Machrihanish has become well known in the last few years mainly because of its exceptional first hole which requires the round's opening shot to carry the Atlantic. It is a tough start, particularly into a breeze.
The course is set in wonderful dunes in the small village of Machrihanish, which is situated on the western side of the remote Kintyre Peninsula; this is where the sky is big, the sunsets are dramatic and the air has been warmed by the Gulf Stream and its relative inaccessibility has saved it from becoming more commercialised.
It is a joy to play and, most of the time, very quiet, allowing the visitor to relish the ups and downs of the fairways and the tussle with undulating greens. There are also arresting views across to the islands of Jura and Islay, which provide a delightful backdrop on an idyllic summer’s day with the firm Machrihanish turf underfoot, the majesty of the dunes, and wheeling seabirds providing the only sound.
It is a varied test for the competent golfer, the layout is not just a predictable nine out, and nine back. The classic links holes – apart from the 1st – are the 5th, another par four with its fairway like an elephant’s graveyard, the 10th, a clever dogleg par five and the 15th, a one shotter with real difficulty if the elusive green is missed from the tee.
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Captain's Message & Latest News
The season has continued on apace, with congratulations to George MacMillan who has won the Club Championship for the third time in a row.
The dry weather spell in May and June has seen the course take on an attractive burnished brown mantle complimentary to its links land situation (this made my golf game much easier, with long running balls!). But now with the recent rain showers the greens are reaching their best condition of the year again eliciting the most complimentary of remarks from all. None more so than from Bob Charles, ex-open champion 1963 from New Zealand, who visited us in early July.
Michael Bamberger, author of “To the Linksland” also visited in July when his tribute quotation, “If I were only allow to play one course for the rest of my life, Machrihanish would be place”, was revealed above the bar in the lounge.Other visitors of note have included the Scottish Disabled Golf Partnership who held their inaugural Scottish Championship on our course.
The inaugural “Shepherd’s Cross” Texas Scramble was held on July 25. This consisted of some 31 No 4 man teams playing 9 holes on our course followed by 9 holes on Machrihanish Dunes. Due to the success of this event it is more than probable that it will become a fixture in future years.
For your diary entries:
I am pleased to announce that next year’s Golf Festival Week and AM AM will be held during the first week of July 2011. The Festival commences on Sunday 3rd July with the week culminating in the AM AM on Saturday 9th July.
On another subject and of some concern to the Club is the recent proposal by SSE Renewables to erect 105 Wind Turbines in Machrihanish Bay some 1.5 miles from the shore. While the existing turbines situated north of the course do not unduly affect the course and views, this new proposal will undoubtedly destroy the ambiance of the area, not to mention the blighting of views from the first tee and other locations throughout the village and the Course.
May I take this opportunity to request your express approval to support the Club in their opposition to this project. Again, more details will follow later.
Yours in Golf
Bob Tait, Captain
