Kingsbarns Ranking

Magazine and Awards Rankings:

13th in”World’s Top 100 Golf Courses”

Golfscape.com 2020

27th in”World’s 100 Greatest Courses”

Golf Digest 2020 – 2021

Golf Course of the Year, Scotland

IATGO 2020

5th in”Scotland’s Top 100 Golf Courses”

Golf World Magazine 2019

5th in”Scotland’s Top 100 Golf Courses”

National Club Golfer 2019

15th in “Top 100 Courses of UK and Ireland”

Golf Monthly 2019 – 2020

Ranked No.1 “Scotland’s Best Golf Experience”

Scottish Golf Tourism Awards 2014, 2015,2016,2018

30th in “World’s 100 Greatest Courses”

Golf Digest 2017-2018

8th in”UK and Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses”

Golf World Magazine 2019

19th in “Architects’ Choice Top 100 Golf Courses in the World”

Golf Course Architecture 2013

No 1 in Europe in “The 50 Greatest Courses Created in the Last 50 Years”

Golf Magazine September 2009

11th in the World in “The 50 Greatest Courses Created in the Last 50 Years”

Golf Magazine September 2009

5th in “World’s Top 100 Courses You Must Play”

Golf World 2005

Kingsbarns Reviews

 

 

Wanted to let you know we had a fabulous time at your course this past Friday. I want to recognize our caddies. They were both very hardworking, very knowledgeable, very fun to talk with, and overall very nice people. They should be recognized for their excellence.

Brian K, Il, USA –  October 2019

I haven’t stopped raving about Kingsbarns to my friends and colleagues since we played in August. Right from the moment I made contact to book a date in the diary, through to the welcome and general feel of the course when we arrived was nothing short of excellent, and so professional !!!

I’ve played lots of golf courses over the years and Kingsbarns is up there with the best, in fact probably the best I’ve played, but what sets it apart is the people. That would include the maintenance staff, welcoming staff, restaurant and bar staff, honestly you are all a credit to the resort.

Dylan J, Wrexham, UK –  August 2019

My brother and I recently returned from our ULTIMATE golf bucket-list trip to Scotland and N. Ireland. During our trip we were very fortunate to have played at Kingsbarns, a round that will forever be etched in our memories as super enjoyable! The course and facilities were immaculate and the scenery second to none!

Grace & Rick C, Ontario, Canada –  August 2019

The course was amazing!!!  The standard of everything from the driving range at the start to the Clubhouse at the end was exceptional.  No wonder it is considered one of the greatest courses to play on.

The thing that made the day extra special was the staff, we can’t tell you how brilliant you all were.  All the people knew the condemned man (groom) was having a special day on the Saturday and made sure he had the best wishes of everyone at Kingsbarns.  This made such an impression on the Groom that he made it a part of his speech.  He was blown away by the genuine good wishes which he received.  I just wanted to pass on our thanks for an experience that will live with us forever.

Leighton F, Shetland, Scotland –  August 2019

Just to say the two rounds and hospitality we received at Kingsbarns made it the best golfing trip of my life.

Mark W, UK –  July 2019

Kingsbarns exceeded our expectations. It was, in a word, magnificent. I’ve been fortunate in my life to play a few world-class golf courses. Yours is at the top of the list!

Kevin C.A, Fl, USA –  June 2019

It was a fabulous trip with Kingsbarns being the highlight. The course was spectacular.

Can’t wait to come back again!!!!

Dennis T, Fl, USA –  June 2019

What an experience! From start to finish Kingsbarns was special, from the welcome we received upon arrival, the service in the bar and shop, the relaxed impressiveness of both the club and course is a credit to all involved, we really were impressed. That’s before we even hit a shot!

The course is unrivaled, fantastic views, the 12^th and 15^th obviously stand out, but the tee shot on the 3^rd and 16^th stand out as being very memorable too, a true top quality course and for me my favourite course I’ve played, pipping Birkdale to the title.

