Kingsbarns Golf Links

Kingsbarns Golf Links only opened in 2000, but has quickly established itself as one of the best golf courses in Scotland.

Located on the coast 15 minutes south of St Andrews, Kingsbarns has made a huge impression on the Scottish scene since it opened at the turn of the Millennium.

So carefully was it routed by Kyle Phillips and so skilfully was it shaped, those ignorant to its newnesss would never guess that was the case while playing it.

It was laid out on farmland but the build process and its agronomy mean can qualify as a links given the type of shots one is able to – and indeed required to – play over the linksy turf around the greens.

Obdurate links purists might, however, suggest it is as much clifftop as links [the Castle Course next door has this said of it] but what is difficult to dispute is that its location on the edge of the coastline gives it some of the best views on Scotland’s east coast.

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There is no traditional out-and-back layout here, perhaps catering for its clientele, given Kingsbarns relies on visitor green fees and those on a day out are likely to often require replenishment of balls, food and refreshment.

There are plenty of stand-out holes to choose from and only perhaps a couple of weaker ones where even the imaginative Phillips was hamstrung by the land.

But we doubt many would be disappointed by any of the 8th, 12th, 15th, 16th and 17th – and that’s before we talk of the short 15th, often lauded as Kingbarns’ best and played over the corner of the shore to a green jutting out into the North Sea.

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It has hosted the Women’s British Open and the dunhill links and usually during those weeks excited visitors from overseas start throwing in comparisons with Pebble Beach.

Kingsbarns is a different kind of links to its traditional sisters of Fife, whether in St Andrews or along the coast in Leven, Lundin, Elie and so on.

It is all about views and drama, mixed in with a modern-day playability. Some panellists would have it well inside our Links Top 100.

A small but cosy and comfortable clubhouse is in keeping with a venue that tries hard in all the right ways.

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St Andrews, The Old Course

• Course has: Bar
• Course does not have: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 No History? 09 October 2008

  By redeye69

  This course is simply stunning, breathtaking scenery, fantasic design, probably in the top five courses in the world, it really is that good. Does not have the history of it's local rivals Crail, St Andrews, Carnoustie,but this should not deter you from making a special visit you will never forget it.

• 4 out of 5 Stunning! 22 January 2008

  By Craig6

  The most strikingly beautiful course in Fife. Doesn't have the history of St. Andrews or Carnoustie but certainly stands toe to toe with them. Fabulous scenery and undulating fairways make for a great golfing experience.

• 4.5 out of 5 Kingsbarns Links 31 October 2007

  By kerch13

  Played 36holes today and this is my fourth visit. Fantastic layout, superb undulating, large greens-can play 3-4 clubs difference front to back-. Even if you are not playing well, enjoy the views and the clear scottsih air. Friendly starter, and clubhouse staff make sure you are given a warm welcome and well looked after. Expensive, but make sure you a pay a visit.

• 4.5 out of 5 A must play course 30 October 2006

  By Anonymous

  Even as late in the year as this the couse was in superb condition. Greens very undulating and a very good test for the putter.

• 5 out of 5 Best course I have played 16 October 2006

  By Anonymous

  This is by far the best course I have ever played and I have played over 60 in Great Britian.

• 4 out of 5 10 August 2006

  By Anonymous

• 5 out of 5 True Scottish Links 17 July 2006

  By Anonymous

  Having played a few courses in Scotland, Kingsbarns is by far the best course ive played Nothing beats it. It really is a true test of links golf.

• 5 out of 5 Out of this world! 15 May 2006

  By Anonymous

  What a course. Next to the sea but not strictly a links feel about it. There is so much variance in one course which I've not come across before. It's a long hike but it's over a magnificent track. If the sun shines and wind stays away it's even nearer to heaven. Costly though.

• 5 out of 5 Truly Magnificent 21 April 2006

  By Anonymous

  This has to be the best new course in the World by Far. We traveled up from East Lothian to be greeted by the Catering Manageress who then took our order for morning rolls and Coffe. Then we were all advised that we could/should go over to the practice range for 30 Minutes (16 Golfers)and hit a few Callaway practice balls on the range. The Starter contacted us prior to our tee times and asked us to fill in the Menu sheet for High Tea - which was quality. The course it's self was immaculate and the Sun shone all day with a slight breeze of the North Sea. All in all this was a great experience and we've made appropriate plans to book and play again in April 2007. PS The catering Staff & Pro shop assistants could not have been any more helpful. This is a must play course for all Golfers no matter what their handicap is.

• 5 out of 5 Magnificent 05 March 2006

  By Anonymous

  Five star throughout. Magnificent. Could not be faulted in any way.

• 4.5 out of 5 Fantastic 01 May 2005

  By Anonymous

  Fantastic course