The new Machrihanish Dunes golf course in Scotland, which opens officially in July, has been acquired by American firm Southworth Development.
Southworth, which has been a minority shareholder in the project since 2006, bought a controlling interest in the Kintyre Development Company through an affiliate. As well as Machrihanish Dunes, KDC owns and is redeveloping the Ugadale Hotel & Golf Cottages in Machrihanish and the historic Royal Hotel in Campbeltown.
Southworth has injected several million pounds into the project. Construction on the first phase of golf cottages is progressing rapidly along with numerous improvements to the golf course and overall infrastructure surrounding the property.
“In addition to opening Machrihanish Dunes, we will soon begin the restoration of the Ugadale Arms and Royal Hotel, as well as launching the sale of the fractional freehold golf cottages,” said David Southworth. “The restoration of these landmark properties will play an important role in our quest to attract golfers worldwide to the Machrihanish Dunes.”
Machrihanish Dunes, set to open officially on 21 July (a soft opening is scheduled for 2 May), is the first Scottish links to be built entirely on a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Located adjacent to the famed Machrihanish Golf Club designed by Old Tom Morris, the course, designed by David McLay Kidd, Machrihanish Dunes measures 7,300 yards and features six greens and five tees at the water’s edge.
“Southworth has continually demonstrated its determination and support to create an unparalleled golf experience at Machrihanish Dunes,” said Kidd. "They remain dedicated to the vision of the project, the way golf began, and we are thrilled to be a part of this historic undertaking.”
Other Southworth communities include Creighton Farms, a Jack Nicklaus golf course and community outside Washington DC and the currently under construction PGA Village in the Bahamas, a 1,906-acre oceanfront site with over two miles of beachfront, and 36 holes of golf designed by Rees Jones.