Peter B, Poole UK –  June 2019

I would like you to extend to all the team at Kingsbarns for a fantastic round of golf we had. You are all just amazing!!!! This was one of my best rounds of golf ever!! Thank you!  See you next year!

Carlos M-G, Ibiza, Spain –  June 2019

Can I say that I had the best ever golf experience, the course was outstanding, the staff on the course and in the club house were excellent. Look forward to playing next year.

Brian K, Scotland –  June 2019

I have no input to improve the Kingsbarns experience.  Rather, I would like to compliment every member of your team.  This was the third and hopefully not the last time we visit your property.  We play them all, and Kingsbarns is one of the top courses in the world.

Craig M, USA –  June 2019

I just wanted to write this short memo and tell everyone at Kingsbarns that I had the trip of a lifetime and the cherry on top was Kingsbarns.  It was our last course to play on our golf trip and I would say hands down the best! Absolutely breath-taking views, with a golf course that is unparalleled.  To top it off I had a hole in one on the 8th, and the employees were just as excited as I was when they found out. They sure made it a very special day for me, and I’ll never forget it!

Colin W H, TX,  USA –  May 2019

Our time at Kingsbarns was the highlight of our 10 days of playing golf in Scotland.  During the trip we played the following; Carnoustie, Turnberry, Macrihanish Dunes, Macrihanish Golf Club, St. Andrews New Course and of course Kingsbarns.  Without a doubt and without hesitation, Kingsbarns was amazing.  So much so, we played your course twice.  Upon our return to the US, I’ve been asked numerous times if I was disappointed, we couldn’t get to play the Old Course…….and I tell them it would have been a greater disappointment if we’d missed out on Kingsbarns.

Scott S, VA, USA –  May 2019

The experience was first class from arrival to departure and I want to thank all of your staff for making it a wonderful day.

We drove through torrential rain from East Lothian to Kingsbarns that morning, but from the moment we arrived the weather cleared and the day was spectacular.“mission is to provide an outstanding golf experience” providing the yardage books, the premium ball mark, the way you are treated at the course, you are accomplishing that mission. Thank you for the excellent service!

Matt G, California, USA –  April 2019

From the welcome, to the great food, to the outstanding condition of the course, it was one of our favourite golf days out ever.It’s no wonder you guys achieve what you achieve, it’s the perfect Scottish hospitality.

Jamie D, Scotland –  April 2019

I had a wonderful time at Kingsbarns! The staff were great, and my caddie was fantastic! I played Carnoustie, Muirfield, The Old Course at St. Andrews and other courses along with your course. While each course was great and a unique experience…as I look back on it, my round at Kingsbarns was my favorite!

Jim C, USA –  April 2019

I would just like to follow up on our golf day on Monday to extend our thanks to you and all the staff at Kingsbarns; the course was exceptional, but what made the day even better was the warm welcome that we received from every member of staff that we encountered – they were a credit to your organization.Once again thank you very much for all the support that you provided in the run up to our event.

Malcolm L, Dunfermline, Scotland –  2018

Kingsbarns staff, I just wanted to let you know what a great operation you have in Kingsbarns.  I just recently returned to the States from my fourth golf trip to Scotland and our group of eight played two rounds at Kingsbarns in early September.  I think those would have been my seventh and eighth rounds at Kingsbarns so I’ve been in the habit of fitting a round in whenever we arrive in Scotland.

Each time at your facility has been a unique experience.  The course is unparalleled in terms of views, variety, challenge and playability.  But, what puts the cherry on the top is your professional and friendly staff at every station.  When you’re playing at Kingsbarns it feels like you’re the only one on the course.  You all nail it every time I’ve been there.  I only wish I lived in Scotland near there so I could play at Kingsbarns more than once every two to three years.

