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Kingsbarns Golf Links

Experience the breathtaking sea views and rich heritage of Kingsbarns Golf Links, a modern classic on Scotland’s storied coastline.

4.7

Kingsbarns Golf Links is a stunning seaside links golf course located seven miles south of St Andrews along 1.8 miles of North Sea coastline. Opened in 2000, it blends traditional Scottish links features with modern design, offering panoramic sea views from nearly every hole. It hosts prestigious tournaments like the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Ricoh Women’s British Open, welcoming visitors with its challenging yet accessible layout and excellent facilities.

A brief summary to Kingsbarns Golf Links

  • Back Stile, St Andrews, Kingsbarns, KY16 8QD, GB
  • +441334460860
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 4 to 6 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book a caddie in advance to enhance your playing experience with local knowledge and expert guidance.
  • Take advantage of the practice facilities including the driving range and short game area before your round.
  • Dress in smart casual golf attire and avoid caps in the clubhouse lounge to respect the dress code.
  • Prepare for coastal winds which can significantly affect play, especially on holes near the sea.
  • Explore the natural surroundings and coastal paths to appreciate the environmental harmony of the course.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from St Andrews to Kingsbarns Golf Links takes approximately 15-20 minutes via the A917. Parking is available on-site, but spaces can be limited during tournaments. No parking fees apply under normal circumstances.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect St Andrews to Kingsbarns village with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes. From Kingsbarns village, a taxi or a 2-kilometer walk along rural roads leads to the golf course. Bus services may be less frequent on weekends.

  • Taxi

    Taxi rides from St Andrews to Kingsbarns Golf Links typically take 15 minutes and cost approximately £15-£20. This is a convenient option if public transport schedules are limited or for groups.

Kingsbarns Golf Links location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Kingsbarns Golf Links

A Storied Links Course on the Scottish Coast

Kingsbarns Golf Links is situated on a dramatic stretch of North Sea coastline, just seven miles from the historic town of St Andrews. The land has a rich golfing heritage dating back to 1793, with the original nine-hole Kingsbarns course established in the early 19th century. Although the original course closed during World War II due to military activity, the site was reborn in the late 1990s with the construction of the modern course designed by architect Kyle Phillips. Opened in 2000, Kingsbarns is recognized as one of the finest new links courses in Scotland, seamlessly integrating the natural landscape with a challenging golf experience.

Design and Playing Experience

The course stretches over 1.8 miles of coastline, with sea views from virtually every hole. Its layout features wide fairways, generous greens, and a variety of holes that test all aspects of a golfer’s game. Seven holes play alongside or over the sea, creating breathtaking vistas and strategic challenges. The terrain includes rippling fairways and natural dunes, with the Cambo burn running through the course, adding to its character. Kingsbarns balances the traditional elements of a links course with modern design sensibilities, making it accessible to a wide range of players while still offering a stiff challenge, especially when the coastal winds pick up.

Prestigious Tournaments and Events

Kingsbarns hosts several high-profile golf events, most notably co-hosting the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside the Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie Golf Links. This European Tour pro-am event attracts top professionals and amateurs from around the world. In 2017, the course also hosted the Ricoh Women’s British Open, showcasing its status among the world’s elite golf venues. Additionally, Kingsbarns has been a venue for The Open Championship local qualifying and the Jacques Léglise Trophy, an under-18 international competition.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

The Kingsbarns clubhouse offers a welcoming and comfortable environment with stunning views of the course and sea. Practice facilities include a driving range, short game area, and putting green. Caddies and pull carts are available, with electric carts offered on a limited basis for medical needs. The course promotes a smart casual dress code and provides attentive service to ensure a memorable visit. Despite its prestige, Kingsbarns operates without membership restrictions, welcoming visitors year-round during the golfing season.

Natural Beauty and Environmental Harmony

Nestled within the Cambo Estate, the golf course is surrounded by natural dunes, coastal paths, and wildlife habitats, reflecting a commitment to preserving the environment. The course’s design respects the natural contours and ecology of the area, offering a scenic and tranquil setting that enhances the golfing experience. The proximity to the sea and the panoramic coastal views create an atmosphere of serenity and awe, making Kingsbarns not just a golf destination but a place to connect with Scotland’s rugged coastal landscape.

Legacy and Recognition

Kingsbarns Golf Links has earned numerous accolades, including ranking among the top 100 courses worldwide and receiving awards for its design and visitor experience. It is celebrated as one of the greatest modern links courses, combining historical significance with contemporary excellence. The course’s legacy continues to grow as it attracts golfers seeking a true links challenge set against one of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal backdrops.

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