Championship Course

Machrihanish is as remote, rugged and natural as exists in golf. A regular feature on GB&I and world lists, the Championship Course is a collectors item for purists.

The iconic Championship layout is one of the great unaltered links the world over. The course is a traditional out-and-back links that wraps around Machrihanish Beach heading out away from the village, before turning back for home at the halfway mark.

The round begins with one of the most exhilarating opening tee shots in golf played over the corner of the beach. The excitement, however, continues for the entire round. A par 70 from the regular tees, the course features just two par 5s, both early in the back 9.

The first and last two holes form a four-hole lower-lying playing area, separated from the rest of the course by a burn that runs in front of the 2nd green and the 17th tee. The 3rd hole, seemingly equal parts golf and art, plays directly towards the ocean with Jura as the backdrop. Thereafter, the course meanders through stunning duneland, turning back at the 10th hole for the inward half. “The gauntlet”, a stretch of holes between the 5th and the 9th, demands nothing short of sheer driving accuracy.

The Championship Course is a playable, enjoyable, and balanced mix of dramatic and subtly compelling holes. The world class links, crafted by “The Almighty” as Old Tom himself remarked, is mostly characterised by rolling dunescape and marvellous green sites. The course is a wonderful 18-hole journey from start to finish. Often described as spiritual, Machrihanish is a love affair of sport and nature – challenging but fair, charming, and thrilling. Golf as it was intended to be.

Course Guide

View a hole by hole guide of the Championship Course.