Mᴀᴄʜʀɪʜᴀɴɪsʜ Dᴜɴᴇs GC

Mach Dunes gets some mixed reviews. This was a relative 'big name' for Kintyre that I was excited to experience first hand.

Naturally built on SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest - heavily restricted) land, it was never going to be manicured or perfect - but I was intrigued to see whether it was worth the great lengths to even build…

The first few holes take great strides across the rolling topography. Long holes in the same direction, with long walks between tees - a stern start.

It was hard to pick a standout hole, but I particularly enjoyed the 4th - the first picture here. Only 247 from the white tees - driveable but treacherous, with a brilliant punchbowl green. The back 9 was full of great par 4s. The greens are often crazy - blind tee shots and large elevation changes.

To build a course here, on a sprawling SSSI site with shaping restricted, was a logistical triumph. The greens were shaped, but the fairways were simply rolled and cut - local flocks of sheep employed to keep things playable.

The setting is spectacular and the rustic course is definitely worth a play.