The Machrie Links: Golf Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

The Machrie Golf Links Key Information

Golf on whisky-rich Islay in the Inner Hebrides dates back to Willie Campbell’s original Machrie Links in 1891. This had long been a highly regarded golfing outpost in UK&I golfing circles. But it is the recent developments here that have been attracting ever-more worldwide acclaim for what remains the only island course in our Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland rankings.

Tour pro, DJ Russell, was initially tasked with making a few tweaks, but the term “a few tweaks” soon took on a whole new meaning. The project gradually expanded into a wholesale upgrading of this famous links on the island’s west coast along with a major redevelopment of the hotel into a first-rate 47-room facility.

Yes, just three greens remain from The Machrie’s previous incarnation, which may grate with some purists. But DJ’s new masterpiece plays over a rumpled, landscape of unending drama with several front-nine tees set right beside the beach. No wonder it sits right at the top of most people's lists of the best island courses in the UK&I.

I've been fortunate enough to play The Machrie both many years ago and since the most recent changes, and while many might say you should never touch a classic, there are exceptions and, for me, The Machrie is one of those.

Admittedlly, I knew little about golf course design 30 years ago on my first visit, but on my return, things had clearly been taken to a whole new level on a links that is an absolute delight to both play and walk round due to its stunning oceanside setting. For a lover of both links golf and whisky, like me, there are few better places on earth to visit than Islay.

It is quite simply a magnificent place to play golf, and thought-provoking too, with several strategic choices to be made as you make your way round. Magical green settings abound, with the 2nd, wedged between river and beach, standing out along with the gorgeous, short par-3 9th with its ocean backdrop.

And those purists will be relieved to learn that just enough blind or semi-blind shots remain – one of the original course’s trademarks - most notably on the approach to the clever risk-reward 7th along the shore.

Add in a fine short-game area, the superb six-hole Wee course and three putting greens, and the new ‘Hebrides’ social course, whose holes mirror the original 1891 course at a tenth of the size, and you now have one excellent golf facility worth the trek to Islay alone even without the allure of the many distilleries.

If you’ve not been to The Machrie for some time, it’s time to take another look. If you’ve never been, just go.

What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…

John Winter

The Machrie is the golfing jewel in the delightful Hebridean Island of Islay. The signature par 3 9^th highlights much that is good about the course. From an elevated tee and playing towards the sea, the green nestles among the sandy dune scrapes with the beach and views of the distant mountains in the background. As a total experience, The Machrie really is hard to beat. I could play the course day-after-day and never get bored with it.

Tim Gorman

As with all the very top courses, it is a seriously difficult technical challenge. Best to aim for middle of the greens on approach shots and then worry about the putting. And pray for calm conditions…! A fairly exclusive clique within the UK&I T100 golf courses in terms of locations arduous to reach has been created by the golfing gods for those prepared to travel. And travel you should, to enjoy the magic of The Machrie.

The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links location

Enquire about a booking at The Machrie

The Machrie Links scorecard

Best Courses Near The Machrie Links

MACHRIHANISH
There are no other courses on Islay but you won’t be disappointed by this Old Tom Morris classic on Kintyre in a remote corner of Argyll. The front-nine links terrain ranks among the purest you’ll encounter, with the exhilarating run from the 3rd to the turn accompanied by captivating views out to the Inner Hebrides. A perfect example of fitting a golf course into the natural terrain.

MACHRIHANISH DUNES
David McLay Kidd designs have a reputation for ‘interesting’ green complexes and there’s plenty of those from the off here, although some have been considerably softened, just as they have at the Castle Course in St Andrews, another McLay Kidd design. Like the Castle Course, the Dunes has a magical setting; unlike the Castle Course, very little earth was moved to create this mind-blowing links arena.

Best Places To Stay Near The Machrie

Machrie Hotel & Golf Links - Book now at Booking.com
The Machrie, just outside Port Ellen, has its own excellent four-star hotel. Each room has a desk minibar, safe, flat-screen TV and private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries. Many bathrooms also have a bath. The hotel restaurant and bar are available for lunch and dinner, serving a variety of Scottish and British dishes. Afternoon tea is also served in the Stag or Courtyard Lounge.

The Trout Fly Guest House, Port Ellen - Book now at Booking.com
The Trout Fly Guest House lies in the centre of Port Ellen, minutes from the ferry terminal and just three miles from the airport. There is a resident's lounge for you to relax in with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities plus free WiFi throughout. The local distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg are close by as is the local RSPB reserve.

The Machrie Links Gallery

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THE MACHRIE LINKS HISTORICAL TOP 100 RANKING UK&I

• 2025/26 - 52
• 2023/24 - 52
• 2021/22 - 52
• 2019/20 - 90
• 2011/12 - 95
• 2009/10 - 89

Frequently Asked Questions