Islay And Jura: Adventure To ‘Unique’ Machrie And Ardfin

Ardfin golf
Ardfin sits on the stunning island of Jura

The Machrie and Ardfin, two of Scotland’s great island golf experiences, have joined forces to offer travellers a unique opportunity to experience a luxury wilderness golf adventure like no other.

The partnership will offer golfers the chance to combine two world-class courses over three nights on Islay and neighbouring Jura, two of Scotland’s most dramatic and historic Hebridean islands.

The Machrie Hotel is a place we know well and the combination of the natural wonder, rugged beauty of the landscape and immaculate world-class links golf is truly intoxicating. It is a place to both lose yourself and find the time to reflect on life from the idyllic isolation of Islay. Golf has been played on The Machrie Links for centuries but DJ Russell’s updated layout has tamed this wonderful beast, enhancing the drama of the dunes and produced a truly stunning 18-hole layout.

Sunset over the 18th green at The Machrie
Sunset over the 18th green at The Machrie

IS THE MACHRIE A TOP 100 COURSE?

The Machrie was once known as a course that was infuriatingly challenging, even for the very best. These days this top-100 course is nothing short of enchanting with the views across idyllic Laggan Bay, where the waves roll onto the purest stretch of beach you can imagine – it is hard to capture the beauty of this place with words alone. The Machrie Hotel is a wonderful, welcoming place to stay, with all the luxuries you would expect from a 5-star hotel and many more besides.

The practice facilities at The Machrie are truly excellent, whether you want to sharpen your short game, hit balls into the stratosphere or test yourself on the wonderful 6-hole ‘wee course’ here. There is even a trackman studio, run by the wonderful head professional David Foley if you find yourself looking to tweak your game before your rounds. The package in question includes two rounds of golf on the links, as well as full use of the practice facilities and the wee course.

18 Restaurant, The Machrie, Islay
The views from the balcony at 18 are stunning

ARDFIN GOLF: WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

A 30 minute drive away from The Machrie Hotel you can catch a 10-minute ferry to stunning, untamed Jura. This island is best known for its spectacular mountains, world-famous whisky, for George Orwell choosing to write his iconic novel ‘1984’ here, and for being a place where permanent residents (200) are comfortably outnumbered by deer (5,000). These days it’s also known as home to Ardfin, a golf resort that has been on the lips of many across the world since it opened. It is unashamedly exclusive and expensive, with the course open only to hotel residents.

The course itself has been described as devilishly difficult, but the setting is second to none. Built on the clifftops overlooking waters packed with dolphin, seal and occasionally minke whale the surroundings are matched only by the beauty of Bob Harrison’s course layout. Because of the majesty of the animal life which calls this place home, the fairways and greens are maintained without the use of pesticides or toxic chemicals. You will see deer and stags roaming the course, walking regally along the beaches and incredible sea-life too: you are in their world at Ardfin.

Between The Machrie and Ardfin you are in for a truly unique adventure. Take advantage while you can.

WHAT DOES THE ARDFIN MACHRIE PACKAGE INCLUDE?

Two nights accommodation at The Machrie including Scottish breakfast
-One night accommodation at Ardfin including Scottish breakfast
36 holes on The Machrie Links and use of the practice facilities and 6-hole ‘Wee Course’
-18 holes at Ardfin
-Return transfers between The Machrie and Ardfin
-Prices range from between £1930 and £3630 per person depending on room/suite choices.
-The package is available until the end of October 2022

For more details or to book the package, visit www.themachrie.com

The founder of The Wandering Golfers, Ben grew up on the links of Scotland learning the game from his beloved Grandpa. Previously a writer and broadcaster for The Times and BBC

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