Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St Andrews, Kingsbarns is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking links courses ever developed. Though it only opened for general play in July 2000, it is not untrue to say that the links appears to have been in situ for centuries, as golf was played on this very site as far back as 1793.
Kingsbarns Golf Links is a real one-of-a-kind and contrasts with Scotland’s other famous links courses in that it is a new, man-made development. The significance of the development was highlighted by Sir Michael Bonallack, winner of 5 British Amateur Titles and present captain of the R & A when he indicated that “Kingsbarns might well be one of the last true seaside links sites capable of development in Scotland.”
With views of the ocean and the high tide foaming over the rocks below, one quickly realizes that this links is special, and while nothing can replace the Old Course, Kingsbarns Links is infinitely more scenic and is a worthy spiritual descendant of its historical neighbor. With talk of major tournaments, the venue is being touted as an ideal host to the Scottish Open, which has not been played since 1996 due to the loss of its sponsor. And don’t be surprised when you hear the British Open and Kingsbarns mentioned in the same sentence.
The sea figures prominently on every hole and one’s senses are continually pricked with the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean spray. The links boasts spacious fairways, which roll and twist through majestic dune ridges and hollows, while its large inviting greens present the golfer with subtle challenges. Combined with true links turf and associated contours, Kingsbarns Golf Links is distinctly playable but challenging to the end.
To leave the final words on this links to Sir Michael Bonallack would be appropriate: “Mere words cannot convey just how extraordinary the place is. It must be seen to be believed and once seen, it will never be forgotten.” Remember the name Kingsbarns Links, as you will be hearing and reading so much more about this course in the years and decades to come.
