The owner of Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland, Tommy Southworth, has announced ambitious plans for expansion that will cost upwards of £100 million. This project includes the addition of a second links course, expanded accommodation, and training facilities with the goal of turning the resort into a destination similar to Bandon Dunes in Oregon. Planning permission has been granted for the expansion, and work on the new course is expected to begin next year. Southworth is currently in talks with potential partners to provide capital and hospitality expertise for the project.
Machrihanish Dunes, which opened in 2009 on a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is known for being one of the most natural golf courses in the world and was the first GEO-certified course in the UK. Despite its remote location in Kintyre on Scotland’s west coast, Southworth believes the uniqueness of the site will appeal to future generations of golfers both locally and internationally. The challenge of reaching the resort, described as being at “the end of the Earth,” is both a blessing and a curse, according to Southworth, as it creates a special experience but also limits accessibility.
The expansion plans for Machrihanish Dunes include a third luxury hotel, a new 35,000-square foot clubhouse, 50 new golf cottages, and a large golf teaching facility. Southworth emphasizes that the additional amenities are primarily for visitors and training resources are a draw in themselves. The current course is operating below capacity at 5,000 rounds annually, and Southworth expects a significant increase in this number post-expansion. The facilities are also designed to potentially host large events and cater to the world’s best golfers in the future.
The Village at Machrihanish Dunes currently employs 77 year-round staff and 30 seasonal employees, with plans to increase these numbers to 90 and 50 respectively once the expansion project is complete. Southworth envisions the resort becoming a golfing destination that attracts visitors from around the world, similar to the success of Bandon Dunes in the US. With a focus on creating an authentic golfing experience and providing top-notch facilities, the aim is to make the journey to Machrihanish Dunes worth it for golf enthusiasts looking for a unique destination.
Overall, the goal of the expansion project at Machrihanish Dunes is to create a world-class golf destination that appeals to golfers of all levels. Through strategic partnerships, the addition of new facilities, and a focus on providing an exceptional experience, Southworth aims to establish Machrihanish Dunes as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts. The resort’s remote location is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, with plans in place to capitalize on the unique appeal of being located “at the end of the Earth” to draw visitors from far and wide.
