Top Scottish golf course transformed into mini replica

You can play one of Scotland’s top links courses in miniature form. Yes, you read that right.

Another Place, The Machrie, has launched a ‘social golf’ course, called The Hebrides, which is a tiny version of the iconic 18-hole layout.

With holes ranging anywhere from ten yards to 40 yards, it mirrors the historic course originally designed in 1891, but at a tenth of the size.

Bridging the gap between a putting course and a casual round, The Hebrides features 19 holes, including a play-off hole and, better yet, it’s free.

Members and guests of the resort on the Isle of Islay don’t need to pay or book a tee time, making it accessible to all, says General Manager Alan Martin.

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“It’s been very well received and, in a way, it’s a similar concept to the Himalayas in St Andrews,” Martin told bunkered.co.uk.

“You could go as an experienced golfer and have a social game, or as a complete beginner and go out and have a good time.

“The idea behind it was a bit of a tribute to the old Machrie, before the redesign. So, not by individual hole, but it’s a tenth of the size of the original Machrie layout.

“Moving under Another Place at The Machrie, there has to be a focus on making sure that golf belongs for everyone. Whether you’re young, old, male, female, we want to get more people into golf.”

It was officially unveiled in September, but 2025 will mark its first full season, while golfers will be able to enjoy it a night this summer.

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Twilight rounds on The Hebrides are available thanks to glow in the dark attachments for flags and glow in the dark balls.

Meanwhile, the course has drawn comparisons to PopStroke – a US-based venture backed by Tiger Woods that features 18-hole putting courses with bunkers.

“It is almost our spin on PopStroke in the US,” Martin said, “but we still want to retain the traditional element of the game.

“We maintain the turf, it’s not artificial, so it’s maintained as an extension of the 18-hole golf course. That means you’re still getting that links experience just through a putting course.”

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.