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Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we journey to the rugged west coast of Scotland, where, on March 11, 1876, a group of golf enthusiasts gathered at the Argyll Arms Hotel in Campbeltown to lay the foundation for what would become one of Scotland’s most iconic golf courses—Machrihanish Golf Club. If you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!

The late 19th century was a golden era for golf in Scotland. The game, which had been played on Scottish linksland for centuries, was undergoing a period of rapid growth, with clubs springing up across the country. Machrihanish, a small coastal village on the Kintyre Peninsula, seemed a natural choice for a golf course. The land itself—undulating dunes, firm sandy turf, and the relentless presence of the Atlantic Ocean—offered the perfect canvas for a classic links course.

The formation of the club was no small undertaking. Campbeltown, the nearest town, was a thriving hub of whisky production and maritime trade, but it was still remote, even by 19th-century standards. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm for golf in the area was undeniable. On that fateful evening at the Argyll Arms Hotel, a decision was made: Machrihanish Golf Club was officially founded, and work would begin on shaping the land into a true golfer’s paradise.

In its early years, Machrihanish was a modest nine-hole course, designed in harmony with the natural terrain. But it didn’t take long for the course to attract wider attention. In 1879, the legendary Old Tom Morris—four-time Open Champion and one of the greatest golf course designers of all time—visited Machrihanish and saw immense potential. He expanded the course to 18 holes, carefully routing fairways and greens through the dunes, enhancing its strategic brilliance while preserving its rugged beauty.

The result was nothing short of spectacular. Morris’s design at Machrihanish is a masterpiece of traditional links golf. The course starts with what many consider one of the best opening holes in the world—a dramatic tee shot over the beach, where the rolling waves of the Atlantic threaten to swallow up any errant drive. From there, the course twists and turns through towering dunes, offering breathtaking views and relentless challenges. The ever-changing coastal winds mean no two rounds are ever the same, adding to its mystique.

Over the decades, Machrihanish has earned a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest golfing destinations. It has hosted numerous championships and has been ranked among the world’s top links courses. But more than that, it has retained its character—wild, untamed, and utterly unique. Unlike the grand, manicured fairways of modern resort courses, Machrihanish is a place where nature still reigns. Rabbits dart across the greens, the wind howls through the dunes, and the sea spray lingers in the air.

For those who make the pilgrimage to play Machrihanish, it is more than just a round of golf—it is an experience, a connection to the very roots of the game. And it all began on that March evening in 1876, when a group of passionate golfers gathered in a small hotel and dared to dream of a course that would stand the test of time.

Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tale of tradition, nature, and sporting excellence. Don't forget to check out my blog for more historical events at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. Tune in tomorrow for another journey through Scotland’s remarkable past. I'm Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!

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