Travel bucket list idea:
This modern masterpiece sits on the southern tip of Jura Island, its humps and bumps a feat of golfing imagination and creativity. There’s a run of holes that hug the cliff tops, but the whole course is a delight and well worth the inevitable sleeve (or two) of lost balls.
It’s not an easy course, but the stunning surroundings – as well as the ultra-fancy hotel, which was completely refurbed in 2020 – make this one of the very best golfing experiences in Europe.
The course is four miles southwest of Craighouse; Flights operate daily to Islay from Glasgow International Airport via Loganair, or you could choose to take the mainland ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen and Port Askaig.
April to September is the best time to play; at other times the weather can be wild. The course has yet to announce whether players will be allowed to play without staying at the hotel.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Spectacular landscapes, impeccable fairways and greens, brilliantly-designed holes and plenty of golfing folklore – we asked golf expert and journalist Fionn Davenport to recommend his top 30 golf courses from around the world.
