Golf
Turf stripped from the greens was re-used on target greens on the range
we do have permission, at times, to allow them to fly to put some nutrients back.” Throughout the year, thirty Black Orkney sheep roam the course controlling the softer grass species, and these have been adopted as the logo of this aspiring golf course operation. During the winters of 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Orkney sheep were joined by over three hundred other sheep to help graze the fairways and rough. Electric fences were rigged up to protect the greens. Additional sheep grazing will take place this winter, but will be restricted to specific areas.
Annual rainfall is around 1200cm and temperatures remain mild for most of the winter, due to the Gulf Stream warming the adjacent Machrihanish Bay and Kintyre coastline. The evidence of this micro climate can been seen with palm
Fairways were hand mown out of the existing landscape
trees growing in the surrounding villages. What next for Machrihanish Dunes?
With the owners having flown in from Boston for an update on the progress of the project, both out on the course and the redevelopment of two hotels they also own, it is clear to see that there is serious financial commitment to this stunning part of Scotland.
The two hotels - the Royal Hotel, close to the harbour in Campbeltown and the Ugadale in Machrihanish - will, once completed, provide jobs for over one hundred local people, as well as providing four star facilities for people wanting to stay and play golf in the area. The area is easily reached by daily flights from Glasgow airport into Campbeltown airport, which has one of the longest runways in Europe, at over
two miles long. This was built as an emergency landing site for the space shuttle. The airfield was a base for the US Airforce for many years but, today, the outbuildings serve as a manufacturing base for wind farm windmills and allied equipment, which are shipped from the town’s harbour all over Europe. Campbeltown airport enables visitors to access the golf resort destination quickly and easily (not by shuttle, obviously) and, as well as Machrihanish Dunes, the Mull of Kintyre boasts three other excellent courses; The Machrihanish Golf Club, an old Tom Morris design instituted in 1896; Dunavety Golf Club, home of Belle Robertson, Ladies British Amateur Champion and Curtis Cup player; and Carradale Golf Club, a nine hole course on the South Eastern tip of this the most westerly peninsula in Scotland.
TWENTYQuestions
Keith Martin - likes to think he is passionate - I suppose we should have checked with Sarah!
Who are you? Keith Martin, Director of Golf at Machrihanish Dunes.
Family status? Girlfriend Sarah.
Who’s your hero and why? Alex Ferguson - he made supporting Aberdeen enjoyable, then and twenty-five years at Manchester United, and still as driven and passionate.
What is your dream holiday? A trip to New York City.
What annoys you the most? Negative people.
What would you change about yourself? I’d like to be more patient.
Who wouldn’t you like to be? Someone who hates their job.
Favourite record, and why? I have the Paul Weller album in my car right now!
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? Sarah, of course!
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Look after my close friends and family.
If you were to describe yourself as a musical instrument, what would you be and why? Bagpipes! Scottish and proud!!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? When turfing - greenside up!
What’s your favourite smell? A freshly cut golf course on a dewy spring morning.
What do you do in your spare time? Play golf, follow football and socialise.
What’s the daftest work related question you have ever been asked? During an interview for a job on the course, a young guy asked; “Is it working outside, as I hate working outdoors?” Obviously, he needs to tweak his interview skills.
What’s your favourite piece of kit? our Toro Flex 21 - they are great for our undulating greens.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Ambitious, driven and passionate ... I think!
What talent would you like to have? I’d like to be a better putter!
What makes you angry? Bad time keeping.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? National service - would sort out the neds!!!! (that’s a hooligan, for those south of the border. Ed.)
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