1 Night, 2 Rounds
Golf has been played here since 1891 when Willie Campbell routed the original course. These days it's been redesigned by D.J. Russell and it's a proper links in every sense, firm underfoot and rarely short of a breeze. At par 72 and just over 7,000 yards it looks a handful on the card, but this isn't a place where you simply lash driver and hope. Pick your angles, flight it down when the wind's up and accept that the ground game is often your best mate.
Expect rolling dunes, fast-running fairways and views over Laggan Bay that can distract you at exactly the wrong moment. If you're used to target golf, give yourself a couple of holes to adjust, then start using the slopes and feeders rather than fighting them. The routing takes you across wild, windswept terrain where the Atlantic breeze is part of the test, and creative shot-making matters more than raw distance.
Practice (and a bit of fun) can be had on the six-hole par 3 Wee Course, ideal for sharpening wedges and watching the wind toy with your ball flight. There's also a five-bay covered driving range, a short game area and the Hebrides social putting course, which is dangerously good for settling pub bets after your round.
Who is this for?
Golfers who love real links golf, don't mind a bit of weather and want Islay's whisky trail and rugged coastline on the same trip.
Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers and tacticians who enjoy shaping shots and using the ground, plus couples or groups who want a modern hotel with a proper post-round wind-down.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Golf on this land had been played since 1891 when Willie Campbell designed the original layout. It has since been redesigned by DJ Russell to combine a traditional course from a bygone era with a modern links. Imagination and course management over power is required to tame this par 72, 7000+ yard gem.
While on resort, why not have a go on the six hole, par 3, Wee course to sharpen your short game which can be played from a variety of tees. For the more serious practice the resort offers a 5-bay covered driving range, short game area and spectacular Hebrides putting course.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Willie Campbell, David J. Russell |
| Opened for play | 1891 |
| Black | 7,024 yards | SSS 74.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 6,400 yards | SSS 71.8 |
| White | 5,949 yards | SSS 69.4 (M) 75.1 (L) |
| Yellow | 5,086 yards | SSS 70.2 |
Set on the wild and windswept Isle of Islay, Another Place, The Machrie is a contemporary hotel with 43 beautifully designed rooms and suites. Many look out across the Atlantic, the dunes and the world-renowned links course, offering a sense of calm and connection to the landscape. The hotel has been recognised as 'Scottish Hotel of the Year' and its championship links course consistently ranks among Scotland's standout modern links. Most recently, it was awarded 'Best Golf Course (£100–£250)' at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards 2025.
Rooms are contemporary and unfussy, with plenty that look straight out to the Atlantic and the dunes. If you're travelling as a fourball or staying a few nights, the lodges give you more space to spread out and a bit more privacy, while still keeping you close to the first tee and the bar. They're ideal for longer stays or family escapes, with a home-from-home feel that works well when you want to settle in properly.
It's an easy base for early tee times, there's space to practise when you arrive and the Wee Course is ideal on a travel day. If you want help building a long weekend around Islay's distilleries and coastline walks, this is one of the easiest places on the island to do it without constantly jumping in the car.
The 18 Restaurant & Bar overlooks the 18th green and is a cracking spot for a dram from one of Islay's best-known distilleries. Expect a well-put-together three-course menu with local seafood and seasonal produce, and if you time it right you'll catch the sun dropping over Laggan Bay. It's the perfect way to round off a day on the links, with quality food, local flavours and a warm, sociable atmosphere.
For recovery, there are ishga treatments using Hebridean seaweed, plus the outdoor thermal area with two wood-fired hot tubs, a cold tub and an outdoor sauna, which feels even better after a windy links round. The wild garden setting gives you a Scandinavian-style thermal experience, all immersed in the elements.
Islay itself invites exploration. Visit world-famous whisky distilleries, walk the rugged coastline, ride fat bikes across the dunes or discover ancient sites. And when the day winds down, the bar and restaurant offer a warm, sociable space to relax into the evening.
James
✓5 Apr 2025
Overall the stay was very pleasant and comfortable. Would definitely go back.
Desmond
✓30 Aug 2023
Five star experience. Great staff. Quality in all aspects
Carwyn
✓9 Aug 2023
Susan
✓24 Oct 2021
Very nice room with Queen bed and plenty of space
James
✓5 Apr 2025
Excellent time. Only said average because there is no in between average and hard. The fairways are excellent and greens superb. Course has its challenging moments. The wind steps up the challenge.
Desmond
✓30 Aug 2023
A truly great experience. Old style golf holes. Good golf shots rewarded. Highly recommended for the golf enthusiasts.
Carwyn
✓9 Aug 2023
Susan
✓24 Oct 2021
Really enjoyed the course but unfortunately the weather was not as,enjoyable with strong winds and heavy rain but when the sun came out the course was stunning with great views.
