An Unforgettable Hebridean Adventure: The Machrie Clash
Islay Golf Club 4½ – 3½ Dun Whinny Golf Club
The Machrie Links, Isle of Islay
Planes, ferries, dramatic dunes, 100-yard putts, and world-class camaraderie.
If ever there was an away fixture that epitomised everything brilliant about Dun Whinny Golf Club, last week’s tour to the Isle of Islay was it.
The travelling party made their pilgrimage to the Hebrides by air, road, and sea, converging on the magnificent Machrie Hotel & Golf Links—a world-class sanctuary perched right on the rim of Laggan Bay. With luxurious accommodation, sensational food, a wee dram or two by the fire, and one of Scotland’s most striking, reimagined championship links on our doorstep, it was pure golfing heaven from the moment we arrived.
Following an eye-opening Tuesday practice round under glorious, dry island skies, Wednesday brought that crisp Atlantic breeze every true golfer secretly craves. The Machrie provided a majestic test of creativity and shot-making: massive, undulating run-offs where putting from 100 yards out on the fairway was a stroke of genius, and deep, lush fescue that had us watching our steps—not just for lost balls, but for the occasional shy, sunbathing resident adder!
Eight Epic Matches: Down to the Wire
When match day arrived, the contest proved to be a thrilling, fiercely contested affair played in the warmest, most cordial spirit imaginable:
The Leadership Clash: Captain Daley Smith and Vice Captain Mike Cantlay led the charge against Islay’s top brass, Captain Neil Lock and Vice Captain Robert Shaw. Neil turned on the links magic with a sensational gross 2-under-par to take the opening point for the hosts.
Battle of the Champions: Roy Nicolson Salver champion Keith Stirling and Colin Campbell fought tooth and nail against Gordon Hyslop and Alister Blair, narrowly succumbing 3&2 in a high-quality encounter.
Youth & Scratch Power: Dun Whinny struck back with a masterclass pairing. Scratch player Al Cantlay and the in-form Bailey Law proved an irresistible duo. Bailey capped off an electric performance with an audacious chip-in on the final stretch to claim a fantastic 3&1 victory.
Ice-Cool on the 18th: David McLeod and Paul Lewis went toe-to-toe with Angus Kerr and Donald Hendry. In a grandstand finish on the 18th green, Paul showed nerves of steel, draining a clutch putt to secure a brilliant 2-up win.
The Bandit Encounter: David Watt and Mark Higham gave everything against Al MacFarlane and Dougie Adams, running into an inspired home pairing playing like Islay’s answer to Billy Z McNeill (5&4).
Sleep-Deprived Heroics: Kevin Beattie—who somehow managed only a single night’s sleep across three days—teamed up with Doug Law. Defying pure exhaustion through sheer willpower, Kevin and Doug brought home a heroic 2&1 victory against Donald Logan and Alan McGhee.
A Lesson in Fescue: Your correspondent, Tariq Ali, alongside Iain Aitchison, took on Iain Shaw and Paul Graham. In the spirit of honest journalism: we were soundly beaten 4&3, though we certainly extracted full value from exploring the scenic rough!
Commanding Finale: Anchoring the team, Alex Gillespie and the formidable Bobby Willan delivered a commanding display to put another superb point on the board against Kenny Gillies and Graeme Hamilton.
Match Results
Don't Miss Out Next Time!
While Islay Golf Club took the honours by the slenderest of margins (4½ to 3½), the true takeaway was the sheer joy of the trip. The warmth, laughter, and hospitality extended by our hosts at Islay Golf Club and the staff at The Machrie were second to none.
A huge vote of thanks goes to Neil Lock, Robert Shaw, Mike Cantlay, Daley Smith, and Iain Aitchison for their tireless work in orchestrating such a seamless, memorable fixture.
To all Dun Whinny members: trips like this are what club golf is all about. Whether you are playing off scratch or 28, representing Dun Whinny on away tours is an absolute blast—superb courses, great laughs, and memories that last a lifetime. Keep an eye out for upcoming match announcements and get your names down early!
We now look forward with huge excitement to welcoming our Islay friends to Gleneagles in 2027, where the King's, the Queen's, and a touch of Perthshire revenge will be waiting!
