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Kingsbarns, Scotland |
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Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 8QD
Scotland |  | Kyle Phillips |  | Alan Purdie |
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 | +44 (0) 1334 460860 |  | On coast road between St Andrews and Crail |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Course closed Dec-Mar – contact in advance |  | Sue Hutchison |
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According to golf historian Bobby Burnet, golf at Kingsbarns dates back to 1793. A nine-hole golf course once played over part of the current layout. The “nine-holer” was commandeered by the military at the outbreak of the Second World War because they felt that the beach at Kingsbarns was an invasion risk. The golf course disappeared until American architect Kyle Phillips came along at the close of the 20th century.
Phillips studied various courses, including Royal Dornoch, to ensure that the end design would look natural. The earthmovers then rumbled in and shifted hundreds of thousands of tonnes of earth to create the moonscape that is now Kingsbarns.
The course opened in July 2000 to rapturous applause. The course appears so natural that you would think that it had been there for years, an outstanding achievement.
One of the many delights of Kingsbarns Golf Links is that you can see the North Sea from virtually every part of the course. What’s more, it has its own burn (the Cambo), which was uncovered during all that earth moving. The terrain is perfect for golf, rippling fairways, humps and hollows. What’s more, the course is always maintained in immaculate condition. The green fee is not insignificant, however, the goody-bag that is handed out on the first tee is a really nice touch.
Situated just six miles from St Andrews, Kingsbarns is an important addition to the superb links courses in this area. It is feasible that this might be one of the last true links courses to be built along Scotland’s coastline and if so, it is just as well that this course is an absolute cracker and deserves to be bracketed alongside the greatest courses in the world. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | | A few miles down the road lays the tiny town of Kingsbarns. Here in this corner of the ancient Kingdom of Fife, where golf has its spiritual and cultural home, Art Dunkley and Mark Parsinen, the developers, along with Kyle Philips, the course architect, have created a wondrous place. The views of the North Sea immediately differentiate Kingsbarns from the Old Course. The hospitality from the get-go and constant desire for golfing feedback makes you realize that Kingsbarns Golf Links is serious about the experience. There are no members at this club. The management decided that everybody will be treated equally and a member for the day. Click here to read Fergal’s full article, “in pursuit of a dream”. |
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| 10 November 2012
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| | On a recent trip to Scotland I had the chance to revisit some of the courses I had played over the last 30 years. 10 years ago I had played and reviewed Kingsbarns, and I wrote a fairly harsh review, which I now recant in full! This was our first course off the plane, yet this turned out to be a wonderful and enjoyable test of golf. The ground is magnificent, and even though largely man-made the course appears as natural as any of the great links courses in Scotland. There are many wonderful holes, my personal favorites being the shorter par 4's such as 6 and 14. The highlight of the round for me was a well earned 2 at 15, although a fierce storm made the end very tough, overall I had a wonderful experience. My original criticism centered around the greens, but I realized this time around that the greens, although sloped, in general rewarded good shots and penalized misses. The course has done much to make the visitor welcome and to enhance the experience in every way possible without diluting the Scottish feel to the property. So may apologies for a previous harsh review and a thumbs up to one of my new favorite courses in the UK. This course deserves all the high rankings and accolades it has received.
Richard Smith, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA |
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| 09 August 2012
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| My second visit to this jewell gave me pretty much the same as last year: a sunny day, great golf and very poor putting, in this case with a some wind which made it more challenging. After having played Castle Stuart from the same designer team  I can say thay they have achieved a great job on both courses, although the course in Inverness in my opinion is a little bit better. Say this I will say that Kingsbarns is a must play in every visit to St Andrews, not only because of the quality of the course but also because the Staff at the Club House is the best in the UK, their attention to detail is so high as in any course in the world. This time one of the guys from my group, the former Argentine Rugby Team Member Rorro de la Arena, aced hole #2 to end a fantastic trip. Some good champagne was served after the round!!! Can I add something else about the course? Yes. The greens are maybe the best in the area and roll faster than the average courses, which in a windy day can be really tough. What I can still say is that 17th is one of the best par 4s i have ever played |
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| 16 July 2012
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| | Played Kingsbarns on a glorious day in late May 2012. Course offers everything you can ask for from a links golf experience. Great sea views, dramatic visual appeal, deep tactical bunkering, undulating greens (many 2 tiered allowing for vast variation in how to play the holes), options off the tee, variety of approach shots, infinity greens (just on on the 4th), approach shots over water, superb practice facilities, great clubhouse and a warm, professional welcome. A modern classic of the highest order! My only critisim is they could do with a third tee option between green and whites to bring bunkers into play for low to mid level handicappers. |
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| 29 May 2012
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| Response: | | | myke divot | 04 June 2012 | | Except it is not a links. |
