Project Description
The site for Machrihanish Dunes was an Architect’s dream, a perfect links site in pristine condition. Almost too pristine as the entire site was highly protected – designated as a Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSi).
Paul led the design team through the lengthy planning application, working closely with government authorities and the team’s project ecologist to find a solution whereby the golf could co-exist with the environment to mutual benefit.
With the planning work starting in 2004 the project followed ‘The Castle’ into construction in 2007. The reduced team effectively built the course by hand sensitively ‘tip toe-ing’ round the site, disturbing less than 2% of the environment.
Opening in mid-summer 2009 the course has already been well received in several golf magazines in both the USA and Europe.
“We worked with Paul from the start of our company’s involvement at Machrihanish Dunes in 2007. We have developed and managed several courses in the USA & Caribbean but this project was our first foray into Europe.
We understood the limitations imposed on the design & construction team which, due to the protected status of the site, made the design and construction process extremely challenging. We were continually impressed by the way Paul led the team to overcome each and every constraint and limitation that was imposed on him whilst still being able to create what can only be described as the most natural course created in modern times.
It was very clear and reassuring to us that David Kidd had complete faith in Paul’s ability to get the best out of the site and trusted him to create the course from start to finish. We always found him to be creative and practical as well as a thoroughly professional, someone who was always willing to ‘go the extra mile’.
We have no doubt that a large part of the success we have had with this project has been down to the time, commitment and dedication Paul showed during the planning, design and building of the course.We would have no hesitation in recommending him or his new company to any potential client. He has fully demonstrated the ability and the commitment that is needed to create outstanding golf courses and this will be hard to match.”
