Kingsbarns Golf Links, Kingsbarns, Scotland

Rarely does a golf course debut in the world top-100 rankings, and rarer still does one open up in the top 50! But this is exactly what has happened at Kingsbarns, a modern classic built by Kyle Phillips, and yet, despite all of the accolades, the course is in our opinion still vastly underrated! “Embracing the Sea” is the course motto, and indeed Kingsbarns is also unrivaled for beauty, as each and every hole is in sight of the sea. Dramatic drives over corners of the sea, fantastically undulating greens, and the warmest of welcomes await visitors at this superlative links. Kingsbarns has already been bestowed the honor of being named co-host of the Dunhill Links Championship along with the great Carnoustie and Old Course at St. Andrews, and our guess is that it will not be long before Kingsbarns joins them as an Open Championship host. But despite being new, the Kingsbarns links has a long history, with evidence of golf being played here all the way back in 1793. Kingsbarns is one of those rare courses where each hole can easily be recalled after just one time around. The 12th and 15th are particularly memorable, with greens hard by the crashing surf that will have you reaching for your cameras! The 18th is one of the most demanding closers in the British Isles, long and difficult, with the green perched high above a natural “Condi”, or Conduit (another name for Burn), that was discovered underground as they were building the course. The comfortable clubhouse was done just right, with a classic and homey feel. We recommend you play it twice!