The History of The Machrie Links
“This place was made for Gowf”
Willie Campbell – Course Architect, 1891.

When planning the course, he made it intentionally long by 19th century standards to attract golfers to Islay. The Machrie is also unique amongst links courses. Most run alongside the dunes, The Machrie however crosses over the dunes.
















Campbell quickly gained fame as an instructor and as a player on moving to the US. He became the first professional at The Country Club, Brookline, Massachusetts in 1894, the same year he played in the first unofficial US Open, losing by just two shots to Willie Dunn.
While serving as summer pro at Essex Country Club, Manchester, Massachusetts, he planned other courses in the Northeast.





















The Links changes were completed in 2018 and are further complemented by the new Machrie Hotel.