| | | I just had to sign up to write a review of this course. It is literally unbelievable, Can't think of one bad hole. As a 12 handicapper I was having the round of my life playing 4 over gross on the 18th tee finishing with a dodgy 7 but still I can't think of one bad thing to say about this course. The views are incredible on most holes, the greens are fantastic and the fairways were in good condition as well. All the par 3s are fun to play with the slopes giving you the chance to get the ball close. The par 5s are strong especially the 12th: this is a magnificent hole similar to the 18th at pebble beach
Magnificent course and can't wait to go back to play it |
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| 25 April 2012
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| | Played it twice now and I will be back again. It's a magnificent track and stunningly beautiful. Every hole is tremendous and the round even manages to improve through the back 9! Being a member of North Berwick I am a great lover of golf history and traditional links courses and I often read other comments criticising Kingsbarns for being too American and contrived etc. I say to these people get over yourselves and just enjoy it for what it is. It can't help being only 15 years old! David Russell |
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| 24 November 2011
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| Can you have a good review on a course where you three putted 1,2,3 & 4 and missed it to the water in the nicest par 3 (15th)?? The answer is YES!  Despite this mistakes I managed to score 76 from the 6800yds tees, which is very good. If my putt had worked, it could have been under par. The course itself is breathtaking, views of the ocean on every hole, a very nice set of four par 3s and accesible par 5s (birdied 3 of them and 3 putted on 3 after reaching the green), 2 reachable par 4s and some other very tough holes as 7, 11, 17 and the finishing one. The Club House is perfect and the staff the best of the best, kindness to the highest standars. George, very friendly starter, keeps a collection of more than 2000 different tees so if you go there take him a souvenir from your home course. The very nice bag as a souvenir completes a perfect golf outing, you feel like a KING all day. |
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| 06 October 2011
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| | Played last week, fantastic views, super track in excellent condition, played with my brother who has just taken the game up and we were both blown away. Very welcoming and relaxed clubhouse, will definetly play again when we get the opportunity. |
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| 13 September 2011
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| | One of the best courses I've ever played and well worth making the trip up there. Immaculately presented and each hole offers a different challenge in itself. Hospitality was first class. I can't recommend this course enough, a real 'gem' on Scotlands coastline. |
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| 16 July 2011
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| | Have played it 3 times. Way, way better than Dundonald, in fact the latter is just not in the same league. Nowhere near it in fact. Was pleased to par SI2 which was tough into the wind, and with a 2 at the short 8th where you definatlely don't want to be long! Lovely greens. Welcoming and friendly staff cannot praise this course highlly enough - for my money the best in Scotland (from the ones that will actually let you on to play). And, magnificent views. |
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| 12 May 2011
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| Response: | | | dan | 03 September 2011 | | "For my money" is the apposite phrase ! For completeness' sake, we are looking to play Kingsbarns next March/April on our annual Scottish pilgrimage and the only fee I can see is May-Oct for £185 !!! This must be the most expensive round of shoulder season seaside golf in Scotland, and I am struggling to justify it when at the same time Troon would be £130, Muirfield £110, let alone Carnoustie, Turnberry, Prestwick, Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch, Cruden Bay etc. Do we really have to pay this fee when plenty of reviewers are complaining about the greens ? |
| | | Played Kingsbarns for the 3rd time on September 18, and everytime I've played it, it's just fantastic. This time it was almost no wind and sunny and the condition was just great. We played Carnoustie the day before and if you're a 10 handicapper like myself, Kingsbarns might be the best course you can play in the world |
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| 20 September 2010
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| | Now this is golf the way Keith Richards would design it. It's rock&roll! For links purists who like blind shots and losing a dozen balls a round in knee deep heather it won't tick all the boxes but I can assure you that they won't be able to hide the smile they'll have all the way around!
I don't know about you but I play golf to have FUN! This course has fantastic views, an awesome layout, challenging green areas and bunkering to keep all the strategists happy. But you can also ignore that, ignore your score and just enjoy it!
In addition you get a very service minded and relaxed welcome. Yes it costs an arm and leg to play here, unless you're a member of a Scottish club in which case it's cheap. But it's worth it no matter what. Kyle Phillips is the master of fun and you will go to bed with a big grin after having played KB. |
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| 17 September 2010
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| | Played the course in early July and was not disappointed. From driving up to the course we could tell we were not going to be let down. The course starter met us outside the clubhouse as we arrived and couldn't do enough for us. The clubhouse is excellent and very friendly, shorts and flip flops are even allowed which was great considering it was a warm sunny day. The practice facilities are also first class. The course itself is very good, not as good as Carnoustie, Turnberry, Birkdale if rated as an actual 'golf course' but still very good. Stand out holes are the par 5 12th running along the coast and the par 3 15th, and the 18th provides a great finish. Overall the course is very fair, the rough isn't too penal and the fairways are pretty generous. A course that could definately be enjoyed by all levels of golfer. A tip would be to hire a fore caddie, as the greens can be tricky to read. |
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| 12 September 2010
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| | Played Kingsbarns last year and by far - it´s the best course I´ve ever played. Have been visiting Ireland/Scotland six years in a row and have been playing some really high ranked courses but none is even close to this one.
