Southworth receives approval for Machrihanish Dunes expansion

Southworth, a Boston-based, privately-held global golf company specializing in the development and management of clubs and residential communities, has revealed plans for a resort expansion to The Village at Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland. The company is actively vetting hospitality investors and operators regarding potential partnerships.

The resort currently includes the renowned Machrihanish Dunes golf course, a David McLay Kidd-designed links. Machrihanish Dunes is the first GEO-certified golf course in the U.K.

The expansion project will add a seaside links course adjacent to Machrihanish Dunes – and is to be developed in the same manner.

“Machrihanish Dunes lies on one of the most unique pieces of land in the world, so it is only fitting that we expand our offerings for all types of visitors to this special corner of Scotland, while being sensitive to the stunning natural landscape,” Tommy Southworth, president of Southworth said. “In combination with Machrihanish Dunes and other area links courses, including the acclaimed Machrihanish Golf Club, a world top-100 links designed by Old Tom Morris, the addition of another 18-hole links will help turn the Kintyre Peninsula into the next great golfing destination in Scotland.”

Along with the new golf course, the approvals include an expansive golf training facility and practice facility, 73 additional hotel rooms and 50 golf cottages.

The new golf course sits partially on a Site of Special Scientific Interest and will be created and maintained using the same sustainable practices in use on the existing course. A dedication to preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of the landscape has proven successful at Machrihanish Dunes, as evidenced by the re-emergence and flourishing of numerous wildlife and plant species. The new 18-hole routing will meet Machrihanish Dunes in the linksland along the ocean’s edge and meander its way through the rugged dunescape and into the foothills, creating a unique design that features a mix of awe-inspiring views, dramatic elevation changes and traditional seaside links.

“Southworth believes it is paramount that we support and protect the communities and environments where we operate, ensuring we keep each club setting spectacular for generations to come,” said Eleanor Brown, director of sustainability for Southworth. “Being stewards of land and community means operating with a sustainability-first mindset from ideation through the execution of any project or initiative. It also means supporting the communities in which we operate, through local hiring and training, philanthropic initiatives and more.”

To ensure a wealth of species thrive, Southworth will partner with NatureScot on a long-term habitat management plan for the lifetime of the golf course, in keeping with the successful model in place at Machrihanish Dunes.

One of the largest teaching facilities in the UK is planned for the site, with indoor and outdoor practice bays, and a nine-acre short-game area. To complement the golf amenities, a new sports and racquet center will provide visitors with state-of-the-art tennis, pickleball and football facilities.

“We will ensure the pure and authentic surroundings of Machrihanish remain, while creating a significant boost to the local economy, not only through the creation of hundreds of jobs upon completion, but through utilizing the skillsets of a myriad of local companies”, Southworth said. “We remain hopelessly in love with Machrihanish Dunes – the place, the people and the golf experience.”