Machrihanish Dunes

Overview: Machrihanish Dunes occupies a remote stretch of the Kintyre coast, where holes cross natural dunes and open ground with views toward the Atlantic. David McLay Kidd’s routing embraces blind shots, uneven lies and the changing wind, so the course feels shaped by the landscape rather than imposed on it.

History: The course opened in 2009 and was designed by David McLay Kidd with very limited earth movement. It was built on a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, so the project’s history is closely tied to working within the existing dune ecology and protecting the surrounding habitat.

Did You Know? Machrihanish Dunes describes itself as the only course ever created on a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Sheep are also used as part of the site’s natural management approach, helping maintain areas of rough away from the regularly mown playing surfaces.