Machrihanish Dunes

Described as the world's most natural golf course, Machrihanish Dunes was designed by Scot David McLay Kidd and was the first built in Europe on a site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). This SSSI designation prevented large-scale earthworks on the site, and only 7 of the 259 acres were disturbed in any way during the building of the course. The fairways are entirely natural, with the development team simply mowing them shorter and shorter for a number of months and years to make them suitable for golf. The only shaping at all was done on some tees and greens, with a number of the greens subsequently softened to fix playability issues caused by a series of sharp humps and ridges.

This was a difficult project for Kidd, as his routing was severely hampered by SSSI restrictions placed on the development, and specifically on certain areas that were unable to be incorporated into the plan. The result is long walks to the 3rd and 18th tees, and a handful of golf corridors that are far from ideal for golf. On the positive side are some of Kidd’s most enjoyable green complexes and a genuine sense of adventure and discovery when tackling the links in the wind. There are some fine longer holes here, a number of sporty short fours and even back to back par threes that work reasonably well.

As Machrihanish Dunes is situated close to one of Scotland’s most cherished and most natural links, it is surprising to hear all the negative commentary this course generates. Sure there are a couple of awkward moments, some severe roughs and greens and uncomfortable walks, but management has softened the off fairway areas noticeably since opening, and the most troublesome green sites have also been improved. The walk is great for long hitters playing the back tees, and though regular golfers are continually walking past tee boxes they are at least moving forward and not constantly going backwards.

Given a modest green fee, its improving conditioning and romantic Kintyre Peninsula location, Machrihanish Dunes comes highly recommended for those interesting in checking out the older Machrihanish links and looking for an additional course to add to the trip. It doesn’t quite have the charm and quality of its elder neighbor but this is a better course than many will have you believe. Plus the Village at Machrihanish Dunes, and in particular the Ugadale Hotel, are terrific places to check out while in the area.

This review from Darius Oliver