Rankings and Testimonials

“The finest contemporary golf course redesign in the UK” – Golf Monthly

Scotland’s Golf Hotel of the Year 2023/24, Scottish Hotel Awards

We are proud to see our course becoming re-established in several notable course ranking lists and prestigious awards including most recently being awarded Scotland’s Golf Hotel of the Year 2023/24 at the Scottish Hotel Awards.

Golf World

Golf World logo

The Machrie’s golf course is ranked in the following categories:

  • 75th in Golf World’s Top 100 best courses in the world
  • 80th in Golf World’s Top 100 best golf resorts in the world
  • 16th in Golf World’s Top 100 best resorts in the UK & Ireland

The Golf World editors said: “Probably the oldest resort in the ranking, but it’s had the most wonderful and comprehensive makeover in every sense. DJ Russell has made the links playable yet still super fun and the hotel is high end. For the links lover, absolute perfection.”

Leading Courses – Best Golf Resorts in Europe

We are proud to be ranked at #6 in Leading Courses’ Best Golf Resorts in Europe 2022. This is the only unbiased list of golf resorts based entirely on user reviews.

You can read more here

NCG Top 100s

In National Club Golfer’s GB&I’s Top 100 Courses 2020, The Machrie was ranked as the 47th best course in the British Isles.

“Several members of our panel have enthusiastically returned to The Machrie since the renovation and they have all been hugely impressed,” said Dan Murphy, editor of National Club Golfer’s list, which was published at the end of 2019.

“They spoke of the subtlety of DJ Russell’s work and of course it’s hard not be blown away by the whole island experience and near-constant sea views,” he said.

In the NCG Top 100s Scotland list, The Machrie is placed at No 29, and it is No 19 in their GB&I Fun Courses ranking.

Golf Monthly

Golf Monthly ranked The Machrie at No 90 in their Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2019-20.

Meanwhile, The Machrie is ranked at No 61 by Top100golfcourses.co.uk. in their Britain and Ireland ranking and at No 21 in their Scotland list.

Testimonials

“I had the pleasure to come to The Isle of Islay and play the Machrie Links in 2020. It is one of the most attractive yet testing courses I have had the privilege to play. The elements dictate how you navigate the course, not only do you have to keep an eye out for where your ball goes but you have to check the weather and wind direction too! My eldest grandson Regan and I were lucky enough to play a few rounds with DJ, he talked us through the layout changes he made and why. It has been magnificently designed by DJ Russell. An absolute must for all golf lovers out there.” – Sir Ian Botham

“Any expectation I had of The Machrie Hotel and Links was blown out of the water on arrival. The spectacular coastal scenery and warm hospitality alone left me wanting to visit annually but throw in a world class golf course, facilities and luxurious accommodation…well it’s quite clear, once a year is not nearly enough! The gem in the crown of the Hebrides.” – Iona Stephen

“As I am very passionate about all Scottish golf courses I had heard great reviews and visited the newly designed Machrie Links which did not disappoint and offers a very enjoyable playable golf course that is highly maintained and the run offs and contours of the greens will challenge all levels while maximising the fun factor and is a brilliant addition and a must visit.” – Marc Warren

“The Machrie is a really special place with a great feel about it. I like the challenge and variety of the links, which is playable for everyone but can be set-up to be a very strong test too. There are some really gorgeous holes within the setting of Scotland’s rugged and beautiful Atlantic West Coast” – Paul Lawrie

Scottish Hotel Awards

Hotel awards logo

2023/24 Golf Hotel of the Year
2020 Scottish Golf Hotel of the Year
2020 Scottish Hotel of the Year