Golfing on the Isle of Iona

As you leave the ferry, turn left and follow the road past Martyrs Bay. In summer listen out for the monotonous cry of the corncrake in the iris beds between the shore and the road. Walk up the hill for ¾ of a mile until you come to a gate. Continue through the gate and in front of you is a magnificent stretch of machair (short grass on sand.)

This forms the basis of the informal Iona Golf Course which looks onto one of the finest beach views anywhere with the Camus Cuil an Tabibh (Bay at the back of the Ocean) forming the backdrop.

The Machair is habitat to sheep, cattle, and golfers, who step carefully as they navigate the 18-hole golf course laid out there. The worst obstacle during the annual Iona Open is a bull, who favors the vegetation on the ninth green.

Take a swing at your ball, but try not to hit the grazing sheep: this 18-hole golf course is naturally dramatic and - best of all - free of charge.