Patrick W, USA  – September 2018

What a great experience!  From the moment we arrived, service and food and the staff were amazing.   We both really enjoyed our round of golf.   Couldn’t be happier.   Our caddies were quite helpful and lots of fun.   Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Stephen G, Florida, USA  – August 2018

I just wanted to send a note to you both about our day at Kingsbarns on Monday. I cannot say thank you enough for setting us up the way you did. The hospitality and service at Kingsbarns is unmatched – and the golf course is simply stunning. The staff, from the starter to the pro shop to the restaurant, made us incredibly comfortable and were more than accommodating. They did everything to make our trip there memorable.

So I needed to make sure you both knew how appreciative we were for the experience. We will surely be back, hopefully many times.

 Nick P, USA, July –  2018

First of all, my son and I had a fabulous experience at Kingsbarns.  The weather was perfect that day and the course was immaculate.  Our caddies were first class too!

Being from the States it has been so fun watching the Open at Carnoustie last weekend and the coverage going into the Senior Open at St. Andrews this week.  I am sure to enjoy the St. Andrews coverage this weekend.  We played those courses along with Kingsbarns to complete the Dun Hill circuit there in Scotland.  What a thrill it was to have the option to do that.

Kingsbarns made it simple to make a tee time 9 months in advance and there was no hassle with that at all.  We were surprised to hear Kingsbarns was only 17 years old after we played it.  You would have thought it was 150+ years old like everything else around Scotland.

Thanks for a first-class experience at Kingsbarns.  I will forever sing your praises and recommend Kingsbarns to my friends here in the States as they plan their Scottish golf trips!

John S, St Louis, USA  – June  2018

I wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for unequivocally the best single golf experience that I have ever had. I have been looking forward to my first ever trip to Scotland (along with my family) for several months, and while it was not exclusively a “golf trip”, I had booked tee times at six different courses with my boys over the course of our 10 day stay.

Frankly, all six courses we played in Scotland were magnificent, but our round at Kingsbarns stands alone at the top. For starters, I thought it was the most beautiful of the six. It was also a very challenging course – one that would have been even more challenging, if we had tried to play without caddies. In fact, our group of caddies was one of the main things that differentiated our Kingsbarns experience from the rest of our rounds.

We teed off at 8:00 am on Sunday, June 3rd, and our caddies offered the perfect balance of fun, good-natured ribbing and excellent course knowledge and advice. In short…they were awesome.

In fact, my ONLY disappointment with respect to Kingsbarns is that it was our very first round in Scotland. So, it became the measuring stick to which all other rounds were compared. And, while our five additional rounds were each special in their own right, none of them quite measured up to Kingsbarns.

Bryan B, Hopkinton, USA  – June 2018

A huge praise to the complete Kingsbarns team!!!

We played a round on 01.05.2018 and it was amazing!!!

From A to Z everything was fine, but especially our caddies made this day a memorable one for us !!!

Please send a big thank you and a huge praise from us!

We will be back

Michael K Guettenbach, Austria- May 2018

Just back home from today’s round on your opening day of the season and just wanted to say thank very much.

Although blowing a total gale all day the course stands up great. It’s in great condition with attention to detail magnificent and greens fantastic for this time of year.

From the newest members of the starters to the shop and bar staff, the halfway house and even the cleaner with the henry! , all had a smile , a good morning and even  a fashion show trying on the new uniforms, making a great atmosphere and very welcoming venue to play

Will most definitely be back on a sunny day!

Thanks to all

Allan B, Scotland – March 2018

The golf course was quite predictably amazing.  However, I am writing today because of the people who we met during our time on property.  The lunch staff, shop staff, and even the outside staff took time to make certain myself and my guests enjoyed every aspect of the experience to celebrate my birthday.

Ross G, Palm Beach, USA – September  2017

I want you to know that my experience at Kingsbarns far exceeded my expectations from start to finish. The lovely customer service was only eclipsed by the amazing views of your spectacular golf course!

