Kingsbarns Golf Links: A Modern Classic on the Fife Coast
Just down the road from St Andrews, Kingsbarns has earned its place among Scotland's finest links. And once you've played it, it's not difficult to understand why.
In a corner of Scotland where golf courses are measured in centuries, Kingsbarns is something of an outlier.
Opened in 2000, Kyle Phillips' modern links has established itself alongside some of the most historic names in the game. Quite an achievement when your neighbours include the Old Course and Carnoustie.
But Kingsbarns isn't trying to be either of them. And that's precisely why it works.
For all the talk of its spectacular setting - and it really is spectacular - what makes Kingsbarns so good is the golf itself. Eighteen holes full of variety, clever design and more than a few moments that leave you thinking about how you'd play them differently next time.
Every hole has its own character. One of the best things about Kingsbarns is that you never feel like you're playing the same hole twice.
The course moves through different pockets of land along the coastline, almost like a collection of smaller courses stitched together. Some holes feel completely removed from everything around them. Others form little loops, with fairways and greens sitting alongside one another before the routing heads off in another direction.
The stretch from the par-five 12th through the par-three 13th and par-four 14th, just before the signature 15th, is a particular favourite. Three completely different holes tucked into a wonderful section of coastline, with enough strategy and temptation to keep things interesting.
You could happily play those three holes on repeat all afternoon.
There's room to play, but plenty to think about. Kingsbarns is generous from the tee, which is a big part of its appeal. You can hit the driver without feeling like every slightly misplaced shot is going to ruin your scorecard.
But generous doesn't mean easy. The challenge often comes with the second shot. Where you've left yourself on the fairway, the angle into the green and whether you're prepared to flirt with a bunker for a better look at the flag.
The variety of tees is another strength. Depending on your ability and where you play from, Kingsbarns can be a very different test. It's not simply about making the course longer or shorter. The angles change, the decisions change, and certain holes take on a different character altogether.
The course saves a good test for the finish, too. The 18th has a green that's trickier than it first appears, with the clubhouse sitting above it, overlooking the action and the North Sea beyond. It's a wonderful place to finish a round, particularly once you're the one watching from the clubhouse.
It's the little things that make a difference. The golf might be the headline, but Kingsbarns gets plenty right away from the course.
There's a genuine warmth to the place. The staff are excellent, attentive without fuss, and the atmosphere is welcoming rather than intimidating, which isn't always a given at courses with this sort of reputation.
Then there are the smaller touches. Phone chargers readily available in the clubhouse. A men's locker room with a view that could compete with some of the best on the course. Little things, admittedly, but they show that someone has thought about the experience from the golfer's perspective.
A must-play when visiting St Andrews. There's no shortage of exceptional golf in this part of Scotland. The Old Course is the Old Course, Carnoustie is a different beast altogether, and the New Course, Elie and Crail have their own particular charms.
Kingsbarns brings something else to the table. It's modern, imaginative and thoroughly enjoyable. A course that encourages you to take on shots, gives you plenty to think about and rarely goes more than a hole or two without producing something memorable.
And it's the sort of place that makes you want another round almost immediately. Not because you've necessarily played badly, but because there are so many holes you'd like another go at.
