James Finnegan, Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens, on the Machrie course
A beautiful coastal drive from Crear down the Mull of Kintyre brings you to Machrihanish. The first hole across sand and surf was recently voted the best in the world. This is a championship natural links course, an inspiring challenge set on the Atlantic shore looking out to Ireland and Islay.
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At the tip of the Mull you reach Dunaverty, a stunning 18 holes with a panorama of Ayrshire, Ailsa Craig (Paddy's Mile Stone), and Ireland. Arguably one of the finest greens in Scotland. The home course of Belle McCorkindale, Scottish and British Champion for many years.
Another drive with staggering views on the east of the Mull is Carradale. One of the most sporting nine holes in Scotland, with perfect greens and sensational views of the Peaks of Arran, the "Sleeping Giant", rising out of the Firth of Clyde. This course is a scenic gem and should not be missed. Breathtaking, unrivalled and stunning are the words which spring to mind as you arrive on the first green.
An early start and a beautiful ferry ride to Islay to reach Machrie, one of the best courses in the world. At 6250 yards long, the Machrie course is described as a subtle beast with a sense of humour. In the natural sand dunes lurk its wicked teeth, and a capricious temperament sometimes provoked by winds of varied strengths and direction.
Just along the road from Crear is Tarbert, a short yet stunning moorland nine holer, with well maintained undulating fairways and even better greens. Tarbert is particularly picturesque in parts with a number of holes serving up views of West Loch Tarbert.
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