Shiskine Golf Club: A Delightful Gem on the Isle of Arran
My introduction to Shiskine unfolded on a scorching summer day in 2013, following a golfing retreat at Machrihanish. Could any course match the allure of Machrihanish? The answer revealed itself at Shiskine Golf Club on the Isle of Arran, where every hole resonates with a touch of magic.
A Masterpiece of Design
A short drive from Brodick, across the Isle of Arran, is the village of Blackwaterfoot. It is home to Shiskine Golf Club and offers breath-taking views of the Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre Peninsula. Despite boasting only 12 holes, Shiskine is a masterpiece, providing two hours of pure golfing joy. As you wrap up the final hole, a massive smile is almost mandatory, setting the perfect mood for a visit to the clubhouse that opened its doors in 2010.
Not Your Average Short Course
Shiskine is a par 65 course, with only one par 5 and the rest being short par 4s and par 3s. However, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a pitch and putt. The course presents challenges with blind shots, uphill and downhill slopes, and greens that demand careful consideration. The par 3 third hole, “The Crow’s Nest,” is a prime example. A seemingly impossible tee shot with a cliff of rock in view, this hole is a heart-pounding experience, leaving you in awe of the clever design.
Strategic Challenges and Scenic Beauty
From the elevated 4th tee, capturing the stunning views becomes almost mandatory. The 5th hole looks out to sea, the 6th challenges with out-of-bounds along the right, and the Himalayas (the 7th) features a quirky par 3 with a unique signal system. The 9th hole, the only par 5, invites you to let loose, but beware of the blind second shot. The 10th tee offers a breathtaking panorama, setting the stage for “The Hollows” at the 11th, a blind 196-yard par 3. The finale at the 12th is a cute 120-yard par 3, leaving you eager for more.
Strategic Challenges and Scenic Beauty
From the elevated 4th tee, capturing the stunning views becomes almost mandatory. The 5th hole looks out to sea, the 6th challenges with out-of-bounds along the right, and the Himalayas (the 7th) features a quirky par 3 with a unique signal system. The 9th hole, the only par 5, invites you to let loose, but beware of the blind second shot. The 10th tee offers a breathtaking panorama, setting the stage for “The Hollows” at the 11th, a blind 196-yard par 3. The finale at the 12th is a cute 120-yard par 3, leaving you eager for more.
Exploring Arran: Beyond the Greens
Arran isn’t just about golf; it’s a haven for enthusiasts of diverse activities. Whether it’s walking, cycling, sailing, kayaking, or water sports, the island has it all. Apart from Shiskine, there are six other golf courses to explore. Don’t forget to indulge in Arran’s local produce and, for whisky enthusiasts, a visit to the Isle of Arran Distillery is a must. For a different olfactory experience, Arran Aromatics, makers of luxury bath products, beckon.
Getting There and the Future of Golf
Arriving from Claonaig to Lochranza or Ardrossan to Brodick, the journey to Arran is as picturesque as the island itself. And as we contemplate the joy of Shiskine, it raises an intriguing prospect: shorter, more enjoyable courses. Perhaps, like in Canada, these could be the key to fostering interest in golf among the younger generation, aligning with the constraints of modern life with a shorter, more exhilarating golfing experience. Shiskine Golf Club – an epitome of golfing delight and a gem on the Isle of Arran.
Contact us today to create the golfing trip of a lifetime!