From the club house, the starter, the first tee, the first par 3... Everything breathes high class golf! And as someone wrote below, regarding hole 12. A superb par 5 which follows the ocean to the left. Remember mentioning to the 3 other people in the group that "Can we have it any better than this? This IS what life is about".
If you need to pick out one course to play in Scotland - this is the one to choose. For sure... |
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| 11 September 2010
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| | I played Kingsbarns for the second time in mid June of this year. First of all, I must say the course was in much better condition than when we played in June of 2007. At the time we last played, I really liked the course but thought it was a bit expensive and felt like an American course in Scotland. After three trips to Scotland and playing about 25 different courses at all ends of the rankings (and cost structure), I stand by my original review. If you are intent on capturing top ranked golf courses…go play it…once will be enough. If you want to play links golf, play any number of courses at a lesser price…Lundin, Leven, Jubliee, New. You will get a better feel for links golf and can play all of those twice for the cost of one over priced round at Kingsbarns |
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| 09 July 2010
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| Response: | | | Jim | 02 August 2010 | | This is exactly how I feel. The conditioning or flow of the terrain does not give that real links feel - overpriced and has a horribly commercial feel to it with all of the rental bags lined up on the first tee and the caddies co-ordinated in beige - this place has the wow factor, no doubt, but lacks any real character in my book... |
| | | Myself and 3 friends played Kingsbarns on 4th April 2010 and we were all very impressed with everything about the course. We were made to feel very welcome by all the staff who were very helpful and made us feel welcomed at the club. There were several nice touches like the little goodie bag with course planner, pitchfork and bag tag whereas we played the New course at St Andrews the following day and were given a score card and a pencil and not even an "enjoy your round", whereas Kingsbarns was the complete opposite, the starter took his time to chat to you and give you some advice on playing the course The course was in excellent condition for this time of year and would thoroughly recommend a visit, you will not be disappointed. |
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| 07 April 2010
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| Response: | | | Dewi Henderson | 02 July 2010 | | Comparing Kingsbarns with the New at St Andrews in terms of whether one receives a warm welcome, some advice and a "goodie bag" is a bit unfair considering that a round at Kingsbarns is a £100 more expensive! I'd choose the New anytime. |
| | | Played the Old Course and then here. This course eats the Old course for breakfast. This course if a great course if your going on a trip to Scotland/St Andrews area. Nice layout, reminds me of Chambers Bay but better. Great back nine and well worth it.....better then Portrush |
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| 15 October 2009
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| Response: | | | Craig Jobson | 15 June 2010 | | Eats the Old Course for breakfast !!! I dont think so, How can you compare the two anyway ? they are totally different. One designed by nature over hundreds of years One designed (manufactured) to look like something it will never be, its not even on links land. You could put Kingsbarns anywhere in the world and it would just be another golf course, ok its not bad, but it will never be the Old Course. | | | Jim Rooney | 30 June 2010 | | I have to agree. St. Andrews is little better than a municipal course and if it wasn't for its history wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the Open roster. Sure, it's a great thrill to stand on the same fairways as many of the game's greats but as a course I wouldn't have it in my top 50. | | | Tom Kelly | 30 August 2010 | | Jim what are you on about???!!! The Old Course is little better than a municpal and wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the open rota?? If it is so bad, how come Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, Peter Thomson, Alister Mackenzie, Tom Doak etc etc etc all rank it as the best course in the world?? Plus this year conditon wise it was the best open venue ever, Els described the greens as probably the best hes ever putted on, as did Poulter and quite a few others....little better than a municpal hey?? |
| | | Kingsbarns is a very good golf course, although i do not think it is as good as many of the others in the st andrews area. Kingsbarns is though a very challenging golf course with many fantastic holes like the par 5 12th and the par 3 15th. The 18th is a fantastic finishing hole, this course is very scenic but there are one or two weaker holes on the front nine. |
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| 14 October 2009
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| | I first posted about Kingsbarns on here 3 or 4 years ago. I loved it. I have played a lot of top courses in Britain and Europe and Kingsbarns was in my opinion right up there. The course IS manufactured as we know but it certainly doesn't LOOK like it. It follows a beautiful flow which seems entirely natural and each hole is memorable but follows from the one before. There are not many courses where you can recall each and every hole weeks after playing.
What I loved most about it was that players of any level could enjoy it from top pro to 22 handicaper. The big championship courses are often no fun for high handicapers with big carries and a punishing lack of bail out options. But Kingsbarns has an option for all players on nearly every hole. I play off 9 and loved it but my group all felt the same despite a range from a short hitting 18 to a 6.
