Why Scotland’s ultra-luxe Ardfin Estate is one of the coolest spots in golf

January 1, 2022

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January 1, 2022

When Ardfin was purchased by Australian hedge fund manager Greg Coffey in 2010, work began on the estate’s Jura House (right) and Farm Quads (left), which were extensively and meticulously renovated to accommodate small numbers of guests.

Andreas von Einsiedel

If you’ve ever craved an experience where you can truly get away from it all, there’s perhaps no more desirable a destination than Ardfin. This 12,000-acre estate is situated stunningly on Scotland’s remote Isle of Jura — accessible only by boat from neighboring Islay or mainland Scotland.

Ardfin bar — With an extensive selection of rare Jura whiskies available at Ardfin’s gorgeously sophisticated bar, it might be tough to tear yourself away for other activities.

Andreas von Einsiedel

Jura House, the centerpiece of the estate, dates back to the 18th century.

Accommodations include 10 rooms exquisitely furnished and fully staffed to cater to a guest’s every whim.

Visitors can also enjoy 13 additional sumptuously appointed guest rooms in the estate’s Ardfin Farm Quadrangles, as well as two additional apartments and private dining rooms to better accommodate small groups.

The reason guests travel for thousands of miles to this ultra-remote location?

For a course — and an experience — unlike any other.

Ardfin interior — Ardfin’s billiards room is adorned with a series of deer mounted on the walls. If they look familiar, there’s a reason: You’ll see plenty of these wild red deer — the only type found on Jura — roaming the property.

Andreas von Einsiedel

Ten years ago, planning commenced to construct a world-class golf course along Ardfin estate’s seven miles of pristine coastline.

Australian architect Bob Harrison’s vision resulted in a spectacular collection of holes situated atop cliffsides, along beaches and around ancient stone walls a decade later.

The entire routing of the walking-only course encompasses more than 240 acres.

Little surprise then that after its official opening this year, Ardfin debuts at No. 74 on GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World ranking.

Ready to check out the rest of the courses on this year’s list? Click here.

Golf.com

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.