There are golf destinations, and then there are places where the journey, the landscape and the golf become one unforgettable experience. Another Place, The Machrie, on Scotland’s Isle of Islay, belongs firmly in the latter category.
Set on the island’s spectacular western coast overlooking Laggan Bay, The Machrie combines championship links golf with a stylish contemporary hotel, exceptional food and the wild beauty of the Hebrides. It is a destination that rewards golfers who make the trip — and in October 2026, there is an especially good reason to do so.
A Scottish island adventure
Reaching Islay is part of the experience. From Glasgow, Loganair operates flights to Islay in around 45 minutes, with golf clubs able to travel on the flight when arranged in advance. Alternatively, take the scenic road to Kennacraig before boarding the CalMac ferry to Islay — a crossing of around two hours. From the island, The Machrie is just a short journey from Port Ellen and Islay Airport.
Once there, the sense of escape is immediate. Facing the Atlantic, The Machrie sits among rolling dunes, open skies and expansive beaches, with views towards Laggan Bay and the Paps of Jura.
More than just a golf hotel
The 43-room hotel offers a relaxed, contemporary base from which to explore Islay, with rooms, suites and family lodges designed to make the most of the surrounding landscape. There is an excellent restaurant and bar serving seasonal dishes and locally sourced produce, while the Wild Garden provides two wood-fired hot tubs, a cold tub and outdoor sauna — the perfect place to unwind after a demanding round.
Away from the course, guests can enjoy the screening room, modern art collection, coastal walks, fat-biking and the island’s famous whisky culture. For golfers, there is also a covered driving range, short-game area, putting facilities and the six-hole Wee Course.
Championship links shaped by the landscape
The Machrie’s story dates back to 1891, when Willie Campbell created the original links. In 2018, renowned designer David J. Russell redesigned the course, retaining its natural character while bringing it up to modern championship standards. Today, the links stretch beyond 7,000 yards from the back tees and weave naturally through the dunes beside Laggan Bay.
This is golf that demands imagination rather than simply length. Four sets of tees make the course accessible to different handicaps, while generous fairways, contoured greens, revetted bunkers, run-offs and ever-changing coastal winds ensure that every round presents a different challenge.
One of the standout holes is the 17th, Ifrinn, a short par four whose Gaelic name translates as “hell”. The tee shot asks golfers to find the ridge on the left, setting up the best view of a green partially hidden by the dunes. Miss the ideal line and the approach becomes a blind, high-risk shot — a wonderful example of The Machrie’s strategic, natural style.
The Machrie Team Championship 2026
For golfers looking to finish their season in memorable fashion, the Machrie Team Championship, from 2–4 October 2026, is the perfect excuse to head west.
This four-player team competition brings together three rounds over three days on The Machrie’s championship links, combining serious golf with the camaraderie that makes a group golf trip so enjoyable. Supported by Bruichladdich, the event begins with a practice round before the competition gets underway, with a sociable shotgun start, barbecue dinner and prize presentations adding to the weekend atmosphere. The final round follows on Sunday before a closing lunch and presentation.
Better still, teams staying at The Machrie can receive 20% off accommodation during the tournament.
So gather your best four-ball, pack your clubs and prepare for three days of Hebridean links golf, island hospitality and unforgettable scenery.
The Machrie Team Championship 2026
🏌🏽♂️ Four-player team competition
📅 2–4 October 2026
⛳ Three rounds over three days
🥃 Supported by Bruichladdich
🏨 20% off accommodation for tournament stays
Book your space: Machrie Team Championship 2026
For accommodation, email machrie-golf@another.place.
The season deserves a finale like this.