The only thing i felt was less than perfect about the course was the greens. They were bare and inferior to the other courses in Scotland. I asumed it was because the course was new but the recent posts seem to show its still a problem and may be down to grass choice, soil and climate? |
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| 13 October 2009
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| Response: | | | cc | 13 October 2009 | | Sorry, but as someone who has played on links courses all his life, and who sees established and shifting dune systems on a daily basis, I feel the course certainly does look manufactured. Don't get me wrong, decent effort and all that, looks natural in photographs, but undeniably the work of man. I believe it's possible to build an artificial course that looks natural, but this isn't it. At least not to my eyes. Should it annoy me? probably not, but it does every time. In saying that the maturing of the whins is helping. |
| | | Good course, very well designed with some lovely holes. Give it a few more years and it will be great - the problem at the moment is that some of it looks a bit manufactured and I am a lover of natural golf. Fun to play with some holes a real challenge. |
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| 08 September 2009
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| Response: | | | Derek | 08 September 2009 | | I too love natural golf but confess to always being a bit surprised at the criticism that Kingsbarns is very manufactured. I think the wee par three downhill (8th?)is a bit silly and there's a couple of later greens (possibly 10 and 11) that are very, very steeply banked but apart from that i don't really get the "manufactured" sense that others complain of. Shame the greens seem to be sufferring as Kingsbarns is a wonderful place, i think. |
| | | We played Kingsbarns on the 15th May 2009, as part of a three day trip to St.Andrews.
The views are stunning and there are many well designed and constructed holes. However the condition of the greens totally spoilt the enjoyment of the day. They are obviously diseased at the moment and have little grass covering and numerous bare patches.
I would suggest that any perspective visitors check the condition before booking.
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| 18 May 2009
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| Response: | | | S McEwen | 27 May 2009 | | The greens have been treated for weed grasses such as poa annua and the ercovery time has taken longer than hoped. Cold east winds during the early part of May knocked them back but with the warmer weather arriving now there is an expectancy that conditions shall improve very soon. |
| | | played this twice now, last time on a glorious summer day and although coming on the losing side i have to say its between this and turnberry for my number 1.
every hole makes you think and positioning off the tee can make a huge difference. you can see how much thought has been put into the construction of each hole. the views are sublime and its difficult to pick a favourite hole because they are all magnificent!
have to note however that after walking round castle stuart kingsbarns may soon be surpassed by that jewel! |
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| 17 February 2009
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| Response: | | | Jim McCann | 18 February 2009 | | Having been fortunate enough to play a preview round in the Autumn of 2008, I can only agree that Mark Parsinen's new Castle Stuart course might well be capable of the unthinkable - putting Kingsbarns in the shade!!! |
| | | for shotmaking this is an excellent course, due to the length they have naturally incorporated into the hole designs. the disappointment was the greens. only about 3-4 are links style. the designers didn't have the courage to make subtle undulating greens, and instead went for dramatic slopes based it seems on some kind of quadrant formula for different pin positions. such greens make it an effective "augusta-on-sea", but not the great links it had/has the potential to be. playing a round of golf here was enjoyable, fair enough. but rating it as high as 6th - SIXTH! - is utterly absurd. there are SO MANY amazing courses (links and inland) better than this. i would also reverse the nines. the 18th is a very weak finishing hole with a one-dimensional approach shot, but the ninth is one of the strongest holes on the course. |
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| 10 December 2008
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| Response: | | | Jim McCann | 12 December 2008 | | I really cannot believe that anyone could call the 18th at Kingsbarns "one dimensional" as I think it's one of the best closing holes in all of Scottish golf!!! How can all that trouble in front of and below the green be disregarded so casually? | | | cc | 13 December 2008 | | I think what he means, Jim, is that you HAVE to go for the carry at the 18th, there is no lay-up alternative, and I know many people who don't like the hole because of this. Ironically I feel that the 18th is a great finishing hole, but otherwise I agree that this is very overrated course from a purely golfing perspective. Great location though. | | | david russell | 18 May 2013 | | Why oh why can't everyone just cut the crap and ask themselves a very simple question. What is actually wrong with any one of these golf holes? They all- every one of them look stunning from the tee and only get better as you walk through them. It is a truly inspired golf course and should be judged on its merits, which are plenty. The topography is amazing and I don't care a damn if it's man made. The welcome is friendly, normal and you're custom is valued which is a helluva lot more than I can say for many of our more 'traditional' establishments. It's high time some people just got over themselves and a few hire bags sitting outside the clubhouse! |
| | | Played in Aug. 2008. Incredible views most everywhere, especially where there are broad views on the north part of the course, it seems to stretch forever! Especially in the wind, you can create some interesting shots and use the contours of the land. Excellent clubhouse food and welcoming experience. |
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| 05 December 2008
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| | Kingsbarns is a wonderful golf course. I played here on a cold, wet and very windy day in October and absolutely loved it. The course will test all aspects of your game with accurate shots off the tee being a must for opening up the narrow green entrances. The putting surfaces are huge (and fast), so you will need to bring your ‘A’ game with the putter to score well.
This course is all about the Sea views and, for me; the standout holes are among those which hug the shoreline. The 3rd is a fairly short par 5 but is superbly protected by a huge riveted bunker to the front right of the green. The 12th is simply magnificent. A brute of a par five with the beach sucking your ball towards it all the way down the left hand side, and once on the green you may still be faced with a 70 yard putt! The 15th is an exceptional par three, with that treacherous carry over beach and rocks not for the faint hearted. The 16th and 17th , as well as having the crashing waves fighting for your attention on the right, have a scattering of devilishly positioned bunkers all the way down the fairways ready to punish the less thoughtful of tee shots or approaches.
