Machrihanish rivals many for top links course in Scotland

The name Machrihanish has a mystical ring to it, and it certainly sounds very Scottish -- especially if you able to roll the "r" as you pronounce the word. But what the heck is Machrihanish?

The short answer is that it is the most remotely located great links course in the entire British Isles; but for those who journey to play it comes a guarantee for one of the most exhilarating golf experiences they are ever likely to encounter.

Machrihanish is located along the westernmost shoreline of Scotland, at the very tip of the long pendulous piece of land that extends from Oban in the north, out into the Irish Sea to a point southwest of the Isle of Arran. The southern half of this peninsula is called The Mull of Kintyre, and this is where you will find the mighty Machrihanish -- just 18 miles away from the coast of Northern Ireland.

It's an invigorating situation -- and once the visitor has digested the glory of it all and moves on to playing golf, there will be no disappointment. Machrihanish is in a category of its own when it comes to excitement and the thrill of the links. This is classic links golf at its most magnificent.

The original layout comes from the 19th century master of golf architecture, Old Tom Morris, who declared Machrihanish to be "Specially designed by the Almighty for playing golf." Although there have been changes made since Old Tom's day, the present course remains one of the most natural links around.

The fairways are a maize of undulations that have been there since the beginning of time; the greens are some of the most amazingly contoured and throughout the course, awkward stances and blind shots take on a major role in the test presented.

The opening hole is considered by many to the best in all Scotland, and you will have an immediate sense of why as you stand on the first tee.

With the Atlantic breakers pounding to your left, you are confronted with one of the most intimidating sights in golf, a 200-yard carry across the waters of Machrihanish Bay -- and this is just the beginning. It's Death or Glory, with few choices to be made.

From here on you convince yourself that things are going to get easier. No way -- this is Machrihanish and like an unbroken horse there is a certain unpredictability about everything that follows.

Machrihanish's original design was created by Old Tom Morris. (Provided to GolfWeb)

Good approach shots are essential for a successful round and nowhere is this more apparent than on the second that leads into the most exciting holes, scattered among the dunes.

It is here amidst the sand dunes that players begin to take pleasure in this marvelous course and there are sand dunes aplenty. Rugged and tumbling, exposed to the wind and weather, you are playing golf in, around, on the top and sides of mountains of sand, carved with fairways and greens. This may very well be the truest test of links golf on the planet.

It is not until the 17th hole that you emerge from the dunes onto the flat path back to the welcoming clubhouse. In many ways the closing two holes can be less than inspiring, perhaps even a little anti-climactic after all that has been experienced before. But then the wind may pick up as it so often does and that will bring a totally different ending to the story.

But this is the beauty of Machrihanish; it just never plays the same way twice. Reason enough to spend a couple of days here and get properly acquainted with one of the finest links courses in the world.

There are a couple of options when it comes to getting to Machrihanish. Driving is one, but be prepared for a full three hours behind the wheel if you are coming from Glasgow and around what will seem to be the longest coastline ever.

Pot bunkers are part of the challenges of Machrihanish. (Provided to GolfWeb)

The quick way is the short 30-minute flight from Glasgow Airport to Campbeltown, located 15 minutes away from Machrihanish.

If you are staying overnight, Campbeltown will be where you will want to stay and while you're there, don't miss the chance to visit the Springbank whisky distillery -- their single malt is almost as good as the golf.

Machrihanish has been described as inspirational and is certainly nothing less. As awkward as it may be to reach, the effort will be more than worthwhile. Until the word spreads and crowds start pouring in, you can still enjoy the unmitigated pleasure of playing a champion among champions, in relative solitude.

This is the way golf was supposed to be, so for the time being, let's keep it a secret.

Want to include Machrihanish on your Scottish golf trip? For a few suggestions on how, click here.

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