The Machrie Golf Links
The Machrie Golf Links | Islay
Remote, romantic, and utterly unforgettable, The Machrie Golf Links on the Isle of Islay feels like stepping back into the purest form of the game. Originally designed by Willie Campbell in 1891 and recently sensitively modernized, it remains a traditional links shaped by dunes, blind shots, and the raw beauty of the bay. This is Scotland golf at its most authentic—quirky, challenging, and enchanting in equal measure.
Getting here is part of the adventure: a ferry or short flight brings you to Islay, home of world-renowned peaty whiskies and rugged coastal beauty. After golf, savor local distilleries, dine on fresh island cuisine, and stay in The Machrie’s boutique hotel, where modern comfort meets timeless Scottish atmosphere.
For luxury travelers, The Machrie offers a rare blend—world-class links golf, exclusivity born from its remote setting, and experiences that extend far beyond the fairways. Cypress & Salt designs bespoke itineraries that pair golf at The Machrie with whisky tours, private events, and curated travel experiences across Scotland’s West Coast.
Course Stats
Par: 71
Yardage: 7,024 yards (Championship tees)
Course Rating: 74.2
Slope Rating: 139
Designer: Willie Campbell (1891); redesigned by DJ Russell in 2017
Type: Traditional seaside links with natural dunes and blind holes
Signature Holes:
6th: A dramatic par 4 with a semi-blind approach through the dunes.
12th: Scenic par 3 overlooking Laggan Bay.
18th: Strong par 5 finishing near the sea, offering a memorable close in full view of the hotel.
Championships:
Host of the 1901 Machrie Open (largest purse of its era).
Venue for Scottish PGA events and elite amateur competitions.
Season / Best Months to Play
Overall, Scotland is a year-round golf destination, but conditions vary dramatically:
May – September: Prime playing window with firmer fairways and long daylight hours.
June – August: Warmest weather, ideal for pairing golf with distillery tours and island exploration.
September: Still mild, fewer crowds, and spectacular sunsets over the bay.