The condition of the course, although not absolutely perfect, was good for the time of year (and especially considering the weather experienced here over the whole season) so no complaints from me on that front.
I was particularly impressed with the friendliness of the staff and quality of service provided in the cosy clubhouse. All in all a brilliant experience and, considering the reduced green fee for Scottish residents, not too hard on the pocket either.
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| 06 November 2008
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| | Played Kingsbarns for the 2nd time this last week and I must say that it is probably among the top 3 courses I have played if not THE best. It is just brilliant and there are no bad holes. We also had caddies this time which we did not have the first time. And they were also just brilliant. I might upset some people but in my mind Kingsbarns is the best course in the St Andrews area. |
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| 17 October 2008
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| | Interesting to see some of the opinions coming in from some people.
The term manufactured seems to come up quite often. But you know what? I have played loads of courses which follow the natural terrain and gernerally they are boring, bland and not worth playing!
I think this is a majestic course, and I rate it as my number 1. Hole 12 is one of my favourites anywhere, a huge par five which curves around the bay, fantastic views! All the par 3s are good too, and they avoid the problem that many new courses have where you get long par 3s where your average player has to hit a three wood to reach the green.
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| 17 September 2008
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| Response: | | | Moreski | 18 September 2008 | | You can get a bull-dozer and a shed load of top soil and manufacture any golf course, pretty much anywhere (ie Dubai) but surely there is something spectacular/beautiful about a designer's ability to utilise the natural terrain. Have you been to Royal County Down for example. Boring??? I also quite like the different challenge offered by a long par 3. It's one of the few times in a round of golf where your tee shot with a 3 wood or even driver requires absolute accuracy in order to have a chance of scoring which is a completely different scenario to trying to find the fairway/miss the bunkers. |
| | | One of the most beautiful courses in the world. In my view in terms of scenic beauty it even beats Turnberry. Ok, some people are whining that it's not "true links". So what? Even if it's true, I really don't care. The fact is that it's one of the greatest courses in the world "real links" or not. If it really bothers you that much imagine that you're in the US, play this gem, and if you're bothered by its supposed "unnatural looks" go to Carnoustie (which by the way is also a great course, albeit for different reasons) on the next day to play some "true links". |
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| 10 September 2008
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| | I played the course in early august and if this is the 15th best course in the world i'm tiger woods the design is good if you like american design but this is not proper links golf! there will never be an open here! It also seemed to be overplayed i saw a group of muppets play down 18 and they had 15-20 shots no joke they let anybody on! $$$$$ Having played the old course and murifield this is not in the same breath , i also played elie and lundin the same wkend and the condition of both courses was far better! Kingsbarns does look special from afar and the service from the staff is also special but the condition lets it down! The Greens need digging up and starting again it was a lottery! |
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| 02 September 2008
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| | Where do i start i played the course on August 9th and had been looking forward to it for weeks but it has to be my biggest disapointment in golf. While the design of the course is superb with only the 14th a letting it down the condition was terrible a previous review notes that they are losing the battle with the local grasses on the greens well that battle is well lost they were terrible!!! I played 5 other courses in the area and this was easily in the worst condition. The fairways were also bare and some of the bunkering is abit over the top typically american. Overall For £160 as the previous review says i felt more than a little short changed!! |
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| 11 August 2008
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| Response: | | | ian mcfadyen | 23 August 2008 | | also played this course on the 9th august 2008, the condition of the course in my opinion was excellent considering, the weather conditions and also the amount of rainfall this area in fife had been subjected to during the august month, as for the fairways being bare ! this is totally untrue, they were infact very lush similar to the parkland course we played the day before, we put this down to the amount of rain .on any links course in the past you would expect tight bare lies.
the local grasses have infiltrated the greens but the ball ran smooth and true in my opinion.we very much enjoyed our day and will be back | | | pratty | 14 February 2009 | | i understand what your saying about the condition of the course but what you have to remember ,this is a very new course,just enjoy a great layout of wich will be a classic course in many years to come, and lets face it ,the welcone you get at kingsbarns is second to none | | | cc | 15 February 2009 | | Kingsbarns is hardly "very new" at nine years old, and while parts are maturing nicely, when I last played there in late 2007, I felt the condition, though not bad, was neither as good as it had been, nor what you would expect of such an expensive course |
| | | Kingsbarns was my favourite golf course in Scotland and played it for the third time in late May 2008. Whilst I enjoyed my round the condition of the course was only OK, the greens were bumpy as seemingly losing the battle against the native grass seeds and the fairways seemed very thin and patchy, lastly this is the busiest I have ever seen the course. Kingsbarns is a great course but I left the clubhouse feeling somewhat short changed. |
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| 28 July 2008
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| | The Good Points: 1. Excellent welcome (and welcome pack on the 1st tee) 2. You really can see the sea from every hole 3. It is fairly open so high handicappers won't struggle as much as on some other championship courses 4. A very good test of golf
The Bad Points: 1. The price 2. The club house - those pictures make it look like a theme pub; 3. the huge greens place a massive amount of emphasis on your putting.
