Popular Scottish golf club to get new course

One of Scotland’s most popular golf clubs is braced for the creation of a second championship course.

Machrihanish Dunes, in Kintyre, has been given the green light to undergo a major expansion project.

The new 18-hole course will be built alongside the existing David McLay Kidd-design, which opened in 2009.

Described as one “one of the most natural golf courses in the world”, the original layout implemented sustainable building practices, and the new course will get the same treatment.

It was the first-ever GEO-certified golf course in the UK.

The president of Southworth, Tommy Southworth, said: “Machrihanish Dunes lies on one of the most unique pieces of land in the world, so it is only fitting that we expand our offerings for all types of visitors to this special corner of Scotland, while being sensitive to the stunning natural landscape.

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“In combination with Machrihanish Dunes and other area links courses, including the acclaimed Machrihanish Golf Club, the addition of another 18-hole links will help turn the Kintyre Peninsula into the next great golfing destination in Scotland.”

Meanwhile, the project includes ‘one of the largest teaching facilities in the UK’, with indoor and outdoor practice bays and a nine-acre short-game area to be built.

A new sports and racquet centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness area and spa, large function room and state-of-the-art tennis, pickleball and football facilities are also planned.

Improvements to the accommodation will be made in the form of a third luxury hotel and 50 golf cottages, too.

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“We remain hopelessly in love with Machrihanish Dunes – the place, the people and the golf experience,” Southworth added.

“We will ensure the pure and authentic surroundings of Machrihanish remain, while creating a significant boost to the local economy, not only through the creation of hundreds of jobs upon completion, but through utilising the skillsets of a myriad of local companies.”

Southworth Development LLC, a privately held golf company based in Boston, purchased Machrihanish Dunes in 2009, two months before it officially opened.

Since then, the award-winning seaside resort has gained global recognition.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.