The Machrihanish Golf Club

The Machrihanish Golf Club is a pilgrimage site for golfing purists, defined by its rugged, natural terrain and its status as one of the most authentic links experiences in the world. Originally founded in 1876 as the Kintyre Golf Club, the course was expanded to its full 18-hole glory by the iconic Old Tom Morris in 1879. It is most famous for its opening hole, "Battery," which requires a daring tee shot over a corner of the beach—a "risk and reward" challenge that Jack Nicklaus famously cited as the finest opening hole in the game.

Beyond the initial thrill of the first tee, the course unfolds into a masterclass of traditional "out-and-back" links design. The front nine is particularly celebrated for its dramatic dunescapes and undulating fairways that follow the natural contours of the land, offering sweeping views across the sea to the islands of Islay and Jura. Despite its remote location at the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, the club maintains a prestigious global reputation, balancing its rich history and challenging, wind-swept layout with a famously warm and welcoming atmosphere.