Another Place, The Machrie

Islay, the southernmost island in the Inner Hebrides, is probably best known for its whisky production – there are currently 10 active distilleries in operation there – but, for golfers, it will always be associated with the iconic Machrie links on Laggan Bay, a course that was originally laid out back in 1891.

Originally designed by Willie Campbell three years before he left for America to become the first professional at The Country Club in Brookline, the old-fashioned layout was modified in the 1970s before sadly falling into financial difficulties. It finally re-opened again in 2018, this time re-designed by D J Russell to modern-championship standards. The hotel and golf links were acquired by active-oriented lifestyle hotel group Another Place in August 2024 who have since been building on its international reputation, drawing players from around the world.

The course is an iconic Scottish championship links stretching over 7000 yards from the back tees, and now designed to be played in all conditions. With only seven of the original greens retained it is an imaginative new course routing that still weaves wildly in and out of the dunes. Fairways are wider than before, offering a good chance of recovery from poor tee shots or wayward approach shots, and blind shots aren’t entirely eliminated, though there are far fewer to be played now.

A six-hole par 3 'Wee course', driving range, golf shop, and new fleet of electric golf buggies enhance the golfing infrastructure, as well as the launch of 'The Hebrides' an accessible social putting course whole 18 holes mirror the 1891 classic course at 1/10th of the size, and an additional 19th hole adds a fun play off element to the experience. The course includes fifty revetted Ecobunkers built using double stacks of astroturf. Bunker faces were also hydroseeded with fescue to soften the impact of the artificial materials used in construction.

Traditionalists will mourn the loss of the old Machrie and for sentimental reasons that’s understandable. However, the nostalgic attributes of the former course weren’t enough to attract golfers in sufficient numbers and the place was dying on its feet – it might well have perished forever – before a significant level of investment was made to remodel the layout and build new visitor accommodation.

The new Machrie is now geared up to handle visitors long into the future. A contemporary hotel with 43 beautifully designed rooms, suites and family lodges, 18 Restaurant & Bar, outside sauna and hot tub garden, screening room, treatment room, games room, and modern art collection, Another Place is continuing to build out a clutch of new areas and experiences.

Rather than look back with regret at the loss of the old course, golfers who still pine for the old days and the old ways should really be grateful that somebody felt it worth their while reviving an old classic to make it fit for purpose in the modern era.