Originally laid out by Willie Campbell in 1891, Machrie Golf Links was described by its creator as "the best ground for a golf course that I have ever had the pleasure of viewing". And apart from a few alterations carried out by Donald Steel during the 70's and 80's, the course remains very much the same as the original masterpiece constructed by Campbell. Thus, Machrie is very much a traditional links golf course and when playing it, one gets the feeling of going back in time to the era of Harry Vardon and John Taylor.
Part of the Machrie Links' enduring history is its own Open Championship of 1901, an event forever remembered due to the presence in the field of the "Great Triumvirate", which comprised Harry Vardon, John Henry Taylor and James Braid. The event carried the highest prize money for any open competition at that time - the princely sum of £100. Taking place a few days after the Open Championship had been won by James Braid at Muirfield, the same man stood on the final green at Machrie with a putt to halve the match against Taylor. Unfortunately for the newly crowned Open Champion, his putt struck a piece of sheep dung on its way to the hole and Braid was denied his chance of pocketing the richest prize in golf. And while you can be sure that your putt will not be denied by the same phenomenon, the enjoyment from a round here coupled with an enduring sense of history will ensure that the experience will forever live in the memory.
There are many reasons to relish the prospect of playing at Machrie Links, not least of which is the stunning surrounding scenery. When allied to the quality of the course, the natural hazards of the links game, a number of blind holes and the sense of history that effuses from the venue, any day spent here will certainly be a memorable one. As mentioned, the course is very much in the traditional mould and Machrie features a number of blind shots. It does get easier if you play it a second time but you would be advised to consider a caddy.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
If you really want to sample an old traditional links golf course in a relatively remote area, then this is it. Situated on the Isle of Islay, it may be difficult to get here but like Macrihanish, if you have the time, then it's worth the journey.
Situated on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, approximately five miles northwest of Port Ellen. Best accessed by air from Glasgow Airport . The travelling times listed above are all from Glasgow Airport.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
The Harbour Inn, The Square, Bowmore, Isle of Islay PA43 7JR
Ideal for those golfing at Machrie, the emphasis is on the use of the freshest produce from the locality, while a full range of Islay Single Malt Whiskies compliments the experience.
The Machrie Hotel, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7AN
Originally laid out by Willie Campbell in 1891, Machrie Golf Links was described by its creator as "the best ground for a golf course that I have ever had the pleasure of viewing". And apart from a few alterations carried out by Donald Steel during the 70's and 80's, the course remains very much the same as the original masterpiece constructed by Campbell. Thus, Machrie is very much a traditional links golf course and when playing it, one gets the feeling of going back in time to the era of Harry Vardon and John Taylor.
