It’s a tough day for golfers. If you’re a dedicated, knowledgeable, links golfer then you have to feel a bit of sadness as one of the Meccas of links golf took a hit this week.
The clubhouse at the much heralded Machrihanish Golf Club went up in flames as firefighters were unable to control a fire that ended up consuming the entire clubhouse and a flat used by the clubs steward and his family.
Machrihanish is a 1879 Old Tom Morris work of art sitting on the west coast of the Kintyre Peninsula near Campbeltown. It is renowned for many reasons and the first tee, hitting over a beach and the Atlantic Ocean has been called the greatest opening hole in golf.
While the course was undamaged the clubhouse was home to a treasure of memorabilia and historic artifacts and dutiful members were seen trying to salvage some pieces as the blaze grew out of control. “Complete devastation” is how the owners have described the scene as so much history and tradition have perished.
My brothers and I were fortunate to have played Machrihanish twice during our trip last summer and we can attest not only to the strength and beauty of the course but to the kindness and hospitality of all their staff and members.
Here is hoping they all can regroup and start the new year with a plan for rebuilding and recovering from this disaster. Scots are a sturdy people and links golfers are the sturdiest of all. The course endures and so does their history even if it will be in a new home.
Cheers.
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