Ferry Golf Trail
4 MIN READ
“If you have the spirit of adventure, a sense of humour and want to do something a bit different, then island golf is for you.”
Gary Sutherland, in his book, ‘Golf on the Rocks: A Journey Round Scotland’s Island Courses,’ makes no secret of his love for ferries. Hopping on them is at the heart of this Trail – journeys to uncover incredible, remote courses, take-the-breath-away views and local hospitality to warm the heart. It’s generally affordable too. Often pop £5 to £10 in an honesty box and off you can go.
Remarkably, Scotland has over 900 offshore islands, most of which are to be found in four main groups – Shetland, Orkney, and the Hebrides, sub-divided into the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides.
In writing his book, Sutherland adds: “I picked out 18 islands, but there are probably 30 you can find a golf course on in Scotland. I was drawn like other tourists to the white sands and turquoise waters of the Outer Hebrides, with beaches that look like they come from the Caribbean.”
The Outer Hebrides, an island chain off the west coast, offers some great golf. Askernish is set on the Isle of South Uist, originally designed in 1891 by Old Tom Morris. Incredibly, the course was lost for over 70 years before Master Greenkeeper Gordon Irvine stumbled across it on holiday and re-discovered its remarkable heritage.
Elsewhere, you can make the drive (if you wish) by car to the Isle of Skye. Nestled at the foot of the Red Cuillins, with stunning views of the Old man of Storr and across to Raasay, the golf club is a gem. Barra (the most westerly in the UK) and Benbecula have courses too, while the Isle of Harris offers another 9-hole test. Don’t forget Stornoway or Traigh for a visit with the clubs either.
Ferry hopping allows journeys of discovery, it’s where the mood takes you. Feel that sea air and drink in those views, from on the course and off it. The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links on Islay continues to grow in reputation, a masterpiece redesigned by DJ Russell. Tobermory is a 9-hole course set on the cliff tops of Mull, with neighbouring Iona even having a course – just avoid the sheep!
Venture elsewhere and Colonsay, Seil and Coll all have golf courses on their islands. Of all Scotland’s islands, though, Arran is perhaps the most regarded for golf – seven in all! Many a golfing party makes the journey from Glasgow, down the west coast and across the water. The quaint 12-hole links at Shiskine tends to grab the headlines, and rightly so, but don’t forget the likes of Brodick, Corrie and Lamlash.
Over on Cumbrae, Millport is a superb and challenging 18-hole course with magnificent views across the Firth of Clyde to the islands of Bute and Arran. Bute itself is home to three clubs, including Rothesay and Port Bannatyne.
Back on the mainland, Glencruitten in Oban is now firmly on the map – the home club of the nation’s leading player, Robert MacIntyre. Tarbert and Carradale are also in the Argyle area, with the latter 9-hole course offering stunning panoramas across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran, Ailsa Craig and, on a good day, to Ayrshire.
Down the west coast you will find Campbeltown and more wild and remote golf well worth the journey. Dunaverty, Machrihanish and Machrihanish Dunes are simply unforgettable. Check in at the ‘Dunes’ and relax in luxury surroundings. You deserve it after all those ferry trips.