Machrihanish Dunes

Farneyman

Tour Winner
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
3,725
Location
Scotland via Ireland
Having first played Machrihanish Dunes in spring 2010 I fell in love with the layout, remoteness and greens, especially the greens. It is truly a fantastic setting for a golf course. One of the main problems the course suffers is sand from the beach getting dumped on the course and salt spray coming from the major storms we have had over the last few years. As a result of this the course had to relay some of their greens and this really had a negative effect on the enjoyment of the course.

When I last played the course in June I was tempted to give it a miss for a couple of years to if the greens could improve. To cut a long story short I was back round yesterday for an open competition and the course is now in tip top condition.

The difference on the greens in June and now was like night and day. The greens yesterday were easily some of the best I have ever putted on. The pace was superb and they extremely true. The slopes and pin positions on some holes yesterday really made you think about approach shots and putts. The definition of the fairways and matt of grass under foot is really knitted together well now. The rubber matting on the paths in near invisible in places where it was originally place and this is an ongoing process to relay all path areas.

They have also been able to cut back some of the rough that the environmental crowd weren't allowing them to in the past and reshaped a couple of dunes to improve playability of the course

Anyone who is thinking of making the trip round it is well worth it and fingers crossed that Mother Nature is kind to the course and in the spring it has a firm base to continue from.

I for one cant wait to go back. :thup:

11 out of 10
 

Junior

Tour Winner
Joined
Apr 1, 2007
Messages
4,941
It does look superb. Ive been through the website several times with envy. I just wish it was closer !!
 

AMcC

Journeyman Pro
Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Messages
1,761
Location
Irvine,Ayrshire
Sounds good Fabian, Bigslice and I have three free vouchers between us to use up. May head up soon.
 

Farneyman

Tour Winner
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
3,725
Location
Scotland via Ireland
Played ok thanks. We managed to finish plus 4 so happy enough with that could have been better.

Course is immense just now. As good a greens as Ive putted on.
 

Bigfoot

Tour Rookie
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
1,727
Location
Stourbridge , West Midlands
I played both Machrihanish and the Dunes courses in August and they are like chalk and cheese. Both great.Thoroughly enjoyed the Dunes though. Spectacular holes and I would love to return.
 
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