Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Argyll, PA42 7AN, Scotland

+44 1496 302310

Welcome to Islay Golf Club

Islay Golf Club is a historic private members club founded on Friday 22nd May 1891, which has its home at The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links. Mrs Ramsay of Kildalton formally opened the course by striking off the first ball. Immediately thereafter a 36-hole match was played between Willie Campbell (course architect), Bridge of Weir and Willie Fernie, Troon. Campbell’s knowledge of the course stood him in good stead, especially in the first round which resulted in his being 5 up. He ultimately won by 7 and 6. Islay Golf Club continues to have its home at The Machrie Links.

The Machrie Golf Links

Hole 1 - The Oa

Par 4

Outwardly at least, a generously wide fairway welcomes the opening drive on this left-to-right dogleg par four. Left off the…

Hole 2 - Kintra

Par 5

On this classic ‘risk and reward’ par-5, the ideal drive must challenge the burn on the left side of the…

Hole 3 - Scots Maiden

Par 3

The first par-3 plays slightly uphill to a green protected at the front by two deep pot bunkers and a…

Hole 4 - Crannag

Par 4

Another generous fairway, but don’t be fooled. The ideal line is down the right-hand side. Anything left will likely leave…

Hole 5 - Foirfeachd

Par 4

“Perfection” by name and one of the tougher driving holes on The Machrie Links. A good tee-shot must fly directly…

Hole 6 - Lag

Par 4

On this straight-away par-4, the tee-shot must miss the deep pot bunkers that sit in the middle of the fairway.…

Hole 7 - Achnamara

Par 4

This short par-4 may be drivable in favourable conditions, but accuracy is a must. Beware of the run-off to the…

Hole 8 - Big Strand

Par 4

Drive through the valley to a generous fairway, the ideal line dictated by the pin position. Any drive down the…

Hole 9 - Ileach

Par 3

Good distance control is essential on this deceptively tricky, downhill par-3. Controlling both trajectory and accuracy is a real challenge,…

Home 10 - An Avon

Par 4

On this long, tough par-4 the ideal drive must challenge the Machrie Burn on the left-hand side. From there, the…

Hole 11 - Heathery

Par 4

Another drivable par-4 through a valley with heather on both sides. With the obvious risk comes reward, the decision from…

Hole 12 - Lochindaal

Par 5

This dogleg-left par-5 offers a generously wide landing-area off the tee, but down the middle is not ideal. Instead, the…

Hole 13 - Dun

Par 4

With good reason, this dogleg-left par-4 is rated the toughest hole on The Machrie. Invariably playing into the prevailing wind,…

Hole 14 - Gleann

Par 3

3,151 Yards Sitting in the heather valley, this wonderfully framed short hole plays to a slightly raised green, which sits…

Hole 15 - Willy’s Fancy

Par 4

The drive over the dunes may be visually intimidating, but the steeply undulating fairway is wider than it first appears.…

Hole 16 - Druim

Par 4

Only from the middle of the fairway will you have a view of the green on this tough par-4. Left…

Hole 17 - Ifrinn

Par 4

This short par-4 is fraught with danger. Aim to drive over the ridge line on the left-half of the fairway.…

Hole 18 - Machrie

Par 5

This demanding par-5, impressively framed by The Machrie Hotel, calls for an accurate drive to the narrowest fairway on the…

What the golfers say

“Best new golf Resort”

The Prestige Hotel Awards

“The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links

Ranked no 21 in Britain & Ireland”

Golfing magazine

“Both the redeveloped hotel and The Machrie Links re-designed by DJ Russell are magnificent…… a must-do trip for any serious golfer!”

Thistle Golf Scotland

“The recently upgraded Machrie Links is a magnificent test of links Golf and should feature in any trip to Scotland.”

Gary Wilkinson, Wilkinson Golf

“The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, it’s a must visit.”

Ian Woosnam 1991 US Masters Champion

“It is quintessentially, unapologetically “the way golf was meant to be……. and all the better for it.”

Bunkered Magazine 2018

“This place was made for Gowf”

Wille Campbell - Course Architect 1891

Islay Golf Club History

When it was pointed out to the late Mr Ramsay that the Machrie Links would make an ideal golf course, he resolved
to give every facility for the formation of a club. On the club being formed he gave it the use of the links at a nominal rent of £1.

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Islay Golf Club Location

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