Kingsbarns

Kingsbarns

  • Course Type

    Public
  • GOLF Top 100 World Rank (2023-24)

    86
  • Year

    1999
  • Architect

    Kyle Phillips
  • Par

    72
  • Yardage

    6,559

Course Overview

This 1999 Kyle Phillips design 15 miles from the Old Course has earned the respect of links fans, who can be a tough bunch as they generally travel to the United Kingdom to play courses that are 100-plus years old. There is much to admire here, including the 606-yard, par-5 12th, which arcs around the bay, and the 212-yard, par-3 15th that demands a carry over the sea. Others might relish the shelf green at the 9th that poses similar intriguing questions as the 12th at the Old Course. Kudos to Phillips as the seamless melding of flat farmland and Old World links contours is quite the design accomplishment. (Photo: Paul Severn)

3 things to know

  • Hole everyone talks about

    As a glorious seaside test within view of the Old Course on a good day, there are a few holes that earn the attention of golfers — but perhaps the best is the par-3 15th, which shoots out with a forced-carry over a rock formation.
  • Best non-golf amenity

    St. Andrews! The town is maybe 15 minutes by car on a good day, and it is maybe the best place on earth for a golf diehard to visit. Make sure your trip includes a stop-off for a pint at the Dunvegan.
  • Insider tip

    After your round is over, take a stroll to the Kingsbarns Distillery for an authentic Scotch tasting experience. The distillery is within walking distance from the course on a good day, making it the perfect location for a post-round libation (and a souvenir).