Machrihanish Dunes

David McLay Kidd was the man to lay out the design of Machrihanish Dunes, though much of the course was already set out among the dunes. Thanks to the natural landscape, only the tees and greens were shaped, with the grass just being mown to create the fairways of the course. Kidd also designed Bandon Dunes and the Castle Course at St Andrews.   The three par 5s are among the four hardest holes on the Machrihanish Dunes layout. The 3rd is almost 595 yards from the tips, while the 8th is the longest hole on the property at 620 yards from the back tees. The 16th, the last par 5 on the course, is also the hardest. It is one of several holes on the layout that plays along the coastline, with the Atlantic Ocean looming on the left of 16.  Another feature of the Machrihanish Dunes layout is that there are back-to-back par 3s on the front nine – the 5th and 6th holes. The former plays towards the Atlantic Ocean, with the backdrop of the water behind the green. The 6th then plays back inland, with the tee box almost on the beach. It is only 140 yards from the tips and plays to a shallow green.

Check out our full piece on the golf course at Machrihanish Dunes here.

Compared to most of the venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list, there is no accommodation on site at Machrihanish Dunes. Instead. There are several options a couple of miles south of the course. Between the months of April to September, there is a shuttle service to Machrihanish Dunes from each of the following accommodation options.   The Ugadale Hotel sits next to both the Atlantic Ocean and the first tee of the neighbouring Machrihanish Golf Club. There are a range of 22 rooms and suites, with a little bit of something for all its guests. The Royal Hotel sits in the centre of Campbeltown, with 23 rooms and suites all in a modern style and with stunning views over Campbeltown Harbour.   There are also a range of eight self-catering cottages – the Ugadale Cottages. Each of them has views of the opening hole at Machrihanish Golf Club and out to the Atlantic, and comes with a modern kitchen, two bedrooms, and en-suite bathrooms.

The Serenity Spa at Machrihanish Dunes provides a lovely place for guests to relax and unwind during their stay on the Mull of Kintyre. The Spa allows guests to enjoy massages and treatments, with Germaine de Capuccini products in use by the team of qualified therapists.

Where is Machrihanish Dunes?  
Machrihanish Dunes is the westernmost resort in Scotland that has a place on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list. It is in the Scottish county of Argyll and based on the Kintyre Peninsula. Campbeltown is five miles to the east of the resort.  
What is the nearest airport and station to Machrihanish Dunes?  
Campbeltown Airport is the nearest to Machrihanish Dunes. It is just a couple of miles down the road, and only one service runs from Campbeltown. That is a Loganair service to Glasgow which flies twice a day in both directions. Glasgow Airport then offers flights around Europe and to some destinations further afield.   There is no train service to this part of Scotland. It is either ferry, plane, or car to get onto the Kintyre Peninsula. What other venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list are nearby? 
Due to the nature of the region and the remoteness of the Kintyre Peninsula, no other venue that has a place on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list is within two hours of Machrihanish Dunes. Geographically, The Machrie is the closest, but due to long drives and ferry crossings, it is at least three hours away. Cameron House is the nearest in mainland Scotland, but even that is a 115-mile drive from Machrihanish Dunes. 
What golf facilities does Machrihanish Dunes offer?  
Along with the championship level golf course, Machrihanish Dunes also has a full-length driving range which can be used year-round. There is also a large putting green which has similar contours and undulations to those you will find on the golf course.  
What are the green fees at Machrihanish Dunes?  
The price of a green fee at the Machrihanish Dunes changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay & play packages available at the resort.   For more information on current green fees at the Machrihanish Dunes, visit their website here (opens in a new tab). 
What accommodation is on offer at Machrihanish Dunes?  
There is no accommodation on site at Machrihanish Dunes. Instead, the Ugadale Hotel and Cottages, along with the Royal Hotel, are south of the neighbouring Machrihanish Golf Club. There is a shuttle service to take golfers to and from Machrihanish Dunes from these accommodations between April and September.   

Play on the NCG Top 100s Tour!
Book your spot to play at Machrihanish Dunes on the NCG Top 100s Tour in 2027 here (opens in a new tab).
You can also play at Machrihanish Dunes as part of our Kintyre Peninsula Swing here (opens in a new tab).

Visit the Machrihanish Dunes website here (opens in a new tab).
Go back to the NCG's Top 100s Homepage.