can claim to be the West of Scotland's first new true links course in over a century. At over 7200 yards and with the walk described as akin to mountaineering Machrihanish Dunes is not for the faint hearted but this is a new course allowing the traditions of golf in Scotland to live and breathe (there will be mowing but much of the greenkeeping for area will be provided by sheep) and as such will be a magnet for golf fans the world over. Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club opens in 2009.

Machrihanish Dunes golf course is spread over almost 300 acres of natural dunes, yet in the construction of the course only 7 acres were altered to construct tees and greens. That is the overwhelming appeal of the Dunes course. It is a modern course laid out to be played as if it has been around for decades.

The tees at Machrihanish Dunes are perched on the dunes, whilst the severly sloped greens are positioned in a variety of ways to test many different types of shots. The fairways are as natural as they come, mowed by the sheep that walk the course and constructed by nature. The layout of the course takes you on a tour of the property as you head towards to the Atlantic Ocean, along the coast and meandering through the stunning dunes. Blind shots, elevation changes and long, snaking putts will be a common theme for any group playing Machrihanish Dunes golf course.

With such a natural layout, you are going to find things that would otherwise be altered by modern machinery to make a true perfectionist's course. One or two of the holes lack character and the course needs some time to grow into its design, but overall Machrihanish Dunes leaves you with an appreciation for the way golf was designed to be played: natural, raw, rugged and open. Be be prepared to be treated like a pro once you find the course, take time to appreciate the views and get your camera ready for holes 7 and 13.