Machrihanish Golf Club

The opening tee shot at Machrihanish Golf Club is simply without equal. The drive across the corner of the sea, with the beach lining the entire left side of the fairway, is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Deciding how much of the corner to bite off is a daunting task right out of the gate, but there is some relief in that a ball found on the beach can be played without penalty. Of course, that’s assuming the tide is out.

Although the opening tee shot will make the strongest impression on our memory, the holes that follow are a delightful collection of exceptional links golf. The 5th is an all-world par-4 that is likely to test even the best of players. While ahead on the par-3 15th, the severely canted putting surface accentuates the most appealing attribute of Machrihanish: the imaginative and natural greens. Combined with the various humps and hollows, as well as the occasional snaking burn, the golfer is reminded that Old Tom Morris fashioned this remarkable course out of land almost entirely as he found it.

Given the extra effort to get to Machrihanish, and with the Springbank distillery just up the road, it’s important to allow time to linger in the clubhouse after the round to enjoy the view and local fare. The hospitality found inside will make this choice an easy one, especially if, as is often the case, one is lucky to have had a former club captain as a caddie. They’re proud of their club at Machrihanish, and for very good reason. From Old Tom Morris to the modern wandering golfer, there are few who take this road less traveled that don’t come away anxious to be “carried home, to the Mull of Kintyre.”