| Although St Andrews is the Home of Golf and has | | | | as it may be it will draw you back time and again to |
| the Old Course which is one of these lifetime goals | | | | enjoy the challenge. The most memorable holes, well |
| for all golfers there are a number of golf course | | | | for me the two holes that I will always remember |
| gems in St Andrews and the surrounding areas. One | | | | are the par 5 12th and the short par 3 at the 15th. |
| of these gems is Kingsbarns, situated 7 miles outside | | | | The par 5 12th meanders along the coast, stray to |
| of St Andrews itself. Anyone considering a luxury | | | | the left and you are on the beach. This is a real / risk |
| golf vacation to Scotland should ensure that | | | | reward hole. The green is massive, however if the |
| Kingsbarns is on their list of courses to play. | | | | pin is on the left hand side of the green then you |
| Golf has been played at Kingsbarns since the 18th | | | | have two options. Go for the flag, to do this you |
| century, however the course and clubhouse as it | | | | need to go over the beach and the sea with the |
| stands today was built in the early 21st century. On | | | | opportunity to drown your ball. The easy shot is to |
| arrival at Kingsbarns you are met by the concierge | | | | stay to the right of the fairway and approach the |
| for the course who will explain to you the facilities | | | | right hand side of the green, however your putting |
| and show you where everything is located. He will | | | | had better be top drawer as the chances are you |
| also confirm arrangements for your round. The | | | | have left yourself a very long putt and a good |
| clubhouse at Kingsbarns is only open to golfers | | | | opportunity to add an additional unwanted shot to |
| playing the course, so you do not have to worry | | | | your score. |
| about overcrowded clubhouses here. | | | | The 15th is a gorgeous par 3, again with the |
| As is expected for such a high quality course there is | | | | opportunity to put your ball into the sea. The hole |
| a full driving range available so that you can warm up | | | | from the Championship tee measures 201 yards, for |
| prior to your round. In the clubhouse there are | | | | regular golfers the hole is 151 yards tee to green. If |
| excellent facilities and a fully stocked Golf Professional | | | | the tee is well to the right then to go for the flag |
| shop. | | | | you will need to head out over the sea or aim to the |
| At the beginning of the round you need to report to | | | | left of the green and leave yourself a difficult putt. |
| the starter for the course who will ensure that you | | | | With an offshore wind this is a treacherous par 3. |
| have everything in place for the round, score cards, | | | | The course has an interesting finishing hole. The 18th |
| course guide etc. When he tells you to stay to the | | | | is a par 4 measuring 383 yards from regular tee to |
| left on the first hole, stay to to the left. The first | | | | green. The approach shot straight to the green |
| hole is a slight dogleg right, however from the tee it | | | | needs to be long as any short shots will be |
| looks like you can shorten the hole by going down | | | | swallowed by the small burn. The first time I visited |
| the right. Bad mistake, going right closes (and I do | | | | Kingsbarns I was watching the caddies coming up the |
| mean closes) your approach shot to the green, | | | | 18th with their visitors. I could not understand what |
| staying left opens up your approach shot to the | | | | was happening. The visitors were playing well to the |
| green. Always listen to the locals. | | | | right of the green and then they are left with a chip |
| I will not go through the course hole by hole, | | | | up on to the green. This method takes the burn out |
| however let me say that this is a magnificent test of | | | | of play. Again I should have taken heed of this. The |
| golf, and if your golf is not going all that well then | | | | twice I played the course last year I visited the burn |
| just relax and enjoy what I think are the most | | | | on the 18 on both occasions. I never seem to learn. |
| spectacular views available on any golf course. The | | | | Anyway now that you played one of the most |
| course is built on the coastline of Fife, so you have | | | | challenging and majestic golf courses retire to the bar |
| the views out over the North Sea, views all along the | | | | and enter that famous golf discussion....how I should |
| coastline and views inland as well. | | | | have gone around in 10 shots less. Enjoy the |
| The golf is testing, very testing. I play off 15 and | | | | Clubhouse and the cordiality and you can start |
| believe me this course is difficult. However as difficult | | | | planning your next trip to Kingsbarns. |