Craignure Golf Club

Scallastle - Craignure - Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is not be recognised as a golfing retreat and many are surprised to learn that it has a total of three golf courses. As you disembark or wait for the ferry from Oban, Craignure Golf Club is pretty handy for a quick nine holes as it is less than a mile from the pier. But once you sample its character you will definitely want to go around again - so plan to spend some time here.

This fairly flat links-like course overlooks the Sound of Mull with Scallastle Bay hugging into its side. The construction of some new teeing areas makes for a demanding and entertaining round.

The 1st and 2nd play down and along the shore often with the ferry from Tiree chugging past or some lucky sailors berthing their yacht in the bay. The 5th is a notable hole of good length off the tee especially to be able to see the green, which is hidden behind a stand of trees.

The 6th is the courses principal, an exacting dogleg from the new back tee and probably the longest hole in the whole of Argyll. It would not be possible to cut the corner here as, especially into a head wind, you will surely end up in the bog. Take the safe route and it is a healthy two-shotter to reach the green in safety.

The 7th is another corker across a burn and ravine where a lay-up is the sensible shot off the tee.

But Craignure isnt just about good golf holes. This is serenity on a stick, tranquillity for the price of a couple of pints. I was the only golfer on the course when I played until the part-time greenkeeper, Dave, jumped off his tractor and joined me for a few holes.