Overall - very good but perhaps not quite the summer time green free.
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| 22 July 2008
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| | Kingsbarns Played 12 May 2008 “Kingsbarns” is a very enjoyable golfing experience and the course is certainly worth a visit. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we were treated royally by every member of the staff we came into contact with. This made for a very memorable day. We played the first few holes in a dull, cool morning; then the sun came out and a moderate breeze blew up making playing conditions ideal. The setting of the course, the gorse in full bloom and the sparkling sea, which was in view from all but a couple of holes, did everything they possible could to seduce us. Tees, fairways, bunkers and greens were beautifully prepared and maintained. Although the aesthetics of the latter were spoiled by extensive invasions of poanna grass, they were nevertheless very true to putt on. The course is beautifully laid out with the most memorable holes in my mind being the 12th and 15th. Well placed bunkers and undulating greens add a degree of difficulty to a course that in many other respects lacks the muscle, bite and character of a true links. The fairways are very generous, the rough, should you find any, is light and there are no real carries to the fairways from the medal tees of the kind I associate with a “championship” links course. As a golfing test and experience Kingsbarns is not a links to be considered in the same elite category as Royal Birkdale, Lytham & St Annes, Portrush, Co Down, Turnberry, Troon, Ballybunion, Porthcawl and a dozen other courses I could mention in the UK and Ireland. It’s a resort style course with the softness, concessions and flattery that implies. If it’s links golf, then it’s the decaffeinated dolphin friendly kind! If that’s what you really want then Kingsbarns delivers it with considerable style. If you want to play a new expression of true links golf, drive to the other side of Scotland and play Dundonald Links, an even younger course by the same architect as Kingsbarns, Kyle Phillips, or visit the European Club south of Dublin, Ireland. Both are comfortably ahead of Kingsbarns from a golfing perspective. As an overall experience Kingsbarns deserves to be very highly rated but from a pure golf point of view, while it would certainly be in my personal top 50, I don’t think it would make it into my top 25. I’ll go back and play Kingsbarns again in a few year’s time – perhaps I’ll change my mind then. |
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| 14 May 2008
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| | You can't dismiss this course because of a lack of history. It is a magnificent construction and is truly memorable with, perhaps, the long 12th being the most memorable (the green is 72 yards deep). Throw in the good clubhouse, friendly staff, good food and what's not to like? I'll be back. |
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| 16 April 2008
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| | I have to disagree with the previous reviewer. Kingsbarns is a fantastic golf course. For me, it did not feel contrived or over-manufactured but fits naturally into it's surroundings. I would say that all bar two (1st and 8th) are fine holes, with a number of truly memorable ones (12th, 15th and 18th in particular). It is expensive no doubt, but a great golfing experience. |
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| 15 April 2008
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| | We made the trip in June of 2007. If you are in the area, make the effort to play the course...once. I truly enjoyed the day, but it felt like American golf in Scotland. While the scenery is great, I truly recall only two holes...the par 5 12th and par 3 15th. Beyond that, they all seem to run together. In contrast, I can recall every hole at Troon and North Berwick. So, play it once and move on. It was probably the most over-rated ( and over-priced) courses I have played in a long time. I am afraid with the soon to be completed Castle Stuart and Trump's announced course, my countrymen (or their influence) will ruin what is great about golf in Scotland. |
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| 29 March 2008
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| | Simply a joy to golf! Played in August of 2006. Picturesque on every hole. The caddie I had was extremely helpful. We let them play a couple shots on the back nine par 3 that played over the ocean. My caddie helped me knock probably 6 stokes off of what would have otherwise shot. I play to an 8 handicap and my first 18, I got a bit of the yips on the first 18. Ended the 2nd 18 (and my final round of the trip) with a round of 78. VERY pleased. Sure, it cost me $400 for the day, but it was a wonderful, wonderful day of golf! |
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| 02 January 2008
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| | Just played this course for the first but not last time.Fom start to finish this was an unforgettable experience,the staff could not have been more helpful or friendly.Every hole was a visual delight,every fairway a joy and every green true.In my opinion this course ranks above the old course and muirfield both of which I have had the pleasure to play recently.It may not have the history or the tradition of these courses but to say it doesn't compare smacks of golf snobbery. |
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| 01 November 2007
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| | Played it Aug 07 and was blown away. Always had Turnberry and Pacific Dunes as my top but Kingsbarns has worked its way into that catagory. |
