The Machrihanish Golf Club (Championship Course)

The Beach Before the Dunes

The Championship Course at The Machrihanish Golf Club grew from the 10-hole layout used when the club was founded in 1876. Charles Hunter expanded it to 12 holes, then Old Tom Morris created an 18-hole course in 1879 and placed the opening tee where it remains. J.H. Taylor made minor changes in 1914, with Sir Guy Campbell adjusting holes near the turn after the Second World War.

The course leaves the village along Machrihanish Beach before working through rolling duneland and turning home at the 10th. A burn separates the lower ground used by the first two and closing two holes from the higher dunes. The third aims towards the sea with Jura beyond, while the fifth to ninth form the demanding stretch known as "The Gauntlet". Accurate driving is especially important here.

Machrihanish balances dramatic views with subtler ground-game choices. Greens occupy hollows or raised natural sites, so approach shapes change throughout the round. The two par fives arrive early on the inward nine, adding another shift in pace after the turn.