The 2021 tour, otherwise known as 'Barry's year', will see us heading once again to Bonnie Scotland. We will be based, from the Wednesday night, in Machrihanish, a small village in Argyll, on the west coast of Scotland. It is a short distance north of the tip of the Mull of Kintyre, which faces out towards Northern Ireland and the Atlantic.

 

We have at least four full days of golf organised, with an option to play an additional round on the Wednesday for the early birds.

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Accommodation will be in the award-winning Ugadale Cottages at Machrihanish Dunes. Described as "truly a home-away-from-home", each two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage includes a fully-equipped kitchenette, living room with fireplace, rainfall showers and flat-screen HD televisions. Most cottages feature stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famed first tee at Machrihanish Golf Club.

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The proximity to the sea means that we should be able to continue the tradition of a cold sea swim on the morning of the Masters.

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The customary 'international' match will take place on the Thursday afternoon at West Kilbride Golf Club. Formed in 1893 and designed by Old Tom Morris (originally as a 9 hole course), it was then redesigned by James Braid on two occasions, first in 1914 and again in 1925. Whilst the front nine have more of an upland feel, most holes on the back nine hug the rugged coastline and the last six holes are all strong par fours. It has hosted the annual Scottish Boys Championship eight times since 1990.

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After Thursday's golf, the majority of us will be catching the 'party' ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown (about 6 miles from Machrihanish), departing at 18:20 and arriving at 21:20. Just in time for a few beers before bed.

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Friday's Brown Jackets Open will take place at Machrihanish Dunes, described (admittedly on its own website) as the "World's Most Natural Course". Built little more than 10 years ago, it was designed by David McLay Kidd and funded by Australian businessman Brian Keating. Fairways are mown, but they are far from manicured because the use of fertilisers and the installation of drainage or irrigation is forbidden. This is basic, no frills golf in as natural a setting as you could imagine. The rough remains uncut (there are flocks of roaming sheep to keep the grass down) and bunkers - some are absolutely enormous - are located in all sorts of unlikely places, having originally been formed by burrowing animals over the years. Greens are described in the course yardage guide as "audacious", but they reflect, rather than complement, the testing topography of the site.

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The Brown Jacket Masters on the Saturday will take place on the Championship course at Machrihanish Golf Club. Originally the Kintyre Golf Club, it was founded in 1876 and, in November of that year, Charles Hunter, the Prestwick professional, rearranged the course and extended it to 12 holes. Old Tom Morris then left his stamp on the links in 1879, extending it to 18 holes, and it was again modified in 1914 by J.H. Taylor. It has been described as one of the most natural, romantic and enjoyable places to play golf in the whole of the British Isles. It's not long, but it is fun, with an outstanding front nine and one of the best opening holes in golf - a teasing 423 yard par four with an elevated tee on the edge of the shore that requires a drive diagonally across the beach (with the beach very much 'in play'). The greens are firm, fast and true, some in punchbowls, others on a raised plateau or flattened dune top. With blind tees shots, fabulous sea views, undulating rippling fairways and exciting rugged dunes, the entire experience is magical.

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Golf on Sunday is again on the Championship course at Machrihanish Golf Club, for those that want it. Given the long drive back to Glasgow airport (approx. 3 hours) and the timing of flights, the majority have signed up for Sunday golf. A second chance to tame the course where, for many, dreams will have been dashed the day before...

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In terms of travel, most people seem to be flying in to Glasgow on the Thursday morning in time for the golf at West Kilbride. Andy, Sam and Barry are arriving on the Wednesday morning for a round at Dundonald (and will be joined by the Beaumonts in the evening) and will meet the rest at West Kilbride on the Thursday.

 

Vix and Vanessa are arriving in Machrihanish on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons respectively via the hopper flight from Glasgow to Campbeltown. They will be there, waving flags, to meet the rest of us off the ferry, no doubt. Clive arrives early Saturday morning in time for golf.

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The tour itinerary is as follows:

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Wednesday 15 September

• The first tourists to arrive will be Andy, Bazza and Sam

• Golf at Dundonald at 2.40pm

• Stay at the Seamill House Hotel in West Kilbride, joined by the Beaumonts for dinner

• Not that Gareth is arriving on Wednesday, but staying on his own at the Premier Inn in Glasgow as he doesn't want to overdo it on the first night!

• Vanessa too is arriving on Wednesday, but heading straight to Machrihanish for a day of pampering and spa treatments!

 

Thursday 16 September

• Soup & sarnies at West Kilbride GC from 12pm

• 'International' match at West Kilbride - tee booked from 1pm

• Ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, depart 6.40pm and arrive at 9.20pm

• Meeting Vanessa and Vix (flying into Machrihanish Thursday pm) for a late dinner at 9.30pm at The Old Clubhouse

• Stay at Machrihanish Dunes (through to Sunday)

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Friday 17 September​

• Open at Machrihanish Dunes - tee booked from 12pm

• Post-golf soup & sarnies at 4pm

• Dinner 8.30pm at The Harbourview Grille in Campbeltown

 

Saturday 18 September

• Masters at Machrihanish Golf Club - tee booked from 11.08am

• Post-Masters soup & sarnies at 3.30pm

• Dinner 7.30pm at Number Forty Two in Campbeltown

 

Sunday 19 September​

• Golf at Machrihanish Golf Club - tee booked from 9.30am (a bit early, but need enough time to get back to Glasgow for flights home)

• Head home