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| 05 September 2007
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| | This a great course with breathtaking views and scenery, however, I didn't think Kingsbarns lived up to all the hype and the expectations I'd hoped for. Design wise, Kyle-Phillips makes very good use of the sea views for all the holes, however, if I was being picky about the holes, I'd say I found holes 13, 14 and 18 weak. It was in great condition when I played it, however, for me, it doesn't have the same feel to it as a traditional, rugged, links course. I've read magazine reviews saying the whole course looks and feels like it's over 100 years old, however, I found the exact opposite and felt it looked very modern, manicured and designed to be pleasing on the eye. On the subject of a potential future open venue, I can't see it happening. It's very different to the current courses on the rota and for me Kingsbarns doesn't have that same feeling of a good, old, undulating links course that we have so many of on the current rota. For me, it's not nearly as good a course to the open venues I've played - Turnberry, Carnoustie and Muirfield. That said, let's not get away from the fact though that this is a great course and I will certainly be taking advantage of the Scottish residency rate again sometime soon!!! |
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| 22 August 2007
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | 22 August 2007 | | Possibly agree about the 14th hole but the 18th has one of the toughest 2nd shots around - cannot call it a weak hole...there will be more 6's and 7's there than 3's and 4's, no doubt. |
| | | With the greatest of respect to the opinion of the previoys reviewer, Kingsbarns is more than capable of presenting the test required for an Open Championship. You can make Carnoustie impopssible (1999) or playable (2007). You could easily do the same with Kingsbarns. The course layout is quite magnificent. The only hole I don't like is the one the previous reviewer praised, the 11th, as I think the green is totally unnatural. 13th is also not a big favourite of mine, but otherwise this is a treat for any golfer, and has enough variety to satisfy golfers at any level. Brilliant course design is evident on almost every hole, and the wonderful little clubhouse and fantastic upstairs locker rooms make this my favourite course in Scotland - and by golly I've played most of them !! Play Kingsbarns, you will never regret it, this course is destined for great things! |
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| 31 July 2007
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| Response: | | | cc | 28 September 2007 | | You've misunderstood me. I don't think the 11th is a good hole, and I agree with you about the green, but when you stand on the tee, at least the hole looks natural, rather than a confection of fake sandhills. Phillips' other course at Dundonald is even worse for this. As for tricking it up to hold an Open, you would have to. People got annoyed about Carnoustie in '99 because the course didn't need to be changed to be tough. Go to Muirfield or Royal Troon during any summer and you would be playing the course as it is set up for the championship. If you need to change a course temporarily for an Open, then the design as it stands, isn't good enough. Kingsbarns is a great place to play golf, but not to test all aspects of a good players game. |
| | | Yes, it's a stunning place to play golf, and a lot of fun, and the staff are fantastic, but come on, this is technically far inferior to the likes of Royal Troon, Muirfield or Carnoustie. The wide fairways allow shots to be sprayed, while the bunkering is mostly there to look good rather than impede a nearly good shot. The large sloping greens would be fine in moderation but become tedious after a while, though they are of course, the only defence against good players because the pins can be put in near-impossible spots. There are great holes , given the location that was always going to happen, but otherwise, not a great design. If only any of the afore-mentioned courses had this situation...
It is very artificial looking, a Disney-esque parody of links duneland. That said the second shot into 18 is magnificent. Only perhaps there, and on much of the 11th do the 'dunes' look real. Play it, it's spectacular, but it's no championship test |
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| 18 July 2007
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| Response: | | | Mark | 14 February 2008 | | I agree with the term "Disney-esque" - the course is a totally manufactured "links style" and doesn't have the feel of the real links courses - ie the courses down on the St. Andrews links land, Carnoustie, Turnberry etc. Kingbarns is more like the manufactured links courses of the US (Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes, Chambers Bay). These courses are very fine tracks, but they don't offer the rare experience of real links golf as it is strictly defined. |
| | | Without doubt the best course i have ever played. The whole experience was excellent. Great course and very friendly staff- not snooty at all as you find at many of the better courses. Golf the way it should be. We had lunch in the clubhouse overlooking the 18th which was great. On the first tee the starter gave us a pack including tees, a pencil, a strokesaver, pitch mark repairer and trolley hire was free. Also, complimentary use of the practices range. Sometimes the little things make all the difference.
I find it hard to belive there is a better course in Britain. Not a bad hole on the course and stunning vews. The condition of the course was mint. Noteable holes are the par 5 12th and the par 3 15th - stunning.
