Each year, as the azaleas reach their full bloom in Augusta, the world of golf pays countless tributes to the great Alister MacKenzie. From Augusta and Pasatiempo to Cypress Point and Crystal Downs, MacKenzie achieved great things during his time in America. What often goes unnoticed, however, was his work much closer to home. If that golden ticket to Augusta is not in your immediate future, here’s four options to experience Alister MacKenzie courses in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
But first, a wonderful video from Matt Ginella at the Golf Channel on the collaboration and friendship of Alister MacKenzie and the great Bobby Jones.
Lahinch
In 1927, Alister MacKenzie was invited by the Lahinch Golf Club to submit plans for a redesign of their original Old Tom Morris links. The end result caused MacKenzie to declare Lahinch “the finest and most popular course that I, or I believe anyone else, has ever constructed.” The work was deserving of such praise, but today Lahinch is best known for two holes that the Good Doctor left completely untouched. The Klondyke and Dell were crafted by Old Tom Morris, and were declared off limits by the membership when MacKenzie was hired. The holes remain two of our favorite things to see at Lahinch Golf Club.
The one of a kind Dell hole at Lahinch Golf Club.
Burnham & Berrow
Along the southwest coast of England, one will find the deepest bunker in Britain (St. Enodoc) and the oldest course in the land (Westward Ho!). You’ll also find the Burnham & Berrow Golf Club, where Dr. MacKenzie was invited by his partner, Harry Colt, to design a new 9th and 10th hole, in addition to a number of other changes to the links. To this day, the course remains largely as MacKenzie left it.
Credit: Burnham & Berrow Golf Club
Cork
After the Great War, the Cork Golf Club enlisted Dr. MacKenzie to update their links for “a sum not to exceed £600.” The Good Doctor built three entirely new holes, reshaped the greens, and added a host of his trademark bunkers. The revised course debuted to high praise and went on to host the Irish Open. Today we think it makes a fine choice for an extra round near Old Head.
Credit: Cork Golf Club
Royal Troon – Portland
While the Old Course at Royal Troon rightfully earns much of the spotlight, its younger sibling – the Portland – can boast that it was largely the work of Alister MacKenzie. The club commissioned MacKenzie in the 1920’s to redesign their “relief” course, which was first laid out by their professional, Willie Fernie. Alas, the Portland does not quite measure up to its more esteemed colleague next door, but it’s good for an “Emergency 18” after your round on the Old. Luckily, it’s just a few extra quid to add a loop on the Portland Course.
Sunset over the Portland Course at Royal Troon.
Credit: Royal Troon
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