The Machrie Links: Golf Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

The Machrie Golf Links Key Information

Golf on whisky-rich Islay in the Inner Hebrides dates back to Willie Campbell’s original Machrie Links in 1891. This had long been a highly regarded golfing outpost in UK&I golfing circles. But it is the recent developments here that have been attracting ever-more worldwide acclaim for what remains the only island course in our Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland rankings.

Tour pro, DJ Russell, was initially tasked with making a few tweaks, but the term “a few tweaks” soon took on a whole new meaning. The project gradually expanded into a wholesale upgrading of this famous links on the island’s west coast along with a major redevelopment of the hotel into a first-rate 47-room facility.

Yes, just three greens remain from The Machrie’s previous incarnation, which may grate with some purists. But DJ’s new masterpiece plays over a rumpled, landscape of unending drama with several front-nine tees set right beside the beach. No wonder it sits right at the top of most people's lists of the best island courses in the UK&I.

It is quite simply a magnificent place to play golf, and thought-provoking too, with several strategic choices to be made as you make your way round. Magical green settings abound, with the 2nd, wedged between river and beach, standing out along with the gorgeous, short par-3 9th with its ocean backdrop.

And those purists will be relieved to learn that just enough blind or semi-blind shots remain – one of the original course’s trademarks - most notably on the approach to the clever risk-reward 7th along the shore.

Add in a fine short-game area, the superb six-hole Wee course and three putting greens, including the 4,500m2 rollercoaster ‘Hebrides’ creation (think Himalayas at St Andrews) and you now have one excellent golf facility worth the trek to Islay alone even without the allure of the many distilleries.

If you’ve not been to The Machrie for some time, it’s time to take another look. If you’ve never been, just go.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

Gordon Ross

The Machrie presents a wonderful fun challenge in a fabulous setting. The course is very playable for people of all abilities if you select the appropriate set of tees. The fairways are very generous despite looking quite tight from the tee, a very good optical illusion. It took me hours to get there and I didn’t want to leave!

Sheila Diamond

The old course was infamous for having 17 blind holes. However, the new DJ Russell 2020 redesign retains three or four blind shots (depending on your height), which adds to the challenge and excitement. The natural beauty of the dunes and mountains behind, accompanied by the sound and view of the waves on the beach, makes for an extremely enjoyable round. A real oasis of beauty.

The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links location

The Machrie Golf Links Green Fees

Enquire about a booking at The Machrie

The Machrie Links scorecard

Best Courses Near The Machrie Links

MACHRIHANISH
There are no other courses on Islay but you won’t be disappointed by this Old Tom Morris classic on Kintyre in a remote corner of Argyll. The front-nine links terrain ranks among the purest you’ll encounter, with the exhilarating run from the 3rd to the turn accompanied by captivating views out to the Inner Hebrides. A perfect example of fitting a golf course into the natural terrain.

MACHRIHANISH DUNES
David McLay Kidd designs have a reputation for ‘interesting’ green complexes and there’s plenty of those from the off here, although some have been considerably softened, just as they have at the Castle Course in St Andrews, another McLay Kidd design. Like the Castle Course, the Dunes has a magical setting; unlike the Castle Course, very little earth was moved to create this mind-blowing links arena.

Best Places To Stay Near The Machrie

Machrie Hotel & Golf Links -  Book now at Booking.com
The Machrie, just outside Port Ellen, has its own excellent four-star hotel. Each room has a desk minibar, safe, flat-screen TV and private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries. Many bathrooms also have a bath. The hotel restaurant and bar are available for lunch and dinner, serving a variety of Scottish and British dishes. Afternoon tea is also served in the Stag or Courtyard Lounge.

The Trout Fly Guest House, Port Ellen - Book now at Booking.com
The Trout Fly Guest House lies in the centre of Port Ellen, minutes from the ferry terminal and just three miles from the airport. There is a resident's lounge for you to relax in with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities plus free WiFi throughout. The local distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg are close by as is the local RSPB reserve.

The Machrie Links Gallery

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THE MACHRIE LINKS HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I

• 2023/24 - 52
• 2021/22 - 52
• 2019/20 - 90
• 2011/12 - 95
• 2009/10 - 89

Frequently Asked Questions