The Best Opening Hole in the World at Machrihanish Golf Club
Machrihanish Golf Club: The World's Best Opening Hole! Play Old Tom Morris's Scottish par-70 links classic, featuring a shot off the sea with a Driver.
On the rugged west coast of Scotland’s Kintyre Peninsula lies the Machrihanish Golf Club’s Championship Course—a historic masterpiece of links golf that sets golfers’ hearts racing. Founded in 1876 and designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, this historic course exudes Scottish golf history at every turn.
The par-70 course follows the coastline in classic tradition before heading back to the clubhouse on the back nine: an out-to-in design in its purest form. With total lengths ranging from 5,196 to 6,226 yards across three tee options, the course demands skill but rewards visitors on clear days with spectacular views stretching all the way to Ireland.
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Front Nine: The Legendary Ocean Drive and Treacherous Dune Terrain
Right from the start, the course sets standards that are unparalleled in international golf: The first hole—a par-4 dogleg to the left measuring up to 424 yards—is considered the best opening hole in the world for good reason. From the tee near the pro shop, the tee shot must be played directly over the ocean and the beach onto the Fairway on the opposite side. The farther the ball flies, the more courage is required to hit it over the water.
After this thrill, the course quickly shows its teeth: The following second hole, up to 393 yards long, is considered the toughest hole of the round and demands the utmost precision for a blind shot over a classic burn and steep hills. The front nine holes feature typical links elements such as treacherous pot bunkers, undulating dune terrain, and blind tee shots, where red-and-white marker posts serve as guides.
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Back Nine: Sloping Fairways and the Finale at the Clubhouse
The Back Nine winds through undulating Fairways that often slope from left to right, offering great sporting highlights with the 198-yard par-3 on hole 11 and the drivable, 232-yard par-4 on hole 16. The finale on Hole 18 leads back to the clubhouse via a short Par-4 defended by pot bunkers and a wide dip.
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The Magic of the Kintyre Peninsula
Machrihanish combines pure links character with the magic of a historic pioneering course. Those who make the trip to the Kintyre Peninsula will be rewarded with an unforgettable golfing experience. Combined with the neighboring Machrihanish Dunes and the Dunaverty Golf Club, this creates a first-class destination for a golf trip. The trip is perfectly rounded out by an overnight stay at the historic Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish Village, where you can wind down after a challenging round in the atmospheric old pub.
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Release date
14 Nov 2026
photos
The first hole at Machrihanish Golf Club is considered the best opening hole in the world. (Photo: Michael Althoff)
Scenes from the Machrihanish Golf Club in Scotland. (Photos: Michael Althoff)
