Located directly on the North Sea coast only six miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns Golf Links is without doubt one of the most breathtaking courses in the world. Though it only opened for general play in July 2000, it is not untrue to say that the links appears to have been in existence 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 modern, man-made development. The significance of Kingsbarns was highlighted by Sir Michael Bonallack, five time British Amateur Champion and past captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, 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 realises that this links is special and while nothing can replace the Old Course at St Andrews, Kingsbarns Links is infinitely more scenic and is a worthy spiritual descendant of its historical neighbour. Despite its relative youth in golf course terms, Kingsbarns already plays annual host to the Dunhill Links Championship, which is played over three golf courses (the other two being the Old Course and Carnoustie Championship Links). And don't be too surprised when you hear the British Open and Kingsbarns mentioned in the same sentence. It's that good!

Measuring a whopping 7,126 from the championship tees, the links generally plays from the medal tees at a substantial yardage of 6,652. 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 it's 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 the end.

To leave the final words on this majestic 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.

Check out our article - What Makes a Great Golf Course? by Martin Vousden

Rated 5th in ‘World Top 100 Course You Must Play’

Golf World 2005

Featured in the ‘Top 100 Courses in the World’

Golf magazine 2001, 2003, 2005

Rated ‘Best New International Course’

Golf Digest 2000

Text provided by Online Golf Travel Tailored Golf Vacation throughout Scotland and Ireland

From St Andrews: Take A917 toward Crail. After passing through the village of Kingsbarns, the entrance to Kingsbarns Golf Links is sign posted on the left 800 yards (750m) beyond Back Style Road. Allow 20 minutes driving time.

From Edinburgh Airport: Allow 1 Hour and 20 Minutes

From Glasgow Airport: Allow 2 Hours