- West Scotland
Kintyre
Golfing in the Kintyre Region?
One of Scotland’s best-kept secrets in the Kintyre peninsula is Machrihanish Dunes. Golf in Ayrshire is a little less known for its golf, but do not be deceived, it includes three fantastic courses designed by the famous James Braid.
The Kintyre Peninsula has everything you would expect from a Scottish holiday on the west coast, from whisky and gin distilleries, to sandy beaches, to walking trails and golf courses.
— Golf Courses
Golf Courses You Can Play in Kintyre
Machrihanish
Old Tom Morris
Style: Links
Par: 70
Machrihanish Golf course is located near the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula, approximately 35 miles across the sea from western Scotland and 20 miles across the sea from Northern Ireland.
The Championship Course is a historic Old Tom Morris links, set in natural dunes, overlooking Machrihanish Bay.
Machrihanish is as remote, rugged and natural as exists in golf. A regular feature on GB&I and world lists, the Championship Course is a collectors item for purists.
The iconic Championship layout is one of the great unaltered links the world over. The course is a traditional out-and-back links that wraps around Machrihanish Beach heading out away from the village, before turning back for home at the halfway mark.
Machrihanish
Dunes
Old Tom Morris
Style: Links
Par: 72
In Scotland, true links golf courses are not created, they are born of the land. More than 130 years ago, Old Tom Morris recognized the potential for great golf here in this rugged, romantic corner of Scotland.
The 7,082 yard, 18-hole links course flows effortlessly to, from, and along the sea, inviting you to step back in time to the days when Old Tom Morris laid out the neighboring links and Willie Campbell plotted the Machrie Golf Links on the nearby island of Islay – visible from Machrihanish Dunes.
The routing, as well as the positioning of its tees and greens, was dictated by the lay of the land – and the presence of several endangered species of flora and fauna.
Machrihanish Dunes is the only course ever created on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Machrihanish Dunes is a course that mirrors David McLay Kidd’s love of the land and his ability to derive the fullest reward from its potential.
Dunaverty
Designer: Unknown
Style: Links
Par: 66
Golf Club is situated by the village of Southend in a glorious setting on the south coast of the Kintyre peninsula.
The course is a fine Par 66, 18 hole natural links extending to 4,799 yards.
However, both high and low handicappers alike will enjoy its testing layout, the springy turf on the undulating fairways and arguably one of the finest set of greens in Scotland.
Spectacular views over the landscape, Sanda Island to the south, Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire to the east and Northern Ireland to the south west, will add to the golfer’s enjoyment of this challenging and exceptionally well maintained course.
—Where To Stay
Accommodation in Kintyre
- The Ugadale Hotel, Machrihanish
- The Royal Hotel, Campbeltown
—Where To Golf