new Top100 Scotland ranking ...

[tiderider]

Turnberry moves to #1 ... will be a world 100 top 5, presumably ... not all that surprising ... the condition of the course was fabulous when we played it in July, and the caddies at Troon, though obviously not exactly enamored with the owner, stated the course was always in fantastic shape, and the changes to the course insured it is an Open rota course once the owner's political career is over ... https://www.top100golfcourses.com/news-item/top-100-golf-courses-of-scotland-2020

most interesting, however, was Ardfin at #12 ... new course on the Isle of Jura, next to the Isle of Islay, where some famous distilleries known for the "peatiness" of their product are located (smell some gasoline; same thing) ... built by an Australian gazillionaire, the golf course currently is for the exclusive use of the owner ... there is no website, and very little information to go on ... built on a very large tract of land the owner bought ... hired a former member of Norman's team to build the course ... bit of info on the web states it will be a very exclusive club, with membership around 250,000 quid ... spectacular site with ocean views on every hole ...https://www.planetgolf.com/courses/scotland/ardfin-golf-courseAmong the obvious standouts are death-or-glory par threes at the 2nd and 10th, the latter with a delightful green and generous bailout for those reluctant to take their shot straight across the canyon. The driveable 3rd and 9th holes are also terrific, as are strategic, stone-wall par fours at the 5th and 6th, which share a communal fairway and cleverly reward golfers able to place their tee shots nearer the walls.As with a links like The Machrie, before it was redesigned, the best holes at Ardfin are difficult to pidgeonhole or directly compare. The short par four 8th, for example, is unlike anything we’ve seen before; its tee shot wedged between a steep crag and a sheer drop off and its two landing zones separated by a stone fence. While some will criticize the forced lay-back from the tee, there are unlikely to be arguments over the approach, an exhilarating short-iron toward a pimple ledge and with all of Islay’s rugged majesty staring directly at you. Few holes wow quite like this one.Proof of the great diversity on display across the estate, remaining highlights are spread from upland areas with elevated outlooks down to holes pressed hard against the rocky shoreline. Each of the final ten enjoys superb views of an isolated islet known as Froach Eilean, with its 12th century castle ruins. The hole that gets closest to the island, the 11th, is probably the best par four on the property, and features a lovely, broad drive and an exciting, all-carry approach across a wetland. An old stone boathouse on a spit of land behind this green has been converted into a five-star comfort station and is sure to become an iconic part of the Ardfin experience.Following refreshments at the 11th, comes a stern closing sequence back to Jura House that starts with a demanding par three into the base of a craggy hill and continues onto a series of two-and-three shot tests that are largely unforgiving on the misfiring golfer. The most memorable of these are the 14th, with some of Ardfin’s finest vistas and most authentic golf undulations, and the multiroute par five 16th, which can be played conservatively but is deliciously tempting for those able to nudge their drive down the tighter right side.

 

 

 

[philsRHman]

Interesting seeing Lundin (and to a lesser extent Leven as well) so high on the list, miles ahead of Crail, which seems to get a lot of love. Also curious to see both Crail courses ranked so close, as I think all the advice I’ve seen is to play Balcomie, have barely read about Craighead at all.

[Bargegolf]

We played both courses at Crail, Balcomie is Old Tom design. Has some interesting quirky holes and for those who have read Golf in the Kingdom a visit to the cave is a must LOL.

We enjoyed Craighead, designed by Gil Hanse. A modern but true links course that, in my opinion, is a much better play than the Castle Course ... Would prioritize Lundin over Castle as well but that is just me.

 

Enjoy your trip.

 

[milesgiles]

If I had my way ultra exclusive or ludicrously expensive courses wouldn’t feature on top courses lists. Especially not in Scotland, where it’s supposed to be an egalitarian game.

[tiderider]

get your sentiment, but "ludicrously expensive" is subjective ... pebble beach qualifies for that since the only way to get a guaranteed tee time is to stay at the resort, which requires a minimum 2 night stay at $800 per night (cheapest option), plus the green fee of $500 ... exclusive clubs are either exclusive or not; there's no degree such as "ultra" ... if the course is good, rate it and rank it ... i'll never play augusta, pv, friar's head, etc, but they deserve to be ranked ...

[cardoustie]

Ardfin looks incredible

[FairwayFred]

I spent 2 full days playing Ardfin last month and it's incredible. It's under rated at 12th in Scotland. It might be the best land that I've ever seen any course on in the world. For reference I've played 72 of the new Golf Magazine World Top 100 so I've seen a thing or two when I make that statement. I was not expecting anything like what I found there. It completely blew me away. It like playing 15 or 16 Cypress Point or 6,7,8,9 Pebble but for 18 (actually 19) holes.

Attached are some pics I took.

