From Nationalclubgolfer · Tom Irwin · · 1m
Jack Nicklaus' Machrihanish Opening Hole
Jack Nicklaus called Machrihanish's 1st hole the best opening hole in golf.
In brief
Jack Nicklaus called Machrihanish's 1st hole the best opening hole in golf. Jack Nicklaus called Machrihanish's 1st hole the best opening hole in golf. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Nicklaus' praise
Jack Nicklaus called Machrihanish's 1st hole the best opening hole in golf.
“Jack Nicklaus once called Machrihanish 's 1st the best opening hole in golf”
Why it stands out
The hole offers a stunning ocean view and strategic challenges that few courses replicate.
“It's spectacular, but it's also what I consider proper golf”
The ocean challenge
Golfers face a forced carry over the beach with a choice between aggressive play or a longer second shot.
“You stand on the tee box knowing the obvious temptation is to take on as much of the ocean as possible”
Strategic dilemma
The hole creates a heart-racing decision: take the aggressive line or play within yourself for a longer second shot.
“Do you take on the aggressive line? Or do you play within yourself and accept a longer, more difficult, second shot?”
Course reputation
Machrihanish's 1st hole is a golfing pilgrimage site but the course's true strength lies in the 3rd to 8th holes.
“The more I think about my time there, the more I keep going back to the stretch from the 3rd to the 8th”
Historical design
Old Tom Morris designed the course, extending it from a community layout to an 18-hole layout in Scotland.
“This is an Old Tom Morris design. He extended it to a full 18-hole layout after it was originally put together by the local community”
The short version
Jack Nicklaus called Machrihanish's 1st hole the best opening hole in golf.
