Southworth, a Boston-based company specialising in the development and management of clubs and residential communities, has unveiled plans for a significant resort expansion to The Village at Machrihanish Dunes in Scotland and is actively vetting hospitality investors and operators regarding potential partnerships.
The expansion project will also include the construction of a second links course to sit alongside the world-renowned Machrihanish Dunes course designed by David McLay Kidd.
Along with the new golf course, the resort has planning permission to build an expansive new golf academy, 73 additional hotel rooms, 50 golf cottages, and a myriad of additional amenities.
The venue currently offers two hotels,, five restaurants and pubs, and eight cottages.
Upon completion, Southworth’s assets within the resort will total more than 200 rooms and seven food and beverage outlets to support the 36 holes of golf.
Tommy Southworth, President of Southworth, said: “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.
“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.”
The new golf course sits, in part, on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and will be created and maintained using the same sustainable practices in use on the existing course. An unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of this special landscape has proven successful at Machrihanish Dunes, as evidenced by the re-emergence and flourishing of a number of 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.
Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability with Southworth, said: “Southworth believesit 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. 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.”
The project has included significant input from the local community through regular contact and focus groups. The project aims to not only be respectful to its surroundings but also go a step further by increasing the area of dune vegetation habitat. 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 centre will provide visitors with state-of-the-art tennis, pickleball and football facilities.
The development will also include an approximately 35,000-square-foot clubhouse with a 150-seat restaurant and a large function room that will host up to 250 guests. The clubhouse will also be home to an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness area and spa for members to use at their leisure.
These additions join the historic Ugadale Hotel, the Old Tom Morris Pub, and the Royal Hotel, which is located in the heart of Campbelltown.
Southworth added: “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 utilising the skillsets of a myriad of local companies. We remain hopelessly in love with Machrihanish Dunes – the place, the people and the golf experience.”