All Things Scotland! The Grand Opening of Machrihanish Dunes took place on Tuesday, July 21st.  The festivities began the night before, when attendees and journalists were invited to mingle at the Old Clubhouse Pub. Those in attendance included Minister of Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Jim Mather, course architect David McLay Kidd, several members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, members of the adjacent Machrihanish Golf Club, and a number of golf writers and journalists from around the world. The event's entertainment was a surprise visit from "Old Tom" Morris.  A hush quickly fell over the crowd as "Old Tom" strode proudly in, surveyed the group, and wove an extensive tale, relating both his triumphs and trials as he helped create some of the world's most famous golf courses, including Machrihanish, more than 100 years earlier.  With "Old Tom's" exit, revelry began in full.  After a hearty meal, the energized guests remained at the pub, appreciative of the wide variety of quality spirits that included a tasting of Springbank whiskies. The Official Grand Opening took place the next morning, with even more grandeur and fanfare.  After being introduced by "Old Tom" Morris, course architect David McLay Kidd spoke about his lifelong dream to build a second course in Machrihanish.  He was followed by visionary Brian Keating, as well as the two principal shareholders of the project, David Southworth and Joseph Deitch.  Immediately following the closing remarks by David Southworth, guests were offered the chance to talk to David McLay Kidd and "Old Tom," enjoy a buffet, and experience the newly opened course. In traditional Scottish fashion, the course was swept by sunshine wind and rain to varying degrees throughout the day.  After golfers finished their rounds, the celebration was continued back at The Old Clubhouse.  Even more food and drink were presented and consumed, while golfers traded scores and stories of Machrihanish Dunes. (From left to right; Southworth Development partners Joe Deitch and David Southworth, course architect, David McLay Kidd, "Old Tom" Morris, Machrihanish Dunes partner Brian Keating, and Minister of Enterprise, Energy and Tourism The Hon. Jim Mather) "The first improvement in golf equipment came in 1618 with the arrival of the feather ball, or 'featherie,' as it was known. King James I grants monopoly for 21 years to James Melville for the manufacture of golf balls, provided that he does not charge more than four shillings a ball." The Ugadale Cottages at Machrihanish Dunes The course at Machrihanish Dunes was not the only place in Machrihanish to enjoy an official opening during this period. Southworth Development's The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, including The Old Clubhouse and the Ugadale Cottages, received its official opening as well.  Receiving rave reviews, the two venues were both lauded by patrons for a variety of reasons. (The oceanfront Ugadale Golf Cottages) The modern amenities amongst the cozy, old-world feel of the cottages are loved by all who stay there.  Visitors raved about the comfortable beds, as well as the luxurious living rooms and grandiose showers.  The ocean view from each of the cottages did not go unnoticed, and the proximity to The Old Clubhouse adds to the sense of warmth and community.  Along with the presence of "Old Tom's" Machrihanish Golf Club, there is a noticeably historical feel to the location, and the cottage's peacefully quiet cottage courtyard has an almost reverent feel about it. This is in some contrast to the Old Clubhouse Pub, which enjoys the hustle and bustle of guests at all times of the day.  With what can easily be considered the best food in the area and a selection of fine single malt whiskies, The Old Clubhouse is never without patronage.  As many foreign as local guests can be seen here, and all have a friendly smile or a polite comment for the other visitors. The popularity of the Old Clubhouse comes after extensive renovations.  The Old Clubhouse, which did originally serve as the Machrihanish Golf Course Clubhouse, was converted into a pub in the 1960's, but had more recently fallen into some level of disrepair.  The complete overhaul of the building equipment, food, beverages, and staff does not go unnoticed by patrons, and meals, as well as perfectly poured drafts and aged single malts, are enjoyed by all who walk through the venue's doors. "In 1567 - two days after the murder of her husband - Mary, Queen of Scots was accused of playing golf instead of mourning." The Heart of Links Visitors are also pleased by the ready accessibility of Machrihanish.  Set in the Heart of Links-land, Machrihanish Dunes is a short distance from some of the world's most famous golf courses.  While it goes almost without saying that Machrihanish Dunes is but a stone's throw from ‘Old Tom' Morris' Machrihanish Golf Club, which boasts the generally agreed upon best opening hole in golf, the proximity of some of the other nearby greats was seen as a pleasant surprise.  Among them, Dunaverty is less than thirty minutes away, and Shiskine can be reached in approximately two hours.  Furthermore, Turnberry, Prestwick, and Royal Troon can all be reached in under two hours, with the availability of the Kintyre Express high-speed launch.  When taking longer, more scenic routes, the courses are still all under four hours away, with the option of taking either a delightfully scenic drive or a car-friendly ferry.  Even The Machrie, known for being beautifully remote and rarely busy, is just three hours away.  Courses on the Northern tip of Ireland such as Portstewart and Royal Portrush are also nearby, and the upcoming reinstatement of a ferry service to the Northern tip will make these great courses readily available.

Whiskey  A Campbeltown Trademark     In addition to an astounding variety of accessible golf courses, Machrihanish Dunes is close to a number of famous and storied whiskey distilleries.  Campbeltown, which used to be the center of the whiskey industry, is considered to be its own Scotch ‘region,' and offers distinctive, full-bodied whiskies.  The most famous distillery in the region, Springbank, is just minutes from Machrihanish, and offers tours that are both intriguing and informative.    Though the once bustling Campbeltown whiskey trade quieted towards the end of the 20th century, it has begun to pick up in recent years.  Glen Scotia distillery maintains a collection of very well-received, aged single-malt whiskies, despite frequent changes of ownership in the late 1900's.  With the purchase at the end of the 20th century by Loch Lomond distillery, Glen Scotia has fully stabilized, and has been moving steadily along ever since.  The Glengyle distillery has also recently become active again.  Closed in 1925, it was purchased in 2000, renovated by 2004, and plans to release its first bottlings under the name ‘Kilkerran' in 2012.    With the growing revitalization of Campbeltown, it will be interesting to see how many of its distilleries once again begin to show signs of life.  Home to over 30 distilleries in its heyday, Campbeltown still has the remnants and outfittings of many of the previously major distributors.  A renewed interest in the area has become increasingly apparent in recent years, and a revival of the areas famed whiskey trade seems already to have begun. "The Almichty maun hae had gowf in his e'e when he made this place." -"Old Tom" Morris   FAQ about The Ugadale Cottages "The first recorded international golf match pits the Duke of York and John Paterstone of Scotland against two English nobelmen. The Scots won." Machrihanish Dunes Makes an Impact on the Media   Below please find various links to the media gathered for the Machrihanish Dunes Grand Opening. All recent press can be found on the Machrihanish Dunes website.   Examiner.com Machrihanish Dunes: The Next Great Golf Experience   Campbeltown Courrier Machrihanish Dunes Opens in some Style   Scottish Golf View Castle Stewart & Machrihanish Dunes : Two More Aces in Scotland's Golf Pack   The Herald First New Links Course in a Century Opens   News.Scotsman.com Golf Course to make Trump Green with Envy   For Argyll Big Day for Golf in Argyll and in Scotland   The Scottish Government Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club "In 1834 - King William IV, who was also Duke of St. Andrews, grants the title 'Royal & Ancient' to the Society of St Andrews Golfers." Archive To view past eNewsletters please click here.