# I changed my mind about modern links golf

> Playing Machrihanish Dunes reshaped my view of modern links courses.
- Title: I changed my mind about modern links golf · Nationalclubgolfer
- Summary: Playing Machrihanish Dunes reshaped my view of modern links courses. The author now understands modern links golf courses better after playing Machrihanish…
- Keywords: machrihanish, modern links golf, scotland, golf course, dunes, links golf, west coast, sports, changed, mind, modern, links
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/travel/machrihanish-modern-links-golf
- Author: Tom Irwin
- Published: 2026-10-02T11:23:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: machrihanish, modern links golf, scotland, golf course, dunes, links golf, west coast, sports
## I changed my mind about modern links golf
I recently played at Machrihanish and it gave me a fresh outlook on what these newer layouts are trying to do and, perhaps more importantly, why they are trying to do it.
## Machrihanish Dunes course
Machrihanish Dunes is a course that is only 17 years old, whilst Machrihanish is celebrating its 150th year.
## Modern links feel
Despite being founded in 1876, it really doesn’t feel like it has been lost in time in any way. It has aged incredibly well.
## Wind and modern design
The way it moves throughout the course and the way in which the elements, especially the wind, interacts with the set-up is very reminiscent of newer designs.
## Dumbarnie comparison
Dumbarnie is the obvious one. To my eye at least, I can see quite a few similarities between both.
## Contrast with Dunes
Next door at Dunes, it felt as though like someone had just got a mower out and mowed between the mounds.
## Key takeaway

The author now understands modern links golf courses better after playing Machrihanish Dunes in Scotland.