Over the last few years, the Machrie Golf Links on the Scottish isle of Islay has gone from a far flung destination to one with a rapidly growing appeal to golf travelers. The explanation for this phenomenon is quite simple.
In the summer of 2018, the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links emerged from a multi-year, multi-million pound transformation.
Once known for its array of blind shots and other oddities, The Machrie Golf Links was overhauled entirely. Just seven of the original greens were maintained in the exhaustive redesign by European Tour player D.J. Russell. The work did away with the 17 blind shots, heavy rough, and narrow fairways and replaced them with a layout that is forgiving and enjoyable while also delivering a firm test.
In this way, the new Machrie is reminiscent of two other modern links courses in Scotland that have earned much acclaim: Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart. It would seem that the only thing separating The Machrie from similar widespread praise is a ferry ride to Islay.
For all of these reasons, golfers from around the globe are adding Islay and the Machrie Golf Links to their Scottish golf tours. If you happen to be among them, here’s what you shouldn’t miss during the visit.
Three Distilleries Walk
Although golf at The Machrie has brought you here, no visit to Islay would be complete without sampling some of their famous and distinctive whiskies.
The Three Distilleries Walk is a unique way to enjoy some of Islay’s best known whisky alongside the magnificent scenery of the island. Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg are all conveniently connected by a paved path that starts in the village of Port Ellen. The path is about 3.5 miles long and ends at Ardbeg Distillery. There you can enjoy a possibly much needed lunch to cap your afternoon of sampling the peaty whiskies of Islay.
2nd Hole
After a warm introduction to Machrie Golf Links, the par-5 2nd hole runs toward the ocean and presents the golfer a risk-reward proposition. A meandering burn guards the left-side of the fairway and makes its way out to sea just behind the green. If you take on the hazard off the tee, reaching the green in two is a real possibility. Of course, so is the prospect of a lost ball.
Regardless of how you fare on the 2nd hole, there’s no denying it’s the first of many sublime spots at The Machrie Golf Links. Another of which is found at the very next tee.
3rd Hole
The 3rd hole at Machrie Golf Links may not be the most heralded par-3 on the course, but it’s certainly worthy of honorable mention. The tee box is pressed hard against the sea and serves up an inspiring panorama.
The hole plays all of its 200 yards, and the pot bunkers short of the green are a common attraction if the wind is up. But the putting surface is rather generous and completely surrounded by closely mown run-offs. A notable feature of The Machrie Golf Links and one that makes getting up and down a delightfully common occurrence.
9th Hole
Although the concept of a “signature hole” is foreign in Scotland, the 9th hole would certainly hold the title for The Machrie Links. Golfers have sung the praises of this little par-3 since the moment the redesigned course debuted.
And for good reason.
The hole measures just under 150-yards and starts from a slightly elevated tee. Like most of the greens at Machrie, the 9th is quite large and forgiving. In contrast to much of the course, however, missing the green will likely require getting up and down from heavy fescue in the surrounding dunes.
But it’s the view from the tee that will surely find a place in your memory bank.
17th Hole
The old Machrie Golf Links was perhaps best known for its abundance of blind shots. The 17th hole at the new Machrie Links is reminiscent of that heritage.
The tee shot is played up and over a ridge to a landing area that’s hidden from view. If your drive fails to crest the hill, your approach shot will also be blind. But if you reach the top of the ridge, your view to the green is links golf at its finest. The green rests in a dell between the dunes with subtle movement that may perplex even the best of putters.
Machrie Hotel
The reimagination of the Machrie was not only limited to the golf course. The Machrie Hotel was also on the receiving end of an extensive and transformative rebirth.
The 47 guestrooms and suites are the perfect oasis for those who make the journey to Islay, offering all of the comforts required by the modern traveler. The Machrie Hotel is distinctively Scottish in decor, yet far removed from the wildly floral and plaid combinations found in hotels of yesteryear.
The Machrie hotel features a number of comfortable lounges, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or an afternoon of reading. And then there’s the 18 Restaurant, where a varied menu of local fare perfectly pairs with the stunning view over the golf links.
For all of these reasons, many have called the Machrie one of the best golf hotels in Scotland. We happen to think they’re right.
The Kintyre Peninsula
If you’ve made your way to The Machrie, then there’s a significant chance you’re already halfway down Paul McCartney’s Long and Winding Road to another great golfing destination.
Before or after your ferry ride to Islay, add on at least an extra day or two to see the outstanding courses on the Kintyre Peninsula. First among these is Machrihanish Golf Club. An Old Tom Morris links that is home to nothing short of the finest opening tee shot in golf.
If you have time for an additional round, Machrihanish Dunes or Dunaverty will also make for an enjoyable afternoon of links golf. But if there’s one thing that all three courses are certain to provide, it’s a round of golf in its purest form and a brush with the game as it once was.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Scotland, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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