Golf at its best should be an adventure.
Whether playing at the beach or in the woods, golf’s arena transports us into the same territory that sparked our childhood imaginations.
The best golf trips also include adventure.
Meet another place, The Machrie on the Isle of Islay in the Hebrides, Scotland, a hotel and golf course to satisfy every golfer’s adventurous spirit.
If you wish, you can reach this magical spot on the western edge of Scotland by taking a slow journey.
It’s a long, winding road from Glasgow via Loch Lomond to the Kintyre Peninsula, from where it’s a two-hour ferry ride past the majestic highlands of the Jura Mountains (as George Orwell wrote in 1984 shortly after the Second World War).
It’s a wonderful route, full of wild scenery, but it’s difficult to complete a 24 or 48 hour trip.
Luckily, there’s also the rather exciting option of a return flight from Glasgow Airport (including golf club), transfers on arrival, breakfast and two-course lunch, a tasting of Islay’s famous whiskey, 18 holes on the majestic Linksland course, and a post-game Wild Gardens sauna and hot tub.
It’s a day out suitable for all ages, ticking every component of the golf adventure concept, and with prices starting from just £285 per person.
Photo Credit: Kevin Murray Golf Photography
Golf365 travels to Islay via the slow route and can recommend it, but we’re also quite keen on the idea of a day trip.
In fact, while playing golf, we watched a Loganair plane land at the island’s airstrip, which is just a few hard drives along the Strand Beach from the course.
Imagine the thrill of taking off from Glasgow at 8am, passing through the Isle of Arran and Kintyre, being in the air for 45 minutes, eating Tunnock’s caramel pancakes and sitting in seats with Harris tweed headrests and tartan livery.
Minutes after landing, you’ll prepare for your exams with a delicious breakfast in The Machrie’s restaurant, overlooking the 18th hole, and enjoy local staples such as porridge, Highland haggis and Argyll smoked salmon.
Then it’s time to hit the first tee.
The original course was laid by Willie Campbell in 1891, and while it is revered as a classic of its type, it had many blind sticks and was in need of upgrades.
DJ Russell was commissioned to renovate and created what is probably the most interesting layout you will ever experience.
Teeing off the first tee, his playfulness was immediately apparent, which didn’t quite introduce the drama of the scene – but, don’t worry, it’s all part of the master plan.
Russell wanted to postpone the drama: When you walk up to your ball on the fairway at the top of the mountain, it hits you. When you reach the top, the vast bay reveals itself, as does the hole between you and the beach. It’s a stunning sight, made even better by the delay.
From this point on the track will sweep between, on and around the dunes.
Great options are available on every tee shot. On the par-5 second hole, it’s a question of whether to attack the burn that brings mountain water to the beach, or stay away and reach the green safely in three shots.
Elsewhere, there were exciting moments as we knew a pure shot would find the side of the fairway like a ski slope, but also realized a wrong shot could get the ball into trouble.
Greens are tucked into nooks between dunes or perched on top of dunes.
There are few greenside bunkers but many greenside threats. Russell is a savvy planner of mounds and swales. In fact, they tend to be trickier (and score-destroying) than pot bunkers.
Remember the board game Mousetrap? The ball bearings follow a series of ramps, drops and other obstacles to find their final destination. Social media has been flooded with creative versions of the game, with elaborate games that see the ball sweeping through houses and gardens.
The mischief and sheer joy of The Mousetrap feels like it’s been replicated in The Machrie – and yes, it’s that much fun.
As you leave the 18th green with a big smile on your face, it’s time to head back to the restaurant for lunch, revisit the best holes and toast Russell with your Islay single malt whiskey.
Return flights can take you home even after 7pm.
The only problem is, when the plane flies over the course, you get frustrated because you know you won’t get a second break.
in spite of. You can also book this tour to stay one night, take a second tour in the morning, and visit the distillery to taste more whiskey.
Short adventures are special, longer ones are even better (you might even see the Northern Lights).
Whichever you choose, Another Place, The Machrie is probably the most fun adventure you’ll ever have on the golf course, while enjoying the pleasures of a luxury hotel and delicious Scottish food, drink and hospitality.
NOTE: Another Place, The Machrie is closed from 17 November 2025 to 13 February 2026.
