There’s a certain magic in stepping onto a true links golf course—an intangible feeling that whispers of history, nature, and the greats who have played before you. At Scotland’s Machrihanish Dunes on the Kintyre Peninsula, that sensation is as strong as ever, even though the course itself is relatively new.
Unlike many modern golf courses sculpted by bulldozers and blueprints, Machrihanish Dunes is a masterpiece shaped by nature itself, its fairways and greens laid out across land that has remained virtually untouched for centuries. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the visionary behind Oregon’s famed Bandon Dunes, this course is a rare and thrilling tribute to golf’s earliest origins.
A Course in Harmony with Nature
Opened in 2009, Machrihanish Dunes feels as if it has existed forever, seamlessly woven into the rugged landscape of Scotland’s west coast. Unlike other new courses, where land is transformed to fit a design, here the design was gently adapted to fit the land. The architects followed nature’s blueprint, using no large machinery during construction. The fairways, greens, and tees were already there—the course merely revealed itself, defined only by slightly shorter grass.
Even today, the course remains a haven for natural beauty. Hand-mown tees and greens, combined with the presence of sheep grazing during winter months, ensure the land stays as wild and untamed as ever. Its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) means that the land is legally protected, preserving the delicate balance between golf and the environment.
The Most Natural Course in the World?
Not surprisingly, Machrihanish Dunes markets itself as “the most natural golf course in the world.” It is an eco-conscious golfer’s dream—a place where the wind, dunes, and elements dictate play rather than artificial shaping. If you’re looking for pristine, carpet-like fairways and greens that roll at 12 on the Stimpmeter, this isn’t the course for you. But if you crave a raw, unpredictable, and exhilarating links experience, you won’t find a better test of your game.
A Test for Even the Best Golfers
With humps and hollows, blind shots, rolling dunes, and the ever-present coastal winds, Machrihanish Dunes is a true golfer’s course. Every shot demands creativity, precision, and strategy. Tee shots disappear over hills, greens perch atop towering dunes, and fairways undulate like an ocean swell, ensuring that no two rounds are ever the same.
Holes like “The Watchtower,” “Nimrod,” “Minefield,” and “Rifle Range” hint at the area’s rich military history, with Campbeltown Airport, once a RAF, NATO, and U.S. Marine Corps base, flanking the second and third holes.
The Golf Course
There are four sets of tees with over 2,000 yards from the shortest to the longest. We chose to play from the white tees at 6349 yards. As always, choose the tees that suit your game. There is no point in playing from tees where you can’t reach par fours in regulation. It’s all about enjoying your game and the course. Choose wisely.
We think holes 4, 5 and 6 perfectly summarise the challenges of playing the front nine at Machrihanish Dunes. The 4th is a short par 4 of only 247 yards however you only have a marker pole to aim at as the green is tucked away behind a hillock.
The 4th green
What should we do? Take it on or play safe and lay up? Well, you only live once so we took it on How did we do? Let’s say that we didn’t hit the green but could we use the contours to our advantage?
Watch the video below to find out.
Back-to-Back Par 3’s
The 5th hole
Playing in opposite directions, these short par 3’s are anything but easy. The 5th hole plays 165 yards and is generally into the wind. You need to club up to ensure you reach the centre of the green. Anything not reaching the middle of the green could mean that your ball might roll back off the false front. The ever-changing coastal wind ensures that your club selection is never certain—a challenge even for experienced links golfers.
The 6th hole
While the 5th generally plays into the wind, the 6th is usually downwind. At only 134 yards, it’s still a difficult hole. A large bunker protects the right side of the small green so if the pin is on the right, aim for the centre of the green. It’s not a big target so if you make a par, be pleased and move on.
The Back Nine
We have chosen the 10th, 14th and 17th holes to feature on the back nine. The 10th is a 369-yard par 4. You tee off from the tee at the top of the hill to a wide fairway. The difficulty on this hole is it’s a blind second shot over a ridge. We recommend taking a short walk to the top of the ridge to get the view below of the green.
The 10th green
Any shot missing to the right will still have a chance of finishing in the centre of the green. If your shot goes left it will keep on going and probably finish in the rough beyond the green. Your line is the marker pole at the back of the green which you can see from the other side of the ridge.
Birdie Chance?
The 14th hole
Not the longest at only 332 yards, the 14th hole is a lovely short par 4. The bigger hitters will take the driver but the fairway isn’t the widest at the landing area. Our advice is to take a club to get on the fairway and try to make a birdie with one of your wedges.
The shot across the gully on the 17th
At almost 400 yards, the 17th is a strong par 4 and potentially the hardest hole on the course to make a par. You must hit the fairway to be able to go for the green in two. The second shot plays uphill, over a gully to another small green. We were delighted to make a par on this hole.
In Our Opinion
Machrihanish Dunes sits beside the legendary Machrihanish Golf Club, an Old Tom Morris classic from 1879. If you journey to this remote corner of Scotland, playing both courses is an absolute must. Together, they offer a pure, authentic links golf experience, the kind that every golfer dreams of.
Yes, it’s off the beaten path. But isn’t that the point? This is golf as it was meant to be played—without distraction, without artificial shaping and compromise. Just you, your clubs, and the raw, untamed beauty of Scotland’s west coast.
And if you’re driving from Glasgow, you’ll be treated to one of the most scenic road trips in the world, winding through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and along the stunning Kintyre Peninsula.
So, pack your clubs, embrace the adventure, and experience one of the most natural, challenging, and rewarding links courses in the world.
Other Courses Nearby
Machrihanish Golf Club is a true hidden gem and a paradise for golf purists. Renowned for its breathtaking seaside setting and world-famous opening hole—a daunting drive over the beach—this classic links course, originally designed by Old Tom Morris in 1879, offers a thrilling test of skill with its undulating fairways, fast greens, and ever-present coastal winds. The natural beauty of the dunes and the uninterrupted views of the Atlantic make every round an unforgettable experience, combining history, challenge, and serenity in a way that only Scotland’s great links courses can.
Dunaverty Golf Club is another gem that offers a pure and unspoiled links golf experience. Though short in length, this stunning seaside course demands precision and creativity, with undulating fairways, firm greens, and ever-changing coastal winds that make every round unique. The breathtaking views over Sanda Island and Ailsa Craig add to its charm, while the welcoming atmosphere and affordable green fees make it one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. For those who appreciate traditional links golf in a spectacular natural setting, Dunaverty is a must-play.
At a Glance:
- Getting There: A 3-hour drive from Glasgow, following the A83 coastal route.
- Course Design: David McLay Kidd, architect of Bandon Dunes and other world-class courses.
- Tee Options: 5130 to 7082 yards, catering to all skill levels.
- Stay locally and play at Machrihanish and Dunaverty Golf Clubs
- More Information: Visit www.machdunes.com.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to Machrihanish Dunes for hosting us, and for allowing us to use their photographs.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
If you would like to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call Jim at 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
Featured Post
0
