Machrie Hotel and Golf Links

The Machrie Golf Links, originally laid out in 1891 by pioneering designer Willie Campbell, is now getting a wider name for itself as one of the world's top links courses. Machrie, also the home of the Islay Golf Club, is located on the tiny Isle of Islay, 15 miles off Scotland's west coast.

Apart from a few changes made in the 1980s by Donald Steel, this challenging golf course has changed little in more than 100 years and has a fascinating history. The Machrie's main claim to fame is its own Open Championship of 1901, which included the Great Triumvirate of Harry Vardon, John Henry Taylor and James Braid.

At 6,250 yards, Machrie's length is modest by today's standards, but that doesn't detract from the challenge it musters. There are blind holes everywhere, a killer wind and the ever-present sand dunes.

A less demanding six-hole golf course is also available.