I’ve changed my mind about modern links golf courses.
I recently played at Machrihanish and it gave me a fresh outlook on what these newer layouts are trying to do and, perhaps more importantly, why they are trying to do it.
Only the day prior, I had stopped off at Machrihanish Dunes as part of a golf trip around the west coast of Scotland. A three-course trip that also took me to Dunaverty.
Machrihanish Dunes is a course that is only 17 years old, whilst Machrihanish is celebrating its 150th year. Playing in the wind at the latter gave me a fresh appreciation for some of the more modern links courses that I’ve been to recently.
A simple look at the terrain here and you’ll understand why a lot of modern architects want to use this type of landscape, and why they are trying to recreate it on newer courses. And I think there is something pretty amazing about coming back to the place which provided that inspiration.
The original modern links
What I find amazing about Machrihanish is how modern it feels. Despite being founded in 1876, it really doesn’t feel like it has been lost in time in any way. It has aged incredibly well.
I think the land it finds itself located on has a lot to do with that. The way it moves throughout the course and the way in which the elements, especially the wind, interacts with the set-up is very reminiscent of newer designs.
You can see how parts of this course have been used as inspiration over recent times. Dumbarnie is the obvious one. To my eye at least, I can see quite a few similarities between both.
The contrast between it and Machrihanish Dunes was also very distinctive.
Next door at Dunes, it felt as though like someone had just got a mower out and mowed between the mounds. It was a very different experience playing there and one that somehow made the older course feel more contemporary.
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To have two courses sitting in the same extraordinary landscape, separated by relatively little distance, but with completely different ages and characteristics is quite remarkable. That is what this region of Scotland can offer. It’s a place that deserves more attention.
That’s the one thing I can’t quite put my finger on about this area because, in some ways, it feels like it’s incredibly well known. It’s got this really high profile among golfers in the UK, but it’s not quite on the trail as the East Lothian Coast.
Then again if you mention you’re going to play at Machrihanish you’re not exactly met with silence or blank faces. People know of it and have an admiration for it.
I don’t think I’ve come away from Machrihanish thinking modern links courses are somehow inferior to old ones. Quite the opposite. I now feel I have a better understanding of what they’re trying to achieve.
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NOW HAVE YOUR SAY
Modern links golf: Have you played Machrihanish golf course before? If so, what did you think of it? What do you think of golf on the west coast of Scotland as a whole? Does it rival places like Fife and East Lothian? Let us know in the comments or by getting in touch with us on X!
