Representative image Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0
The Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish, Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom
18 Holes · Par 70 · Green fees vary by season and no single figure is confirmed by two sources · Links
— About
About The Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish Golf Club is a links at the southern end of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, led by its 18-hole Championship course. The course plays to a par of 70 through natural dunes beside Machrihanish Bay, with the Atlantic along one side. The opening hole is played from an elevated tee on the shore. The club has a pro shop and a clubhouse where visitors can eat and drink, and a nine-hole course, the Pans.
- The opening hole, Battery, is a 423-yard par 4 played from an elevated tee on the shore, with the beach in play.
- Jack Nicklaus has called the 1st the best opening hole in golf.
- Golf Digest ranked Machrihanish No. 39 among courses outside the United States in 2005.
- On clear days the holes look across the water to the island of Jura.
History of The Machrihanish Golf Club
The Kintyre Golf Club was founded in 1876 with ten holes, and it was later extended to twelve. In 1879 Old Tom Morris redesigned the links and took it to eighteen holes, including today's opening hole. J.H. Taylor made changes in 1914, and Sir Guy Campbell made changes in the 1940s. A fire destroyed the original clubhouse in 2018.
Signature holes at The Machrihanish Golf Club
After the opening shot over the beach, the stretch from the 3rd to the 8th is regarded as the best of the round, with blind shots and elevated greens. The 15th is a par 3 that is hard to recover from if the green is missed.
When to play The Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish sits on the exposed west coast of Kintyre, and the Atlantic wind is part of every round, so check the direction before you choose a tee time. The opening drive over the beach plays very differently with the wind behind or against you, and the same is true of the exposed holes through the dunes.
Playing The Machrihanish Golf Club: tips
Call the club on +44 1586 810213 if you prefer not to use the online booking. Buggies and club hire are available subject to availability, and the clubhouse has dining and a bar. The club is at Machrihanish, Campbeltown, PA28 6PT.
Visit The Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish, Campbeltown PA28 6PT
Machrihanish, Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Machrihanish Golf Club
Is there a shorter course at Machrihanish?
Yes. The club also has a nine-hole course, the Pans course.
Has Machrihanish hosted championships?
The Scottish Ladies Championship has been played here on several occasions.
Can visitors play Machrihanish Golf Club?
Yes. The club welcomes visitors, and tee times are booked through its online booking system.