Home > Blog > DJ Russell: Remaking The Machrie

DJ Russell: Remaking The Machrie

In 2013, DJ Russell – winner of the 1992 Lyons Open and player in 466 European Tour events – unveiled his lovingly redesigned, championship-standard The Machrie, Islay course.

We sat down with DJ to talk about crafting a course that rewards creative shot-making, where “drama unfolds on every hole”, undulating dunes offer elevated tees and uphill drives, and “people walk off the 18th green and want to go straight back out again”.

People on the ferry to Islay at sunset

The journey

You can be here in 45 minutes by air from Glasgow, but there’s something special about the road to Kennacraig and the moment Islay comes into view from the ferry.