Machrihanish,
nr Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6PT
Office
+44 (0)800 151 3701 (toll free)Pro shop
+44 (0)1586 810 000Fax
+44 (0)1586 810 449Website
Visit websiteThe Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
David McLay-Kidd and his lead designer Paul C. Kimber.
55.459930
-5.702945
6 miles W of Campbeltown
Follow the A83 through Kintyre to Campbeltown. From Campbeltown take the B842 direction Southend, then B843 direction Machrihanish. After approx 6 mls, the Village at Machrihanish Dunes is on your left, just after the Ugadale Hotel. You will be transported/directed to the golf club from here.
The golf course itself is accessed via a small road, taking you past Campbeltown Airport. 600 yds west of the B843/B842 split at Stewarton (between Campbeltown and Machrihanish), turn right, direction Campbeltown Airport. After 2.5 mls, at T-junction, turn left direction Airport. Follow road for 1.4 mls to Golf Club.
Machrihanish Dunes
Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club: Since 1876 golfers have plied their skills on the celebrated golf links of Machrihanish. In 2009 a second reason to make the pilgrimage to this ruggedly beautiful area of coastal sand dunes arrived on the scene. The new and separate development of Machrihanish Dunes heralded much more than just the addition of a fabulous new golf course. With the developer's masterplan came considerable financial investment. The area's accommodation also took a significant turn for the better.
Like its older sibling to the south, the new "Mach Dunes" is laid out in an area of impressively large and natural sand dunes. The intentionally rugged layout, with its mix of revetted and "ragged-out" bunkers, required very little earthmoving. The naturally rolling tumbling terrain ensures the course possess all the thrills and spills of a memorable seaside links, and then some!
As the course unfolds in its wonderfully natural habitat, the sea and distant island views (of Islay and Jura) are a joy to behold. With good-width fairways and a generous first cut of rough, the holes feel less intimidating than was originally the case. There are some blind shots to play though, with a blind approach at the par-4 1st and a blind drive at the par-4 2nd providing early notice of the blind shots to come (especially at 7, 8, 15, 17 and 18). With no buggies allowed on the course, using caddies may certainly help your scoring.
The newcomer gets even closer to the ocean than the "elder" Machrihanish layout, with a trio of holes running alongside Machrihanish Beach on the significantly undulating front-nine. On the inward nine, back-to-back par-3s at 14 and 15, bring you again to the water's edge. Both these short holes nestle amongst the dunes alongside the ocean.
Pick of the holes: for unabashed simplicity, and a great looking hole, the picture perfect par-4 11th, backdropped by the ocean, plays from an elevated tee. With oystercatchers on the fairway and skylarks above you, it's one to remember. Just one small pot bunker lurks alongside the beachside green. Light bunkering is also a feature of several other holes where the terrain itself, and wildly rolling green complexes present the challenge.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Contact club for full details, discounts, Stay&Play packages, etc. [Last updated: 2025].
Machrihanish Dunes is built on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and as such is a walking course. Golf carts (driven by a caddie) only available for medical reasons. Players must walk with a caddie, or walk and carry their own bag, or use a trolley (push or powered). All players must respect the environmentally sensitive areas and not play from designated wetland areas marked with red stakes.
Caddies available if pre-booked. Use of caddies is recommended. On a first visit a course guide/forecaddie will accompany your group.
Excellent
Machrihanish Dunes was created in the early-2000s by Southworth Development, a privately-held resort & hospitality company based in Newton, Massachusetts. Their extraordinary masterplan for "The Village at Machrinhanish Dunes" brought major investment to the local area and to its golfing infrastructure and accommodations.
The 18-hole "Mach Dunes" championship golf course, Old Clubhouse (pub & restaurant) and Ugadale Cottages (top-quality accommodation) were joined in 2012 by the completely renovated Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish and Royal Hotel in Campbeltown.
Other parts of the project included a new golf clubhouse (still awaited as of 2025) and the renovation/construction of the Residences at Machrihanish Bay (32 two-bedroom cottages and houses overlooking the golf course and Atlantic Ocean).
Scotland's 24th best course (Golf World, 2024).
Britain & Ireland's 74th best course (Golf World, 2025).
The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, Machrihanish, Argyll PA28 6PT.
+44 (0)1586 810 000
Visit websiteThe Ugadale Cottages were joined in 2012 by the completely refurbished Ugadale Hotel. Both cottages and hotel are located across from the first tee of the renowned Machrihanish Golf Club and a short drive from Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club.
The Ugadale Hotel, with 22 guest rooms, has been restored to its former glory and now serves as the centerpiece of The Village at Machrihanish Dunes. The seven cottages are luxuriously appointed with all the amenities one would expect to find in world-class accommodation. Each cottage has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and lounge.
Machrihanish
Machrihanish Dunes
Dunaverty
Main St, Campbeltown, Argyll PA28 6AG.
(+44)1586 810 000
Visit websiteLocated just 5 miles from Machrihanish, The Royal Hotel was completely refurbished to a high standard in 2012. It offers unforgettable views of Campbeltown's harbour area, with its stone piers and scenic walkways.
Within the hotel, you’ll find all the contemporary conveniences and amenities you’d expect in a modern four-star accommodation. The 23 excellently appointed guest rooms are set in surroundings steeped in old-world elegance. The Royal also offers a traditional pub, function space and an elegant seafood restaurant.
No
Machrihanish Dunes; Machrihanish.
Dunaverty GC
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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