One of the best golf needs to be an journey.
Whether or not performed by the seaside or performed among the many timber, golf’s phases take us into the identical territory that fuelled out childhood imaginations.
And the easiest golf journeys contain an adventurous journey, too.
Meet One other Place, The Machrie on the Scottish Hebridean island of Islay – a lodge and golf course that feeds the adventurous baby in each golfer.
When you needed to, there’s a sluggish journey technique of reaching this magical spot on the western fringe of Scotland.
It’s a lengthy and winding street from Glasgow, by way of Loch Lomond, to the Kintyre peninsula and a two hour ferry experience from there previous the imposing heights of Jura (the place George Orwell wrote 1984 shortly after the Second World Struggle).
It’s a beautiful route, full of untamed surroundings, however it’s tough to tug off for a 24 or 48 hour journey.
Fortuitously, there’s a moderately thrilling various, one which takes in return flights from Glasgow airport (golf golf equipment included), transfers on arrival, breakfast and a two-course lunch, a pattern of Islay’s well-known whisky, 18 holes on an impressive linksland course, and a post-round wild backyard sauna and sizzling tub.
It’s a day trip for the ages, one which fulfils each element of the golf-as-adventure idea – and it begins at simply £285 per individual.
Credit score: Kevin Murray Golf Images
Golf365 travelled to Islay by the sluggish journey route and might advocate it, however we’re additionally moderately eager on the day journey thought.
In truth, whereas taking part in we watched the Loganair aircraft land on the island’s air strip that’s no quite a lot of arduous drives alongside the Strand Seashore from the course.
Think about the joys of flying in on the 8am flight from Glasgow, throughout the Isle of Arran and Kintyre, sweeping down after a mere 45 minutes within the air having tucked right into a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer, sitting on seat with Harris Tweed headrests and tartan livery.
A couple of minutes after touchdown you’ll be having fun with an outstanding breakfast within the eating room at The Machrie, overlooking the 18th gap, fortifying your self for the check forward with native staples comparable to porridge, Highland haggis and Argyll smoked salmon.
After which it’s time to hit the primary tee.
The unique course was laid down by Willie Campbell in 1891 and whereas it was revered as a traditional of its sort it had many blind photographs and wanted an improve.
DJ Russell was entrusted with the renovation and has created what may be essentially the most enjoyable structure you’ve ever skilled.
His playfulness is instantly obvious with a drive from the primary tee that doesn’t fairly introduce the drama of the setting – however, don’t fear, that’s all a part of the grasp plan.
Russell desires to defer that drama: it hits you as you wander in direction of your ball on a fairway that sits on a crest of land. As you attain the highest, the large expanse of the bay reveals itself, as do the holes between you and the seaside. It’s a shocking sight, all of the finer for having been delayed.
From this level on the course sweeps between, throughout and across the dunes.
Each tee shot gives a beautiful selection. On the par-5 second it’s whether or not to assault the burn that takes mountain water right down to the seaside, or to remain distant and attain the inexperienced safely in three photographs.
Elsewhere there are thrilling moments realizing {that a} pure strike will discover a aspect of the green that acts like a ski slope, but additionally conscious that an errant blow will scuttle the ball into hassle.
Greens are tucked away in corners between the dunes or perched on high of them.
There are few greenside bunkers, however many greenside threats. Russell is an astute plotter of mounds and hollows. Certainly, they’re usually extra crafty (and rating wrecking) {that a} pot bunker may be.
Keep in mind the board sport Mousetrap? A ball bearing would discover its manner alongside a collection of ramps, drops and different obstacles to its final aim. Social media is filled with artistic variations of the sport, elaborate ones that see balls sweep by means of homes and gardens.
The mischief and sheer pleasure of Mousetrap feels prefer it has been replicated at The Machrie – sure, it truly is that a lot enjoyable.
And whenever you depart the 18th inexperienced, with a giant large grin, it’s time to return to the restaurant for a lunch spent revisiting one of the best holes and toasting Russell along with your Islay single malt.
The return flight will even get you residence a contact after 7 within the night.
The one drawback with that may be the nagging frustration, because the aircraft rises above the course, of realizing you’re not going to have a second crack at it.
Regardless of. You can too ebook this journey with a one night time keep, a second spherical within the morning and a distillery journey to pattern extra of the whisky.
A brief journey is particular, an extended journey is even higher (and also you may even see the Northern Lights).
Whichever you select, One other Place, The Machrie may be essentially the most enjoyable journey you’ll ever have on a golf course alongside the enjoyment of an opulent lodge with sensational Scottish meals, drink and hospitality.
Be aware: One other Place, The Machrie is closed from 17/11/2025-13/2/2026.
