Machrihanish Dunes video

[George Freeman]

http://punchbowlgolf.com/2010/02/mach-dunes-the-dmk-tapes/#more-2082

Another great video from the guys at Punchbowl Golf.  The entire piece is DMK talking about his history with the area, how the course came about and the challenges with getting it approved and created.  Includes some really good shots of the course as well!  From what is shown on the video, the course looks great.  I'm interested to hear GCAer's opinions...

[Rob Rigg]

George,

It sounds like the project was one BIG compromise - so it is pretty amazing in many ways that it was ever done.

I am looking fwd to the follow up interviews.

MD is definitely on the list of courses I would really enjoy seeing in Scotland - it will probably get better and better with time - at least for those who do not mind the quirk that was essentially unavoidable and what I believe are fairly long green to tee walks through what appears to be an amazing environment for a stroll.

[Chris DeNigris]

The concern over some of the green to tee walks are a bit overblown IMO. I'm an out of shape occasional walker and my playing partner has a bum knee and we barely noticed any of them. As Robb mentions, the stunning surroundings make these brief strolls quite enjoyable. By contrast, the hike up the hill to 13 tee at Castle Stuart is a bit of a grind.

Not everyone's cup of tea, but Mach Dunes needs to be experienced.

[George Freeman]

The concern over some of the green to tee walks are a bit overblown IMO. I'm an out of shape occasional walker and my playing partner has a bum knee and we barely noticed any of them. As Robb mentions, the stunning surroundings make these brief strolls quite enjoyable. By contrast, the hike up the hill to 13 tee at Castle Stuart is a bit of a grind.

Not everyone's cup of tea, but Mach Dunes needs to be experienced.

Chris,

How was the course from a playability/width perspective?

I hope all is well!

- George

[Chris DeNigris]

George,

We had perhaps the most ideal playing conditions- mild, sunny, September morning with just a gentle breeze (not normal)..so the course probably played as benign as it ever will. And even though the sheep to golfer ratio that morning was about 50:1 they hadn't yet made enough progress digesting the rough.  There are a few tight driving holes-mostly on the front- but overall I thought the width was fine.  Missing the fairway was pretty costly but that should get better as the sheep get comfy and spread out.