Jeff,
If you're going to Machrie, treat the time there like you're at a laid back resort. When I was there, I got in late, stayed up til 3 drinking with a bunch of Irish folks, teed off at 6, played 36, caught the ferry and drove up to Dornoch. My mind was so bad I don't remember having a good time, but absolutely loving the golf course and the whole place in general.
I had no idea it was such a cool place. Hopefully you'll love it.
Steve