What can I say - I loved Machrihanish Dunes. The three of us really didn't know what to expect after playing Machrihanish the day before and having the time of our lives soaking up that place. What an incredible golf course the old is. Surely we were in for somewhat of a letdown? No - not in the slightest. Mach Dunes delivers great fun all around on an incredible piece of property. My goodness - the random contours in the fairways here are unreal! Then you have the larger hillocks and hollows providing for - yes - quite a few blind shots, along with some enormous dunes here and there. On a day like we experienced one cannot help but smile and take in the natural beauty of the area, particularly when playing one of the many holes along the beach. The place is truly an idyllic setting for golf.
The course provides endless variety with no two holes remotely similar. The greens varied from good to great, with a few just down right wicked! All enjoyable and nothing I would describe as over the top. It was cool to see a golf course over here that had bunkering like I'm used to seeing on my visits to the Nebraska sand hills. I played 8 different links on my trip and all but this one had revetted bunkering. Not that I don't love them as well, just thought it was a nice change of pace that the architect designed them a bit more natural looking. We also saw a lot more mown out rough along the perimeter of the fairways than there has ever been at Machrihanish Dunes and this must surely be a good thing for the golfer. Even with my pathetic game it was difficult to lose a ball on the day we played.
Our two days in Machrihanish were pure bliss and though I prefer the old course to this one, I can't imagine visiting the Kintyre peninsula again and not playing Machrihanish Dunes. The two courses combine for one heckuva memorable golfing experience. It won't be long before I return, I promise.
Here are a few images from the course. I believe we started on the 10th, but the pro told us they have reversed the nines for a second time so I couldn't begin to tell you the hole numbers.
Splendid tranquility at Machrihanish Dunes
As others have mentioned, a few longish walks to the next tee, but hardly a reason not to come to Mach Dunes.
Rumbling, tumbling ground all around.