Latest News
Machrie Spring Challenge 2008 Results
Added: Tuesday April 1st
Like its big brother in October, this competition goes from strength to strength. We had over 70 entrants this year, despite the distraction of the Old Firm Football and the promise of inclement weather. The early starters got round dry, with Billy Campbell strolling round in 74 to set the pace. The heavens opened soon after Billy arrived back at base, and it was so grim that many competitors walked straight on after the 12th. Diane Brown battled on valiantly through the worst of the weather to win the Ladies Prize, while Ken Wyllie added to the impressive haul of loot he already has for the season by winning the over 50’s. Keith McDonald had the best scratch score, and the Team Prize was won by Charles and Arthur Holyoake with Alec McLean and Alistair Livingstone. Many thanks indeed to John Cambell at Laphroaig for donating some magnificent prizes for this competition.
Next year’s Spring Challenge will be on Saturday 28th March
Golf Course Update - Winter Work
Added: Tuesday April 1st
Due to my construction commitments a Castletown during October, we didn’t do quite as much construction at Machrie this year as we sometimes have in the past. We did manage, however, to build an entirely new 16th tee, which is slightly higher and a bit further right than the old one. The general consensus is that it lines up with the fairway better without compromising the design of the hole. Our other big project was the extension of the main putting green at the 1st tee. This is now twice the size, and has bedded in really well. We rebuilt the bunkers at the front of the 5th, as well as one at the 13th and the one at the front of the 11th.
Scottish Universities Tournament
Added: Tuesday April 1st
Machrie hosted the Scottish Universities Spring Medal on March 15-16th. This medal was played over 54 holes, with 36 of those played in a 20mph East wind on the first day. Conditions on the second day were benign. Steven Hume from Abertay University won the event with a score of 234, while the Ladies Tournament (over 36 holes) was won by Morag MacPherson from St Andrews, who shot 164 off what were basically the yellow tees.
Like most people, the students seemed to struggle to come to terms with the unusual challenge set by the Machrie Links. They have promised to come back and have another crack at it soon, though, which will be nice, because they really were a polite and courteous bunch of people.
Machrie Open 24th & 25th May 2008
Added: Wednesday 26th March
The Machrie Open will be held on the 24th & 25th of May 2008. There is a 2 rounds stroke play competition over the Machrie Links with scratch & handicap trophies. Entry is £20 for members of Islay Golf Club and £45 for Non-Members. This includes a practice round on Friday 23rd May.
Click for Machrie Open 2008 PDF Entry Form