Machrie and Machrihanish

[Larry_Keltto]

I'm considering a trip to Machrie and Machrihanish for June 2004, and I'm wondering how busy those courses are and how many Americans I would see.

My impression from reading Finegan is that Machrie is very, very quiet -- only a handful of players on a weekday. Is that still true and would it be true in June?

What about Machrihanish? Would I encounter busloads of American golfers and crowds on the first tee? I suspect not, but I'd like confirmation of that belief.

I'd love to play in Scotland in June but not have to deal with crowds. Would I find that with M & M?

I've read previous threads regarding these two; any advice/insight would be appreciated. My thought currently is to drive from Glasgow to Machrihanish, stay for two or three days, then take the ferry to Machrie and do the same there.

[Brian_Gracely]

Larry,

One factor to keep in mind is that the Open is being played at Troon this year, so the tourist factor in the Southwest is going to be increased.  And access to Troon closes around mid-June, so the shift away from that area may increase after then.  

[Sr Fortson]

Larry,
  I was in Machrihanish two years ago in October and there was NO one there.  We had the course to ourselves for two days and it was magnificent.  Our host at the B&B across the street from 18 green told us that during the summer they got large groups of Swedes coming in to play, but not a lot of Americans.  Of course, that may be changing now that the course is getting a lot of attention.  It is truly a must for any lover of Scottish golf courses.

[Norbert P]

  I wanted to go to Machrie but could only get there for the Sunday event of the Machrie Open.  I couldn't see playing that blind course with my skill limits (and virtualy giving away an extra 50 quid) so I spent an extra day in Machrihanish and played it three times.  As a rambling rover when I travel, I don't mind keeping the moss off my ankles but it was nice to relax for a couple of days.  

  The course was easy to get onto but the lodging in Machrihanish is limited.  We had to knock on a few doors.  There is nothing like waking up early, having a hardy Scottish breakfast and walking across the street to tee off of The Battery. I was a solo rabbit and played the course in 2:20.  

  www.uk-golfguide.com   can be very helpful for planning.  

  And Caledonia-McBrayne has .pdf files at their website of all their ferry ports and schedules.  Planning it is half the fun, in my opinion.

  You can also take a ferry from Ardrossan, just west of Glasgow to Arran Island to play Shiskine 12er and then head up to, I think, Brodick and there is a ferry port that'll take you to Kentyre peninsula and a white knuckle drive down the eastern shore highway through Carradale (a sporty 9er) and Campbelltown.  I wish I would have played Dunaverty but we did get to walk half of it.  Next time, for sure I'll chase a ball.

  Don't forget to try the Springbank and Caol Isla, and etc! whiskies.  

[peter_p]

I played both courses the first week of July this year. Spent the weekend at Machrie, played alone on Saturday around noon with one other player on Sunday morning. The course wasn't crowded and the weather was nice. Take a walk around the course before you play, probably worth about 5 shots. They're planning to change #12 (new mt zion) from a skyline green to a lower green in a dell. The green was built but not in play in 2003.
Machrihanish was much more crowded, but I didn't see any Americans when I played. Later that week they were expecting a cruise ship (Perry Golf?) in with about 50 players.
I presume there was a tie-in with The Open and expect it will happen again. I didn't play it, but Shiskine looked intriguing.
Machrihanish met my expectaions, but not so with Machrie.

[Matthew Delahunty]

I played Machrihanish on a Friday in mid August last year. It wasn't particularly busy - probably 5-10% of the traffic of Dornoch, St Andrews, etc. Only a handful of Americans. However, I couldn't get a tee time the following day (and that was booking 4 weeks in advance). I wouldn't think you'd have any booking problems if you booked now, provided you don't coincide with a competition or the British Open rush.

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

The Open will probably make it tougher, but by all means go. It is a wonderful place. I hope to get back and play Machrie very soon.

[ChipOat]

As I recall, the drive from Glasgow to Machrihanish is a good 3+ hours.  Like driving from SF to Pebble, it's gorgeous in the daylight but a pain in the dark (and longer, too).

[RSLivingston_III]

On a Sunny day it is a glorious drive. I drove my wife crazy stopping every quarter mile to take pictures the last time through there.

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Chipoat, I think the drive is more like 5 to 6 hours. It is beautiful and worthwhile. I would not try it after dark either for a first run.

[Paul Richards]

Larry:

However long the drive - flight - ferry ride involved, you MUST get to Machrie and Machrihanish!  They are definately worth any bother that you encounter in the travel there!!!

Cheers!!!