Kingsbarns Golf Links- 9th green & clubhouse

History

 

While new golf developments in Scotland have to be exceptional to survive, developer Mark Parsinen has had a remarkable impact with his two projects in Scotland- Kingsbarns & then Castle Stuart

The first of these was Kingsbarns, site of a former 9 hole course lost in the war years.

Located just six miles from St Andrews, Parsinen recognised the commercial need for a quality links in the area, and signed up Kyle Phillips to bring his project to fruition

Phillips had previously designed a course in the USA for Parsinen

Kyle Phillips 'constructed' Kingbarns on what was largely unremarkable farmland on the coast, with just a sprinkling of coastal dunesland

The course opened for play in July 2000.

Phillips took great care to replicate the look and playability of the great links courses, and drew heavily from the contouring of Royal Dornoch when fine tuning Kingsbarns.

A lot of earth was moved!

With very little dunesland to work with Phillips was able to shape links holes out of flat paddocks, and did so well that it is hard for the untrained eye to determine where the dunes began- it appears to be all natural links terrain.

Phillips was also able to provide sea views on most holes by 'terracing' the fairways- the ocean is not immediately in play but certainly in mind when playing the holes one step removed from the coast

Kingsbarns is a commercial success- it has become a mainstay in itineraries for travelling golfers visiting St Andrews and offers the flexibility to move tee times as golfers desperately try to get a game on the Old Course

 

Championships

 

Kingsbarns Golf Links- hole 15

 

Although it only opened in 2000, Kingsbarns was recognised as a championship course immediately and together with The Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie has hosted the Alfred Dunhill Links championship every year since

Kingsbarns also hosted the Women's Open Championship in 2017

 

Course

 

Kingsbarns runs like a well oiled machine, and is always busy in season

The starter has tee times heading off like clockwork, the caddies are experienced, the course is always in great shape, and the 19th hole is very cosy.

But more importantly the golf compares well to the best in Scotland, and it is a pure links experience.

The first hole takes you directly to the sea, and then holes 2 and 3 play along the coast.

It is a dramatic start.

 

 

The remainder of the front nine plays along 'a terrace' one hole removed from the coast- but it does not feel that way as the ocean is always in view

The back nine commences with two holes a little further inland, and partly framed by trees, changing the feel

But that is soon forgotten- the majestic twefth hole is a par 5 that runs right along the coast as it curves away from the tee.

It brings to mind Pebble Beach's famous 18th hole.

Thirteen and fourteen are again one step removed from the sea and delightful holes oft forgotten in post games discussions simply because the par 3 fifteenth hole is so unforgettable.

Totally exposed to the conditions, golfers on 15 must carry the briney to a green set on a peninsula..

 

 

It's a fantastic golf hole!

Sixteen, seventeen & eighteen are strong finishing holes.

The old burn, bridge and elevated green on the home hole make for a stirring finish to a wonderful Scottish links golf experience

 

Notable holes include: 

- the par 3 second hole with sea backdrop

 

Kingsbarns Golf Links- hole 2

 

- the par 5 third hole along the beach

- the driveable short par 4 sixth hole

- the short downhill par 3 eighth hole with tricky  green

 

 

- the epic par 5 twelfth hole along the beach

- the famous par 3 fifteenth hole with ocean carry (see pic mid page)

- the strong par 4 finishing hole

 

Kingsbarns Golf Links- hole 18

 

Kingsbarns should feature in itineraries for all golfers heading to Scotland and St Andrews

 

 

Golf Tours

The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to Scotland to suit your group.

For itinerary suggestions please see Destinations: Scotland

Escorted Tours

 

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