In May of 2009 golf pilgrims from around the world will have yet another reason to visit Scotland. On the west coast of Scotland there will be a new addition to the golf tourists “bucket list”. The vision of Machrihanish Dunes began to appear in the subconscious of Brian Keating some time ago and he will soon be able to share it with golf fanatics far and near. Keating is the principal responsible for bringing the first new 18-hole course to Scotland’s west coast in 100 years.

In September of 2004 Keating began work on the project. Discovering the perfect site to build a world-class links course was the challenge. Having already compiled a short list of golf course architects to see his vision to completion Keating was thrilled to award this project to David McLay Kidd. Kidd understood Keating’s vision, which was to take what nature had provided and add minimally to it. The course occupies a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The SSSi was established in 1980 and protects all-important coastal sites in the UK.  This is the highest protection category under the law to protect environmentally sensitive land. As a condition of consent for construction, the fairways had to remain as nature had laid them out and the tees and greens were constructed by hand. Almost no fertilizing or additional watering will be conducted on the golf course. Another natural and historic application to control vegetation growth in certain areas of the golf course will be the use of sheep grazing in these designated areas.

Located in Kintyre the history one will encounter is reminiscent of days gone by. The natural beauty of the landscape and the ability to play real links golf is the ultimate experience for a true golfer. Another “must play” located just adjacent is Machrihanish Golf Course which was designed by Old Tom Morris and opened in 1879.

After golf you can travel to Campbeltown for the fresh seafood and the local music scene featuring folk music, brass bands and pipers. The area boasts 600 registered bagpipers. No visit to this area of Scotland would be complete without traveling the “long and winding road” which was immortalized in song by Sir Paul McCartney.

Begin to make your travel plans now for your visit to Machrihanish Dunes in the spring of 2009.

For more information on Machrihanish Dunes visit their official site at http://www.machrihanishdunes.com/about/

You can read a complete Question and Answer article with Brian Keating at http://www.golfbistro.org/golf-tourism-machrihanish-dunes-scotland-s-west-coast.html

Dana Buttenhoff is the Golf Editor for Wandering Educators