Revered Scottish club The Machrie has announced the appointment of Alan Martin as its new golf general manager, as well as the opening of a new 19-hole putting course.
Growing up in Scotland, Martin first honed his skills as an assistant PGA Professional at Dunbar Golf Club. He developed his craft at St Andrews, where he spent five years immersed in the Resort & Corporate environment, gaining invaluable insights into international golf tourism and professional golf events.
His career then took him across Southeast Asia, including stints in Kuala Lumpur, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, where he expanded his knowledge and forged a strong network within the global golf industry.
Now, with 14 years as a qualified PGA Professional under his belt, Martin is thrilled to be back on Scottish soil, poised to steer The Machrie through its next chapter. His return to the UK, and specifically to Islay’s stunning location, marks a homecoming infused with global perspective and fresh ideas.
Set on rolling dunes overlooking the Atlantic on the Isle of Islay, The Machrie has an international reputation for its championship links course, drawing players from around the world. The course dates back to 1891, originally laid out by Willie Campbell and was redesigned in 2018 by David J Russell as a modern championship masterpiece. Named as one of Golf World’s top 100 Courses in both the UK and the world, as well as Scottish Golf Hotel of the Year in 2023/24.
HEBRIDES ‘SOCIAL GOLF’ EXPERIENCE
Under the ownership of global hotel group Another Place, The Machrie has recently expanded its golf offering with the launch of ‘The Hebrides’ – a 19-hole putting course designed to bring fun, accessibility and a new dimension to the golfing experience on Islay.
All skill levels are invited to have a go on the uniquely playful golfing experience, whose 18 holes mirror the historic 1891 course at 1/10th of the size, while an additional 19th hole adds a fun play off element to the experience.
Featuring undulating curves and contours, twilight illumination and glow-in-the-dark balls, Hebrides Couse offers a relaxed but exciting game for all.
The new putting green complements The Machrie’s impressive existing facilities, including its covered driving range, the six-hole par-3 ‘Wee Course’, and the Golf Academy equipped with a Trackman 4 simulator.
Reflecting on his new role and the launch of The Hebrides, Martin said: “I’m looking forward to joining Another Place, The Machrie. This is a world-class course with unparalleled potential. The introduction of social golf here, alongside our established offerings, will elevate the experience for all our guests, making The Machrie a destination like no other.”