[tiderider]

good stuff ... i assume i won't be able to play it, be we'll see ... is there a hole somewhere between those rock formations, or is that where you don't want to go? ...

 

another tidbit about the island itself is that orwell spent much of his last days there, finishing up 1984 ...

[El Gringo]

Thanks for the Ardfin pix. The diversity of holes is incredible. Looks very difficult!

[Schley]

Wow an early Ardfin sneak peak! Awesome. Thanks so much Fred. Can you tell us about the logistical issues of actually getting there? I have heard it will be quite the undertaking.

[FairwayFred]

No there is actually a hole out there. That's #10 a 180y par 3. Greens on top of the cliff. Amazing hole.

[FairwayFred]

It is difficult. You can't really spray it right now or you can lose a ton of balls. They are working on that issue over the off-season.

[FairwayFred]

For me its about a 35 min drive to the ferry terminal in Kennacraig. Then a 2h ferry to Port Askaig on Islay. Then another ferry which is only about 5 min over to Jura. Ardfin is about 10 min from the Jura ferry.

[Schley]

Sounds quicker than Machrihanish Golf Club

 

[FairwayFred]

Not for me. I live 5 min from Machrihanish GC. :)

 

Ardfin definitely takes effort to get to but it's more than worth it.

[Schley]

oh gotcha you are south. I looked into joining Mach as I plan to take a trip there this coming summer on advice from numerous golf buddies. Looking forward to it. Greatest opening hole in golf.)

 

BTW how is the clubhouse coming along? What is the progress after the burndown?

[FairwayFred]

Yeah I'm in Campbeltown which is the actual town near Machrihanish.

There's 3 courses here well worth playing. Machrihanish (Old), Machrihanish Dunes and Dunaverty.

Machrihanish clubhouse has just started being re-built. It should be done next fall. Won't be open yet in summer.

Let me know when you coming here I'd be happy to host.

Pic of tee shot of Machrihanish #1, the greatest opening hole in golf featuring the worlds largest bunker. (it keeps going for about 30 miles)

[Schley]

Love the view from tee #1 at least my slice is safe!

 

You got it, I'll give you a holler. Will be going up to Royal Dornoch as well during the trip so keep that in mind.

[FairwayFred]

TONS of room right!

[tiderider]

seems as if you spray it, you'll lose more golf club heads than balls ...

[Chanceman]

But are there rooms to stay??? ie Course is brlliant, Travel Access is Ok, but what about Playing Access ?? and Accommodation ??,

[FairwayFred]

Are we talking about Machrihanish or Ardfin?

[Chanceman]

Ardfin but I would appreciate any comments on Machrihanish too. Thanks.

BTW Sand Hills was awesome. We were treated like members and all had a great time. Cant recommend golf in Nebraska highly enough.

[FairwayFred]

Ardfin has accommodations on site that are phenomenal. The whole place is 5 star. I am not sure what their exact plan for access is yet they dont really "open" until 2020 and any play is limited to when the owner and family are not on site.

 

As for Machrihanish, Campbeltown is less than 10 min away and has numerous hotels and restaurants etc. Lovely little seaside town w about 5k people. There's also a hotel located across from the golf course at Machrihanish that is owned by Machrihanish Dunes and is very nice.

[FairwayFred]

And glad to hear you had such a great time at Sand Hills. Such a special place.

[thecraw]

I personally prefer the Dunes over Machrihanish.

 

Re the Scottish 100 these lists are very subjective and can certainly cause disagreement and stimulate debate. Certainly a good few in theer that I would have ranked lower/higher, a couple that wouldn't have made the list etc etc.

[FairwayFred]

I go back and forth between Mach Old and Mach Dunes on which I like better. Depends on the day. Nice to have them both so close.

[downforg]

Objectively based upon the pictures of Ardfin, apart from the views and tilt of the terrain, it appears to be a sterile design, watered down for safety and membership sales, there are no quirks or bold design features, clearly the architect took the safe route, no risks taken therefore nothing to be gained. Are we judging it based on it views, price tag, remoteness or the design at 12th?

[FairwayFred]

Having played it I definitely strongly disagree with this. There's plenty of strategy and quirk. A number of good short holes. Shots over old stones walls. A few blind shots. A number of holes w really good and challenging angles. Penty of bold design features. Very not watered down and safe and I'm pretty sure they don't plan on selling any memberships. My biggest criticisms would be that they need to work on drainage, (they are) and they need to make shots off the fairway more findable and playable. They are working on both. I'm excited to go back in 2020 hopefully and see what they are doing over the winter.

[tiderider]

hot take ... that's a lot of critique based off some pics of a few holes ... and the owner is a gazillionaire, so i don't think membership sales are a concern ... at all ...