ARGYLL AND ISLANDS
Get ready to discover the most rustic, romantic golf break in the UK
We decided to collate the best of the western region of Argyll with the courses on Scotland’s islands because it felt like comparing like with like all the way round the coast of the country.
In a geographical respect it looks silly to rank a course on Shetland, off the extreme north-east mainland, with one on Arran, close to the southwest, as no-one will likely ever consider doing more than a handful on the same golf break. But the courses are of a loosely similar type and vibe, and we think this has made for a better comparison.
We were also keen to give due exposure to an area and a collection of courses that we believe warrant a lot of affection and can provide the most soulful and characterful (as well as easily the best value) golf break in Britain and Ireland.
This starts with a one-off, the highend Ardfin (No.1) on the island of Jura. Built at great expense, its green fee matches the build fee. But the setting is extraordinary and the course spectacular. Then comes Machrihanish (No.2), with an all-world start and several unforgettable holes to follow. The Machrie is No.3 after its successful reinvention by D.J. Russell, while No.4 is David Mclay Kidd’s modern take on ‘Golf how it used to be’ at Machrihanish Dunes.
Four GB&I entries in, two of them on the mainland and two on islands. Now it becomes even more rustic and romantic...
5 SHISKINE
This 12-holer on Arran is getting very close to a GB&I debut and was No.1 in our inaugural Under £35 ranking. It’s a mesmeric mix of funky holes and blinding beauty.
6 ASKERNISH
This course on South Uist has an incredible backstory, having been resurrected from a dormant state more than once. Now this Old Tom original is thriving, an authentic, raw links that is good for the soul.
7 DUNAVERTY
The ‘third’ course on Kintyre has a green complex at the 4th that you could spend millions trying to shape and never better. Don’t miss it on your Machrihanish break.
8 CORRIE
The setting is magical and the holes back up the aesthetics. Routed over sloping ground on a compact site in a manner Health & Safety devotees might take issue with, this is a fun nine holes you can’t help but fall in love with.
9 ISLE OF HARRIS
One of the most scenic nine-hole courses in Britain is found at Scarista on the west coast of Harris. It has been around since 1935, with the 4,834-yard course flanked by the Sound of Taransay and the hills of Harris. Sir Nick Faldo has played here.
10 ISLE OF SKYE
Known as Sconser, this nine-hole links with 18 sets of tees (4,776-yards) was established in 1964. The ever-present wind is guaranteed to take your breath away, as will the spectacular views of the Red Cuillins, Ben Tianavaig and Isle of Raasay.
11 CARRADALE
Leading US architect Tom Doak sums up: “A nine-hole links studded with outcroppings of rock which threaten a wild bounce on many holes, most memorable at the difficult par-3 7th.” All holes are between 200-300 yards.
12 BUTE
The nine-hole Kingarth course has existed for nearly 130 years and is located close to the beautiful sands of Stravannan Bay on the west coast of Bute and backdropped by The Sleeping Warrior mountain on Arran. You’ll be sharing the course with livestock from the neighbouring farm…
13 GLENCRUITTEN
The home club of Bob Macintyre is set down on adventurous ground on the outskirts of Oban. Its hillside
location means you can expect elevated tee shots and approaches, plus a lot of eccentricity and memorable holes.
14 BRODICK The least eccentric course on Arran has plenty of solid ‘normal’ holes as well as some gorgeous ones by the water’s edge. In good nick and a very pleasant experience.
15 ROTHESAY The Isle of Bute’s only 18hole layout (5,419 yard) circles around Canada Hill and provides awesome views – Walter Hagen claimed they were unbeatable. It was founded in 1892, but reworked by James Braid in 1908.
16 WHALSAY Shetland course home to the most northerly 18 holes in the UK. The exposed moorland offers spectacular clifftop scenery and although it is only around 6,100 yards, the standard breeze makes it a test.
17 COLONSAY This 18-hole links is flanked by two beautiful Hebridean bays. Expect spectacular views from the moment you tee it up with the 4,752-yard 1930s layout featuring four par 5s, eight par 4s and six par 3s… and no bunkers!
18 TOBERMORY The Isle of Mull’s enchanting nine-hole rollercoaster is set on the clifftops above Tobermory Bay. The present heathland layout was designed by David Adams and built in 1935.
19 MILLPORT Founded in 1888 and formerly known as Cumbrae (the island on which it sits), the heathland layout sits above the town and was redesigned by James Braid in 1913. Short of 6,000 yards, but OB is in play in the first seven holes.
20 TARBERT Fun and engaging nineholer (4,312 yards) is coming up to its 100th anniversary on the site – it’s plotted on the breathtakingly beautiful shores of West Loch.
21 WHITING BAY Starts with some laborious uphill then cross-hill holes but its flatter top section is spellbindingly beautiful, mixing mature pines, heather and bracken. A gurgling stream adds to the charm and a little to the test, while blind shots add to the entertaining bewilderment. On the south east coast of Arran, spectacular views.
22 CRAIGNURE This mini-links has undergone significant changes since originally being laid out in 1895 – it was revived in 1980 after a period of disuse and a decade ago switched from 18 tees to just nine. Sits on the shore of Scallastle Bay, a mile from Craignure ferry port.
23 ISLE OF SEIL Coastal nine-holer opened in 1996, 13 miles south of Oban. It features a handful of par 3s and several water hazards as well as playing around Balvicar Bay and slate quarries. Wonderful views of Seil Sound.
24 LAMLASH Arran’s first golf club, Willie Ferne originally creating a nine-hole course in 1890 with the 1883 Open champion then redesigning the 18-hole layout Willie Auchterlonie developed in 1896. It’s hilly, with blind shots, amazing views and memorable quirkiness.
25 ORKNEY Better known as Kirkwall, the village in which it sits. Set down on the side of Wideford Hill, this flat and easywalking 18-hole course is both the longest (5,575 yards) and oldest (1889) in the Orkneys. Captivating North Isles views.
26 MACHRIE BAY Nine-holer next to the sea on Arran’s west coast with amazing views over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Kintyre Peninsula. A mix of modest holes and absolute stunners.
27 IONA Idyllic 18-hole layout dating back to 1886 and highlighted by uninterrupted views of the sea and natural rock formations. A brush with nature – it’s maintained by cattle and sheep. Pay £1 for a scorecard at Iona Post Office and you’re on!
28 LOCHRANZA A rare 11-hole course on Arran, with wonderful wildlife and jawdropping mountain scenery.
29 STORNOWAY Delightful undulating parkland (5,288 yards) in the grounds of Lews Castle.
30 STROMNESS Super, fun round under 5,000 yards, but tight and tricky. The annual Stromness Open attracts players from all over the world!
THE NEXT 10 31 Woodlands (Dragon’s Tooth), 32 Lochcarron, 33 Barra, 34 South Ronaldsay, 35 Kyles of Bute, 36 Machrihanish Pans, 37 Coll, 38 Lighthouse Keeper’s Course, 39 Shetland, 40 Benbecula. Read about all these courses in the Top 100 section of www.todaysgolfer.co.uk