KINGSBARNS
GOLF LINKS
Kingsbarns
Fife
Scotland |
|
FOUNDED: |
2000 |
DESIGNER: |
Kyle Phillips, Mark Parsinen |
CHAMPIONSHIP
LENGTH: |
7,150 yards |
PAR: |
72 |
SSS
(Course Rating): |
TBA
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TYPE: |
Links
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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 realises 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 neighbour. 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 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 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.
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ACCOMMODATION:
Rusacks Hotel (25 minutes),
Scores Hotel (25 minutes), St.
Andrews Old Course Hotel (25 minutes), Carnoustie
Golf Course Hotel (80 minutes), Gleneagles
Hotel (80 minutes)
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