Kingsbarns Golf Review

All golfers will be familiar with first tee nerves, but it is a different type of energy that grips those fortunate enough to test themselves at Kingsbarns. It is a nervous, excited expectation, borne from the knowledge that, despite this course?s youth, this is hallowed golfing turf. Chances to play are infrequent for most, and for this reason you don?t want to let yourself down, or the golf course itself for that matter. Preparing for each shot is complicated by a glance at the waters of St Andrews Bay churning at the fringes of this wonderfully rugged links land, but the majesty of the course urges you to produce a memorable drive or putt.

Given what lies ahead, the first two holes represent a relatively gentle opening, but before long Kingsbarns shows its true colours; the third is an intimidating par 5 stretching along the coast, and the precipice green at the fourth is characteristic of the vast, undulating putting surfaces throughout. In a stiff breeze, finding the correct portion of these greens can be nigh-on impossible, necessitating an imaginative short game. Respite and good birdie opportunities can be found around the turn, if you can negotiate the brutal par 4 7th, a long uphill battle against the prevailing wind.

The signature hole is undoubtedly the 12th, a sweeping par 5, dog-leg left hugging the sea. A good drive leaves a dilemma: to lay up, or to challenge the green with a hard draw around the corner. The result could be glory, but seaweed and sandy perils await the foolhardy. The picturesque par 3 15th can be devilish on a blustery day, and danger lurks until the very last, where the burn guarding the green is a great card-spoiling chasm!

Kingsbarns in its present guise is less than a decade old, but the golfing heritage of the land dates back to 1793, when the local men began to compete for medals. The course of history since then has seen this land both farmed and mined during World War II, but the rich tradition only adds to the experience. This is true links land, justified by remarkable design. It is extraordinary that so young a course should garner such acclaim, but all the plaudits are deserved, and as such, playing Kyle Phillips? masterpiece must be a priority for any serious golfer.

• 5th in ?World Top 100 Courses You Must Play? ? Golf World, 2005
• Top 100 Courses in the World ? Golf Magazine, 2001, 2003 & 2005
• Best New International Course ? Golf Digest, 2000