Kingsbarns in Scotland has been ranked number 21 in Golf Monthly’s top 100 UK & Ireland golf courses 2015/16.
21. Kingsbarns: Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16
St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8QD
T: 01334 460860
GF: £226 per round – replay round within seven days at 50 per cent reduction
Architect: Kyle Phillips
Visitor information: Welcome at any time
Catering options: Full catering facilities every day
2012 Ranking: Down 5
Work undertaken since 2012 ranking: New greenside bunkers on the 11th and 13th, new championship tee on the 4th, extended/remodelled back right of the 9th green, extended short-game chipping/pitching area, extended driving range grass tee area
A creation of Mark Parsinen and Kyle Phillips, Kingsbarns in Fife is set on land with a rich golfing history.
The links was used for the sport as far back as 1793 when the blue-coated golfers of Kingsbarns gathered for their spring and autumn meets.
The links was turned over to farmland in 1850 but, in 1922, Willie Auchterlonie laid out a nine-hole track that was played by locals and holidaymakers.
It survived until the Second World War when the land was mined as part of the defence effort.
The layout in play today was opened in 2000 and swiftly earned a reputation as a modern classic. It’s a wonderful track, blending the techniques of contemporary course design with the rugged simplicity of a traditional Scottish links.
The holes merge seamlessly into the surrounding landscape as they sweep across firm undulating terrain to fast, true greens.
The course features a number of highly memorable holes. Standouts include the par-5 12th, hugging the rocky coastline as it curves from right to left, and the par-3 15th, where the tee shot must carry rocks and sea to reach the putting surface.
Kingsbarns was used as a Local Final Qualifying venue for the 2010 Open at St Andrews. The course is also used in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship each October.
+ Superb example of modern course design that uses the rugged landscape of Scottish linksland
– Very expensive green fees
Panellist comments
“Kingsbarns is visually stunning, set along a beautiful piece of coastline with the sea visible from nearly every hole.”
“At all times you’re made to feel very welcome at Kingsbarns. Customer satisfaction is clearly the highest priority.”
“The greens here feature some fabulous slopes and borrows. Each putt requires due care and attention.”
Next course: 22. Royal Porthcawl: Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16
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