GB&I: Scotland The myths of Machrihanish ... and the truth about this magical Scottish realm. EXPERT OPINION “If other courses have taken 100 years to get where they are today, Machrihanish Dunes is there already. It’s not just the sea spray and the scenery; it’s the fact that every hole has Former Europeansomething No.1 to andoffer.” Ryder Cup player Ronan Rafferty or years, people have called upon a Campbeltown harbour, and the relaxing Famous for its opening tee shot over the virtually unplayable on all but the calmest A short drive up the west road will lead the “Rest and Be Thankful”, and travel range of mythical reasons not to Ugadale Hotel and its exquisite beach but worthy of recognition for so day has now been cut back so that the links you to Kennacraig and from there to the along the seashore down Paul undertake the trip to play golf in neighbouring self-catering cottages in much more, it is truly one of Scotland`s appears wide-open in places, inspiring mythical courses on Islay and Jura. Islay’s McCartney’s “Long and Winding Road”. magical Machrihanish. But thanks Machrihanish. most iconic courses. confidence and turning up the fun factor Machrie GC has been a favourite of many And when you reach Machrihanish, Fto the recent investments made in the area, Between them, there’s an outstanding But it has a most worthy neighbour now still further. for years, and has recently undergone a you enter another world – a world that especially at The Village at Machrihanish option to accommodate every preference – in the form of Machrihanish Dunes, a golf If you haven’t been to Machrihanish massive re-design. Has its soul been operates at a more leisurely pace, a world Dunes, most of the old arguments are no in style. And as for the food... with The course that has quickly matured into a Dunes for some time, you really owe it to irrevocably removed, or could it be better of gorgeous sunsets and stunning longer valid. It is surely time to dispel the Royal Hotel’s Harbourview Grille and must-play venue for the links enthusiast. yourself to go back and see how much more than ever? And could Ardfin on Jura shorelines, a world where surprises lurk three most commonly heard myths! Black Sheep Pub preparing wonderful The undulating fairways there, which fun and playable the course is now. possibly be as spectacular as the rumours around every bend, but most of all, a menus in the centre of town and the were mown down from the existing The two courses at Machrihanish would and photos suggest? There is only one way world in which you will be genuinely 1 “I’ve always wanted to go to Kintyre Club and the renowned Old machair in preference to being bulldozed be reason enough to make the trip to to find out. welcome. Machrihanish, but there’s nowhere Clubhouse Pub catering superbly for guests into shape, have retained their original Kintyre, but there is so much else in this So cast aside those excuses and plan to stay or eat” at The Ugadale, you can eat (and drink) sward of preferential seaside grasses and are part of the world for the golfer to enjoy. 3 “Machrihanish is just so far!” your visit. You won’t be disappointed. n This is simply no longer true! Visiting very well indeed! And yes, they do still serve now an absolute joy to play from... and even Dunaverty GC is a treat, and only 10 It is off the beaten path, for sure. But golfers have a choice of sumptuous those world-famous haggis nachos! more so when you can find a flat lie! miles from Campbeltown. On paper, it people travel from all over the world to play accommodation in the area now, The greens that were criticised initially seems stupidly short, but in reality it is an here and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Want to find out more? particularly at the two historic and “Machrihanish is great, but there is for their vexing contours have been absolute gem. Everything there is in perfect From Glasgow it’s one of the most 2 0800 151 3701 beautifully restored hotels associated with nowhere else in the area worth cunningly softened in places, resulting in a scale and it’s a wonderful place to while beautiful and inspiring road trips you’ll t: e: [email protected] playing” The Village at Machrihanish Dunes-- the perfect balance between fun and fairness. away three fun-filled hours on a sunny ever undertake, as you skirt the westerly w: machdunes.com lively Royal Hotel overlooking Machrihanish Golf Club really is great. The rough that once rendered the course evening. edge of Loch Lomond, climb up and over 34 GOLF ESCAPES 2017 GOLF ESCAPES 2017 35.