I will definately return. Also the deal for Scottish residence paying a reduced fee of £62 each for a 4 ball is a bargain! Even if i had paid full green fee i would have said it was worth it. |
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| 04 July 2007
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| | Having recently played Kingsbarns with a friend during a long-weekend in the area playing six of the best courses, I left with very mixed feelings about the venue. From a golf course design perspective Kingsbarns is absolutely fantastic, there's not a single weak hole and the way in which the next hole is only revealed as you step onto the tee is superb. Great use of the coastline means a wonderful edging for a number of the holes and those that are away from the beach are just as impressive and many offer views of the sea. However, the course did not feel like a true 'links' golf course to me, more a great course next to the sea, very much like Old Head if you've had the chance to play there. The fairways don't have the wonderful buried elephant undulations or sandy nature you find at the older links courses like Montrose, and in general it feels much more 'manufactured' than I expected based on all of the previous rave reviews. In my opinion and taking into account that it had been pretty wet over the days prior to our arrival, the course was not in the great condition I expected with many areas showing heavy divot damage (a result of it's success?) and the greens looked very 'mottled', although to be fair they were still firm and impressively quick, they just didn't look very nice! I think you have to play there at least once to experience a great layout, but quite honestly I'd rather play Montrose or Panmure twice for the same money! |
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| 29 June 2007
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| | Played Kingsbarns in March of 2006. A trip in which my playing partner and myself treated ourselves to most of Scotland's best (big name) courses. Kingsbarns was handsdown my favorite of all of them. What a fantastic course. Take away the history of St. Andrew's Old Course and it's simply a cow path in comparison to this gem. If you are headed to Scotland and you miss this course as great as your trip may be you will have to live with the fact that it could of been better... |
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| 09 April 2007
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| | Played in June 2006- very interesting course with sweeping views of the sea and rolling topography. A difficult course but can be played well with decent shotmaking. Staff welcome was excellent! Definitely worth a go. |
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| 21 February 2007
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| | Here you go, maybe a little bit controversial for the traditionalists but in my opinion this is the best golf course in Scotland bar none. |
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| 21 October 2006
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| | This course has it all!!! A mix of holes which keeps you thoroughly entertained. From the long par 5 12th which plays into the wind and hugs the North Sea coast as it gradually steers away to your left, to the challenging par 3 15th which is just begging for you to fade a shot into the water (or Pebble Beach depending on the time of day you play the hole). Having played several other well respected courses in the St. Andrews area (the Old Course excluded), I can safely say this is by far one of, if not the best course!! When you stand on the middle of the 18th fairway, having hit a strong up hill drive towards the club house, and look at the shot you have left into the green, you just think golf can’t get any better (nor more challenging) than this!! All in all this is a course with spectacular views, fantastically well kept traditional links fairways and greens that have every turn, break, hill and hollow in them you could ever want to test your putting on!! If you visit the area and don’t play at Kingsbarns you’ve missed out on a gem of a course. |
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| 19 October 2006
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| | This is a magical place to play golf. You pay a lot but the overall welcome and package is fantastic. Right from the arrival you are treated as special. The club house is small but welcoming and inside has a real traditional feel. This is all before you start to play this phenomenal golf course. Even the men’s locker rooms are a treat with its leather sofas and views from its bay windows across the course and North Sea. I do however find it strange that people say the course looks like it has been here for ever. To me it feels like a new course, one that has been designed to make the best of the terrain and view. This is no insult, it truly is a wonderful course and to be fair although a tough test of golf there are some holes which in terms of golf are straight forward but in terms of dramatic effect are wonderful. Kyle Phillips should be truly applauded for this new and dramatic addition to Scotland’s golfing history. Playing the course you can see what Kyle was trying to do, he was trying to build a great challenge whilst providing each hole with a different dramatic back drop. You start from the first tee where there is a straight forward left to right drive, then from your second shot the North Sea comes into view and stays in your view and that is the way Kyle has designed it. For example the fourth is a long up hill par four with an infinity green ………. It just seems to hang there in the middle of the North Sea. The holes that hug the coastline provide an even more dramatic golf view. The 14th is really the courses pinnacle with the lateral water hazard north sea to your left and the enormous 75yard long green (it was back left when we played). There can be few rivals in the world for this hole …….. Pebble Beach …….. that course in New Zealand ….. the Old Head maybe. If there is a criticism I think that sometimes the design has not taken the mere mortal into account. I played the 15th signature hole, the par three across the sea, with a wind in my face and the pin on the far right. The green is just 8 paces across with beach and sea front and back. That means I am hitting a green into the breeze 185 yards away and I have to stop the ball on hard green ………… I went left and three putted from 50 yards. The 18th has a similar problem, a great hole with the second shot played over the courses burn onto a green perched right on its banks but about 25ft up. This would be fine if you were playing an 8 iron or less, however the hole is 414yards. That said it is the experience and the beauty that you pay £150 for and it is worth the money. Will it hold an Open? No and I don’t think it should, it is not a classic links just a wonderfully designed coastal golf course. If there was a fifth major, The World Open, then it should come here. Pay the money and enjoy. |
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| 21 September 2006
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| | A fantastic golf course and set up. I have played 3 other courses (RCD, Turnberry, Portrush) in the UK Top 10 and Kingsbarns is right up there with them – behind RCD and a fraction behind Turnberry and I think about par with Portrush. I thought there were 17 great holes just not sure about the 14th?. The biggest compliment I can offer is that standing on the first tee you feel like you are playing an historic Open rota course, it just had that X factor for me. The whole course feels so natural, so I guess the designers are to be commended for it. Numerous standout holes, but yes the 12th is as good as everybody says and I loved the 15th and 18th aswell. The greens are great and a real challenge. Yes some of them are huge but are very true. Stunning views and a lovely club house. Yeap, you may have guessed I quite like this place! |
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| 18 September 2006
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