Machrihanish (Pans)
There is also a separate nine-hole layout at Machrihanish. Located adjacent to the main course “The Pans”, in traditional fashion, runs out for five holes before turning back for home. The first tee is situated a few hundred yards from the pro-shop.
It’s played over linksland although with it being located more inland there is a slightly softer feel to the fairways. As you would expect the condition isn’t of the same standard as the championship course, nor is the challenge, but I spent a very enjoyable hour whizzing around the course and would recommend it.
There are a couple of belting par-threes early on in the round (1st and 3rd) with the best of the golf found between the 5th and 7th at the far end of the links where we find wonderfully crumpled ground to negotiate and some cute little green complexes with many swales and hollows. The fairways of the 4th and 8th are less inspiring but that apart there is much to enjoy on the par 34, 2,376-yard layout.
For £10 it’s good value for money if you have some additional time to spare whilst at Machrihanish where you could quite easily just take half a dozen clubs in a pencil bag and have a whirl. The course certainly plays better than it looks from the main course.
