Machrihanish Dunes Scotland Golf Tours

Machrihanish Dunes

Photos courtesy of Machrihanish Dunes

Course Guide

  • Course Founded: 2008
  • Par 72
  • 6349 Yards
  • Designer: David McLay Kidd
  • "The World's Most Natural Golf Course"
  • Pro Tip: Practice lag putting from the fairway before your round

Nearby Courses

Course Description

On the heels of his acclaimed debut at Bandon Dunes, David McLay Kidd was asked to return home to Scotland for a project unlike any other. What was to become Machrihanish Dunes was also Europe’s first golf course built within a Site of Specific Scientific Interest - a designation given to environmentally sensitive areas, such as coastal dunelands. The location, and its accompanying restrictions, would be a monumental test of Kidd’s architectural talents. Yet the opportunity to build a course next door to the historic club where he caddied in his youth was one dream he could never pass up.

 

Given the environmental constraints of the property, when ground was broken at Machrihanish Dunes it was self-described as the "world’s most natural golf course." In reality, there was very little ground to be broken at all. Of the 259 acres on which the course sits, just 7 were touched by the blade of a shovel. The tee boxes and greens were the only areas shaped by man, while the fairways were left as they were and simply mown shorter. The result is a course that rarely yields a flat stance, but supplies intriguing rolls and bounces at every turn.

 

Although it is a far cry from the opening hole next door, the 1st makes a fine start to the round, rolling downhill towards the sea and a punchbowl green tucked against the dunes. From here the course tumbles and rolls its way over the untouched terrain, serving a number of blind shots and puzzling challenges to the short game along the way. The highlights culminate at the final four holes which combine for a rather strong closing for links golf - particularly the consecutive par-3s found at the 15th and 16th.

 

After the course opened in 2009, it seemed destined to follow in the footsteps of another Kidd design: the Castle Course at St. Andrews. Like its colleague at The Home of Golf, opinions on Machrihanish Dunes were as divided as they were many. The cynics decried it as too big and too unpredictable; labeling the severe green complexes and heaving fairways as too unfair. On the other hand, the fans of Machrihanish Dunes praised the course’s raw and natural features as golf the way it was meant to be played, while rebutting the claims of the naysayers with a simple question… When has golf ever been fair?

 

Like Mother Nature itself, Machrihanish Dunes has continued to evolve in the years since it debuted. Greens have been eased, the rough has been dialed back in places, and previously hidden bunkers have been reshaped or removed altogether. What remains is still the most natural course in golf, as well as one that is sure to inspire a lively debate. For that we suggest a visit to The Old Clubhouse Pub after the round, where they’ve mediated such disputes since 1876.

Ready to Experience Machrihanish Dunes and Golf at its Finest in Scotland?

Scotland Golf Travel E-Book Download

Download Your Complete Guide to The Home of Golf

The Complete Guide to

Scotland Golf Travel

What's covered in this free 40+ page guide:

  • The best regions for golf in Scotland.
  • Old Course at St. Andrews tee times.
  • Where to enjoy the Good Life between rounds.
  • Lesser known courses you should play.

Plus links to over 50 additional guides and resources.

By downloading up you agree to receive marketing communications from Haversham & Baker and have read our privacy policy.

Learn More About Machrihanish Dunes and Kintyre Golf Trips

Discover More of Golf at its Finest with H&B