As a relatively small country, Scotland can be rightly proud of its inventive history and the things it has brought to the world. From the TV to the Refrigerator, Scotland has shaped modern life more than most and while its list of inventions is impressive, most of the things on it pale in insignificance to the most important thing it has brought to the world, golf of course!

Historical records suggest that golf was first played in Scotland as far back as the 15^th century and since that day it has become engrained in the country’s culture, with Scotland becoming one of the very best locations for world class golf courses and, needless to say, golf holidays.

When it comes to golf courses, Scotland has it all. Famous for its age old relics such the St Andrews Old Course, Muirfield and further inland, Gleneagles, Scotland is also home to some of the very best modern golf courses to have been guilt in the last decade; one of which is Machrihanish Dunes.

In the unique coastal corner of the Mull of Kintyre, a rare feat has been achieved – a brand new and genuine championship links course. While there are some 32,000 golf courses worldwide, only 270 of those can truly be classed as links. However, the astonishing Machrihanish Dunes, which opened in May 2009, can certainly be added to this elite collection.

On a parcel of land first recognised for its golfing potential by Old Tom Morris more than 130 years ago, Machrihanish Dunes has been sculpted by David McLay Kidd, the precocious course architect made famous by his creations at Bandon Dunes, Oregon and the St Andrews Castle Course.

In some places on the course you feel totally isolated from the rest of the course, especially when putting out on the punchbowl greens.

Over a century after Old Tom Morris journeyed from St Andrews to the southernmost tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, extending the world-famous Machrihanish Links from 12 to 18 holes, a new golfing layout has emerged from the giant sand hills that lie just to the north of the venerable old links.

The plot of land on which the course sits extends to over 270 acres and amazingly only seven of these acres were altered by architect David McLay Kidd, who said he found 23 natural holes on site and only needed to pick his favourite 18 to create the course!

The course sits within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and while fairways have been mown, they are far from manicured because the use of fertilizers and installation of drainage or irrigation is forbidden…this has helped the course stay true to the inherent properties of a true Scottish links.

Fairways are undulating, following the natural lay of the land, the rough is unkempt, – kept in check only by a flock of sheep that roam the course – greens are tucked away in the pockets of low lying ground between the dunes, often leaving players who stray from the ideal line with blind shots and as with any true links, Machrihanish Dunes is utterly exposed to the elements.

A number of holes run right long the seafront and from all over the course you are treated to views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Expect very few even lies as the sweeping undulations often rise and fall dramatically between tee and green… wild, rugged and sculpted by nature, Machrihanish Dunes is as genuine a test of Scottish Links golf that you could hope to find.

But what of accommodation I hear you ask? Well in a place as remote as the Mull of Kintyre you may not expect to find such an array of options but here, in this raw and beautifully rugged landscape, you’ll find The Village at Machrihanish Dunes. The Village surrounds the golf course and consists of luxurious stone cottages, two lovingly restored historic hotels, the Ugadale and the Royal, as well as a full-service spa and no less than five restaurants and pubs, all of which contribute to making Machrihanish Dunes the most exciting new golf holiday destination in Scotland since Kingsbarns added to St Andrews’ riches at the start of the millennium.

For more information on Machrihanish Dunes Golf Holidays and other Scottish Golf Breaks please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.

yourgolftravel.com	facebook.com/yourgolftravel	twitter.com/yourgolftravel	yourgolftravel.com/19th-hole