Programme 1
The Machrie
This classical and historic golf course has very recently been remodelled by DJ Russell. And what a job he has done! Every hole has been carefully and considerably reshaped and honed. As we stood on the tee box ready to play it was easy to be distracted by the magnificent coastal scenery, natural dune system and ozone that pours in from the Atlantic. This is golf at is most natural, most dramatic and challenging. Not a course for the faint hearted, just say your prayers and hope that the wind isn’t too strong as this course is challenging even when it’s calm.
Machrihanish
The opening hole at Machrihanish has been voted the Best Opening Hole in Golf many times and justifiably so. To get the best line one has to hit the ball over part of the glorious sandy bay that runs for 8 miles alongside Machrihanish and the adjoining Mach Dunes golf courses.
This course was the setting for the famous golfing book To the Linksland – where the author describes the course as his favourite course in the world. One can easily see why as you hit towards the island of Islay and Jura and if not paying attention can easily find one of the hellish pot bunkers.
Mach Dunes
Built just over a decade ago this course could have been built in the 1800’s. It’s a true classic with little in the way of earth movement the course is mounded into the dunes. The greens are one of the great attractions of this superb track, with massive undulations that require careful study to prevent three putt becoming the norm. We loved the fact that the fairways allow you to open your shoulders and really go for your drives. It’s a fair golf course and will reward good play, but be prepared for a long walk as the distance between some greens and tees is significant. But overall we love this golf course and can’t wait to get back here.
Shiskine
This twelve hole gem is right out of the top draw when it comes to holiday golf. The welcome one always receives from Dougie Bell the head pro and the his team is second to none
It’s a test for any golfer no matter what their standard. You don’t have to be long but you need to be able to place the ball strategically on every hole. We loved the stretch of holes from 3 to 6. This takes you along the sea shore with magnificent views to Kintyre and beyond. The fifth is one of the best par 3’s you’ll ever play and the sixth although short can easily trip up even the scratch golfer. As you play the last hole you’re ready for a nice lunch and that’s well catered for in the super clubhouse beside the final hole.
Brodick
Just minutes away from the Brodick ferry terminal, this picturesque golf club embodies all that is best about Arran. Sea, mountains and rivers combine to offer up some spectacular in golfing terms. Brodick isn’t long, but it’s well maintained and always a pleasure to visit. When we played the club couldn’t do enough to welcome us and ensure our visit was enjoyable. Brodick is also ideal if you’re not a fan of climbing hills. A relatively flat course but with plenty to challenge.
Corrie
Scenic doesn’t really describe this gem of a nine hole course. Set beside Goat Fell the course winds it’s way around an area that millions of years ago saw molten lava pour down from the top of the volcano (that is now Goat Fell) and into the ocean below. One can still see plenty of scree that comes right up to the golf course, providing an amazing contrast between the green grass of the course. With lots of holes set into and around the hill the course provides plenty of challenge for all standards of player.