The Islands Collection
If you love Links Golf and you’ve previously sampled the world renowned courses Scotland is famous for, you might want to consider our Island Collection. Exclusivity is the main draw for this Signature trip
A look at the map will show the tiny island of Islay, and its even smaller neighbour, Jura, located off Scotland’s west coast and part of the Inner Hebrides.Famous for their rugged beauty and set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean each offer a truly unique, wonderful and unforgettable golfing experience.These island are not easy to access, but those who make the journey would undoubtedly tell you that what awaits makes the effort very worthwhile.
Let The Links Connection arrange it all – a flight from Glasgow in a light aircraft, landing on the beach of Islay or a cross country drive through the spectacular scenery of the Kintyre peninsula culminating in a two hour ferry crossing to Islay – the choice is yours!
Courses
What’s included
Golf enthusiasts seeking a combination of challenging play and scenic beauty will find an ideal retreat at Ardfin on the Isle of Jura and The Machrie on Islay. Ardfin boasts a dramatic setting with its courses carved along breathtaking cliffs, offering an experience that balances natural splendor with the luxury of a world-class golf destination. In contrast, The Machrie presents a historic and quintessentially Scottish links experience amidst rolling dunes and picturesque views of Laggan Bay.
Both courses are noted for their distinctive landscapes and innovative design, providing a memorable journey beyond the golf itself, complete with upscale accommodations and fine dining set against the backdrop of the serene Hebrides. These venues represent the very essence of golf in Scotland, merging the sport with the tranquility and beauty of island life
The Islands Collection Accommodation
The Machrie Hotel
One of the top 30 hotels in Conde Nast Traveller Awards, offers spectacular sea views and is only steps away from the first tee.
Image above – The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links, Islay, Argyll , Scotland Picture: Phil Inglis All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit ( © Phil INGLIS )
Ardfin Estate, The Quads
An original Manor House beautifully renovated which hosts 13 bedrooms luxuriously furnished.
It is exclusive, it is luxurious and it is unique, as you might expect the hotel also offers a full range of outdoor pursuits on your doorstep – sea fishing or clay pigeon shooting: kayaking, hiking and deer stalking, all here to complement the golf on offer.
Beyond Golf – Scotland
Our golf tours boast some of the finest greens and fairways, but there’s so much more to experience!
Visit our Beyond Golf page for an array of enticing activities. Unwind with serene spa retreats,
savour gourmet dining, or embark on exciting outdoor and cultural adventures. Each experience is
designed to complement your golf tour, offering relaxation or exhilaration as you desire.
And for those looking to elevate their game, don’t miss our Links Golf Clinic – a perfect
opportunity to refine your skills with expert guidance.
Sample Itinerary
The Scottish islands are a very special experience. Rugged, beautiful, wild and sparsely populated they offer much more than golf. Our signature tour could be anything from two nights to a week or more, so here is a sample of what you might look forward to.
DAY 1 – Getting There
As remote as the islands are, the journey there is part of the experience.
The most direct way is to take a short flight from Glasgow to Islay with its beach acting as the landing strip – a flight that reinforces the beauty of your destination.
Alternatively you can drive 4 hours from Glasgow – heading north up the shores of Loch Lomond across the famous Rest and be Thankful road to Inveraray before heading south again down the Kintyre peninsula to Kennacraig where the ferry awaits. It’s a two hour sail to Islay but you’ll have seen some of the most beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer.
The Machrie hotel awaits – comfortable, warm and welcoming
Day 2/3 – Machrie Links
Will one round of golf be enough? Maybe, but maybe two days on the island is better – a second round next day followed by a visit to Bowmore and a tour of its famous distillery.
Day 4/5 – Jura
On the road again but this time it’s a short hop to Jura – only 10 minutes by ferry.
Your destination on Jura is the Ardfin Estate, and your accommodation is the 13 bed lodge house – The Quads.
Ardfin is quite unique. Individually finished individual bedrooms, it is 5 star luxury. The golf course at Ardfin was the brainchild of an Australian billionaire who looked at the raw beauty of the island and saw an 18 hole golf experience like no other.
You must be a resident to play the course and the cost is high but the exclusivity of the venue is guaranteed.
Day 6 – Glasgow or Machrihanish
Time for home? Maybe not? We can either return to Glasgow or head for Machrihanish on the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula for another classic stop on this Signature Tour – the choice is yours!
Book Your Bespoke Golf Tour Today
To discover more about the TLC Swings and to begin planning your golfing trip of a lifetime to Scotland, Ireland (or maybe both)
