Craignure Golf Course

Overview: Craignure Golf Club plays over machair and raised beach ground beside Scallastle Bay, about a mile north of the ferry pier on the Isle of Mull. It is a short, natural links of modest yardage with wide views across the Sound of Mull. The Scallastle River crosses the ground and comes into play on holes such as the 7th and 9th, so a drive that strays or an approach that comes up short can easily end up wet. The river crossings are especially evident near the bay, where a conservative lay-up can be the better choice when the breeze is pushing towards the water.

History: Golf was first laid out at Scallastle in 1895, but the course later fell out of use and lay dormant for many years. It was revived in 1980, bringing golf back to the bay. For a time the club used separate tees to give the second loop a different look, and in 2012 it simplified the set-up again while keeping some distinctive tee positions.

Did You Know? The seventh and ninth both bring the Scallastle River into play. On each, a bold drive can try to clear the water, but the safer line is to lay up and leave a shorter approach.