Machrihanish Golf Club, Campbeltown, Scotland

Machrihanish was established in 1876 with ten holes, then "re established" in 1879 when Old Tom Morris expanded it to eighteen including the famous first where you have to carry a healthy corner of the Atlantic. If there's a breeze be happy with five on this very unusual hole. Otherwise, Machrihanish is one of the most natural links there is. Its 6,462 yard par 70 plays fast and firm through larger than normal Scottish dunes to greens some like punchbowls, some like plateaus. The bunkering is classic, the fairways pitch and roll, the views are striking. The only real knock there's ever been on World #93 was its maddeningly remote location on Mull of Kintyre. Not any more. The drive that required over three hours has been replaced by a high speed ferry that takes just over an hour from Troon. Better yet, you'll find yet another links treasure on the Mull now at David McLay Kidd's impressive new Machrihanish Dunes. A visit to Machrihanish may also be combined with play at Royal Troon, Turnberry, Prestwich and Western Gailes.