THE BEAUTIFUL SHISHKINE GOLF & TENNIS CLUB
On the Isle of Arran there are a number of golf courses, but none better than Shishkine Golf & Tennis Club. This Willie Park design consists of only twelve holes, seven of which are par threes, but it packs serious golf holes and amazing views into its truncated routing. While the course affords some of the prettiest scenery in golf, it would be hard to recommend anyone passing up a round at Prestwick or Turnberry to make the trek out to Shishkine. But if one finds themselves on the Isle of Arran, it is not to be missed. (more photos and review after the jump)
The course sits among some rolling dunes beneath a row of cliffs. The first hole (386 yards) plays along the bay to a bowling alley fairway. A ridge runs the entire length of the hole and often blocks a players view to the green. It is an adequate hole with a fair bit of quirk, setting the tone for the day.
The approach to the first
The second is another nice par four (391 yards) that routed on the backside of the dunes. The approach is blind to a green set on the far side of a burn.
The hole is fair because of the bowl like setting of the green. An up and down is possible from anywhere over the burn. This hole continues the unusual feel of Shishkine.
The third is the "signature hole" according to the club's website. While it is certainly dramatic and unusual, the 128-yard par three fails to meet the standard of being a good golf hole. The very uphill shot is in to a blind green that slopes hard from right to left. While the hole may be a little severe, the view is worth the climb.
Looking back from the third green
The fourth is another par three that plays down from this great perch. The 146 yard, drop shot features yet another jaw-dropping view. While the hole is not strategically very interesting, it rates very high on memorability. It is possible to knock a ball off of the cliff, if a big hook is your preferred ball flight.
The fifth may be the strongest hole on the course, measuring 243 yards. It plays out to the end of a point and requires a well struck running approach. As to be expected at Shishkine the backdrop is magnificent. It as at this point that the golfer realizes just what a special place Shishkine is.
The sixth hole may be my favorite. This drivable par four (275 yards) plays over the brow of a hill, into a green set in a bowl beneath a hillside covered in gorse. With out of bounds right and gorse left, a solid tee shot is a must. The fairway is the most rumpled in golf and will add a level of difficulty to the approach shot of anyone who decides to lay back. This is just a flat out fun hole.
The green on the sixth
The 172 yard seventh is appropriately called the Himalayas- another blind shot to a green devoid of hazards
The seventh green from on high. Short right is clearly the place to miss.
The eighth is listed as a par four even though it is only six yards longer than the fifth at 249 yards. The gorse on the left is obviously dead. The green is protected by a small pot bunker on the right but will allow a ball to be run on from the left.
The 506-yard ninth is a wonderful short par five. The hole features a burn that crosses the fairway about 100 yards from the green and some big bold contours including one that will shed balls trying to run onto the left side of the green.
The beautiful vegetation along the burn that crosses the 9th and 2nd holes.
The ninth at Shishkine could hold its own on any course in the world
The most straight-forward hole at Shishkine, the 163 yard tenth is just a short iron if down wind. Into the wind keeping the ball below the wind from this elevated tee can be a challenge.
A view of the tenth green from the right side.
The 209-yard 11th is a long par three that plays to a classic punchbowl green. A long iron or hybrid is necessary to carry the ridge and feed the ball onto the green. Another fun hole
Unfortunately, the light failed on the last, so no images. The 12th is a little par three to a green set on a ridge and guarded by bunkers- a fitting end to a quirky, short, and fun golf course.
For more visuals on Shishkine:
If you find yourself on Arran, Shishkine is located on the opposite side of the island from Brodick, where the main ferry lets out. The Blackwaterfoot Lodge is a nice place to stay and has a quaint bar in the lobby. Both it and the larger Kinloch Hotel are just a short walk from the course. As for food, I highly recommend Creelers near Brodick- great local seafood prepared simply and expertly.
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