International – UK & IRE
Kingsbarns in Scotland is one of the newest courses on our Scottish Golf Tour. The current Kingsbarns golf course opened relatively recently, in 2000. However, golf has been played over this land, just south of St Andrews, since 1793 – which might explain why it feels as though it’s been here for generations.
Since it opened, Kingsbarns Golf Course in Scotland has been embraced by the international golf community, the R&A, and local golfers, vaulting up every prestigious ranking to the Top 100 in the World. It offers players beautiful views over the sea, and can be played as a stop on our spectacular St Andrews Golf Tour.
The Kingsbarns Golfing Society played a 9-hole course from 1815 until it closed in 1850. The next iteration was re-established in 1922 as the Kingsbarns Golf Club, with St Andrews’ famous clubmaker Willie Aucherlonie laying out the design until it closed when land mines were laid across it during WWII.
After the war, the town of Kingsbarns, Scotland was given the choice to restore the links, or the town square and they chose the square for everyone’s benefit. Fast forward to the vision of the late Mark Parsinen, recognizing the then potato farm as the perfect location for a new links course for the benefit of avid golfers coming to St Andrews, ‘The Home of Golf’ as a worthy alternative to the Old Course.
Parsinen enlisted the services of noted golf architect Kyle Phillips to bring his dream to life. What they created is the stuff of legends, immediately being embraced by the international golf community, the R&A and local golfers. Vaulting up every prestigious ranking to the Top 100 in the World.
The course stretches 7,224 yards across 1 ½ miles of pristine coastline on the North Sea. With panoramic views of the sea from almost every hole and a fantastic view from the signature 606-yards, par 5 12th hole to neighboring Crail Golf Club. The 12th also features Kingsbarns golf’s largest green and demands an accurate approach if you don’t want a 65-yard putt.
While improbable, a putt that long isn’t impossible. Michael Phelps, of Olympic swimming medal fame, proved that by sinking the longest televised putt in history at 160 feet on Kingsbarns’ 6th hole during the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. With the largest purse on the DP World Tour, Kingsbarns enjoys a place in the three-course rotation along with the Old Course and Carnoustie each fall as celebrities and professional golfers compete.
Like the courses of the St Andrews Links Trust, Carnoustie and now Dumbarnie; Kingsbarns is a daily fee facility – albeit a very upscale experience – making it available on weekends and a great fit into any Scotland golf trip. Even though it is deservedly one of the most expensive green fees in Scotland the course does sell out so plan accordingly.
Kingsbarns golf course has a story as captivating as its sweeping Fife coastline. Golf was first played here in 1793, with the Kingsbarns Golfing Society laying out a 9-hole course in 1815. The club thrived until 1850, before being revived in 1922 with a layout by St Andrews’ Willie Auchterlonie.
World War II halted play when the land was mined for coastal defense, and the community chose to rebuild their village square over restoring the links. Decades later, American visionary Mark Parsinen saw the potential of the land and, alongside architect Kyle Phillips, created a modern masterpiece.
Since opening in 2000, Kingsbarns Golf Links has been celebrated as one of the finest golfing experiences in Scotland, a place where history, tradition and world-class links design meet.
Few courses rival the beauty of Kingsbarns golf links. Set along a mile and a half of North Sea coastline, this 7,224-yard layout combines rolling countryside with rugged shoreline to create a setting that feels both dramatic and distinctly Scottish. Nearly every hole delivers sweeping sea views, ensuring Kingsbarns golf is as memorable for its scenery as it is for its challenge.
Kyle Phillips’ design embraces the land’s natural contours, shaped by centuries of wind and tide, while the shifting coastal weather ensures no two rounds play the same. The standout 12th hole, a 606-yard par 5 with the course’s largest green, captures the essence of Kingsbarns golf course: spectacular vistas, strategic design, and the timeless character of true links golf.
Since opening in 2000, Kingsbarns golf course has swiftly earned recognition as one of the world’s top 100 courses, a rare achievement in such a short time. Its place alongside the Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship confirms its status as one of Scotland’s premier venues.
From Michael Phelps’ record-breaking 160-foot putt to the course’s panoramic coastal beauty, Kingsbarns golf links has become synonymous with world-class golf and unforgettable moments. A modern masterpiece that honors Scotland’s traditions, it stands as a must-play for any golfer seeking the very best of links golf.
St Andrews has several amazing accommodations but one of my favorites has to be the Ruscaks St Andrews Hotel which overlooks the infamous Old Course. The 18 at Rusacks is found on the rooftop of the hotel as well as two other restaurants.
You also cannot beat the views or location at the Rufflets Hotel. Everywhere you look is breathtaking and it truly feels like you are in your own little village, including a 5-minute stroll to the coast.
The Birthplace of Golf
Stay and Play at the home of golf, from the Old Course to the modern icons of Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie Links.
7 nights 5* accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $7,958 per golfer
From the collective bottoms of our hearts, we want to thank you for your incredible support and assistance in planning and experiencing what was, for all of us, a once in a lifetime adventure. Everything was perfect, including the weather (minus one 40 mph day)! A special thanks to Heidi, you were phenomenal, and as you predicted, Kingsbarns was a clan favorite!
Also, the golf were all magnificent. Kingsbarns is my second favorite golf course I have played to The Augusta National. The craziest thing is that the Kittocks resort course turned out to be the most difficult. Breathtaking views of the North Sea on the courses we played. One word comes to mind ” WOW”. I look forward to going back to Scotland in the next few years and I will only use Premier Golf.
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A handicap certificate is a document that shows your golfing ability. It is used to determine how difficult a course will be for you and to help you set realistic expectations. We recommend you having a Handicap to play at Kingsbarns.
Kingsbarns is a championship course that is known for its stunning views and challenging layout. It has hosted the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, but it has not yet hosted The Open Championship.
Premier Golf St Andrews golf tours can include a round at Kingsbarns Golf Links. These tours are a great way to experience some of the best golf courses in the world, and Premier Golf can help you book tee times, arrange transportation, and book accommodations.
Tee times at Kingsbarns are in high demand, so it is recommended to book in advance. Premier Golf can help you book tee times as part of their golf tours.
