Another Place, The Machrie

The Machrie Links is a par 72 of 5,949 yards or about 5,440 metres from the white markers within the dunes of Laggan Bay on Islay. Willie Campbell’s 1891 course and DJ Russell’s comprehensive redesign combine broad fairways, large dune movement, revetted bunkers, contoured greens and Atlantic exposure.

Willie Campbell inspected the ground in 1891 and reportedly designed the first course in two days, describing it as naturally made for golf. Opening celebrations included Campbell and Willie Fernie. In 1901 Harry Vardon, J. H. Taylor and James Braid—the Great Triumvirate—played a challenge carrying an exceptional prize. The Kildalton Cross dates from 1900. In the twenty-first century, safety, clarity and playability prompted a comprehensive redesign by David J. “DJ” Russell, unveiled in 2018 while retaining the landforms and links spirit and reducing excessive blindness. The course lies behind Laggan Bay on Islay’s south-west coast through dunes, hollows, heather and Atlantic views. Holes climb to panoramas and fall into sheltered valleys where wind becomes deceptive. Six, seven and eight run broadly parallel to the sea. Atlantic weather can change within minutes. Sandy soil drains rapidly, while rain and salt air alter firmness and pace.

Russell preserves width and natural movement but makes decisions clearer. Broad fairways are divided by bunker position and green angles. The fifth descends toward Laggan Bay to a bunkerless hollow green defended entirely by contour. Nine is short and tactical, ten climbs as a strong par four, seventeen turns sharply to a partly obscured green, and eighteen has the narrowest fairway and an elevated diagonal green after a long par five. White markers are 5,949 yards, blue roughly 6,400 and black 7,024, allowing major adjustment. Fairways are firm and broad, but large greens, run-offs and revetted bunkers demand position. Downwind run can be substantial. Dunes create varied lies and some partial blindness remains. Surfaces accept multiple methods from low running iron to high approach.

Another Place, The Machrie combines the links with hotel, restaurants, covered range, short-game facilities, the six-hole Wee Course and Hebrides putting course. A stay can join golf, whisky, beaches and Islay exploration. It is a resort, yet the round remains isolated among dunes with ocean dominating the scene. Ferry or flight, weather and availability require careful planning.

Play it as one of Scotland’s great island courses where Victorian history and modern restoration coexist. The Machrie has championship scale while remaining adaptable from multiple tees. Dunes, Laggan Bay, wind and greens make a day unlike parkland or most east-coast links. 18 holes; par 72; 5,949 yards or about 5,440 metres from white markers; 7,024 yards from black; original Willie Campbell design in 1891; Great Triumvirate challenge in 1901; Kildalton Cross from 1900; DJ Russell redesign unveiled 2018; three holes parallel to Laggan Bay and a par-five finish to an elevated green.

Kildalton Cross, Machrie Team Championship, fourball and open events — Kildalton Cross from 1900; modern course unveiled 2018; annual 2026–2027 events Willie Campbell designed the original course in 1891; the Great Triumvirate visited for a major challenge in 1901; DJ Russell completed a comprehensive redesign