I want you to know that our caddies were tremendous – having them on the bag enriched our round greatly!

Lauri T, California, USA – September 2017

Thanks for letting me come out and experience Kingsbarns. Unrivalled in its beauty and immaculate conditioning. Service was top notch and a big thanks to Bill at the bag drop. He went out of his way to help me out and deserves a bit of praise!

Cory V, Partenkirchen, Germany – October 2017

I just wanted to mention the wonderful effort we received from the staff at the welcoming booth upon our arrival.   Because of delayed flights from the US we had missed our tee time on a very busy Sunday but the staff were able to fit us in after a bit of a delay and find caddies for the group.  The effort made by everyone was above and beyond and much appreciated.  It turned a day that had begun quite badly into a wonderful one and moved Kingsbarns even higher on our list than it already was.

Dub O, Ohio, USA – July 2017

Can I simply pass on my thanks to everyone at Kingsbarns. It is always special coming up to play, but we all agreed you have taken it up another level, without losing the warmth and genuine decency everyone at Kingsbarns has, it remains unique.

Gordon C, Livingston, Scotland – July 2017 

I played this course 10th April with my son as a treat for his 21st birthday. From the moment we arrived the staff were just fantastic. From the starter to the catering staff they all wished my son a Happy Birthday. Clearly Maureen who had helped me book the tee-time had passed on the reason for our trip. Nice touch. The course was just superb. Glorious sunshine, great golfing experience and unmatched service. When you go to St Andrews I would highly recommend you travel the 5-6 miles out to Kingsbarns. You won’t be disappointed. It’s pure class.
Tim F, USA – September 2016

I could go on about the course, but you already know what an awesome golf course Kingsbarns is.  The finest I’ve played… We were equally impressed with the staff, the clubhouse, the service and the equipment as we were to the golf course.  We loved our round at Kingsbarns and didn’t want to leave when the day was over. I recommend your course to everyone.

Merrell A, USA – August 2016

I would like to tell you that Kingsbarns is the delight of any trip and you should not change anything about it. It is a wonderful place and a wonderful experience.

Rick T, USA – May 2016

What a fabulous experience!   The course was spectacular, the staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating, the practice range was perfect and the clubhouse and restaurant excellent in all respects.   Every member of our group deemed it the best day of our trip.

Andrew L, UK – May 2016

It was an unbelievable experience, really loved the whole place and the staff were wonderful. Thanks again!

Doug H, Canada – September 2015

We had a terrific day at Kingsbarns and I want to thank the entire staff for the warm hospitality extended us. We will be back again to experience a wonderful golf course with exceptional service.

Campbell W, USA – September 2015

It rivals some of the greatest courses in the world…Breath-taking views, incredible course conditions, and two of the best Caddy’s, there just isn’t anything like it… What a phenomenal experience.

As I look back at my trip to Scotland, I am just so happy that we saved Kingsbarns for last… Had we played it first every other course would have paled in comparison!  Magnificent Golf Course!

Chris P, USA – August 2015

Phenomenal course, courteous staff and fantastic caddies. I will 100% visit again in the future.

John M, UK  – August 2015

The welcome and attention to detail from the entire Team was second to none together with the excellent condition of the Course made the whole experience special and we look forward to a return visit in the not too distant future.

Roger T, UK  – August 2015

we just wanted to let whoever needs to know that we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Kingsbarns this week. It was my three companions first experience of the golf club and the course and the word awesome was uttered numerous times. Everybody we came into contact with from start to finish was helpful, professional and friendly and miraculously the caddies even managed to coax some golf out of us.

Jim, USA – July 2015

I always love Kingsbarns more than anyone else could. The people make it even better.

Jeremy C, UK – July 2015
Wanted to thank you and the team at Kingsbarns. WE played yesterday and honestly, I don’t think any of us can put into words what an incredible day we had. Kingsbarns is like heaven on earth!!!! It was absolutely superb – thank you so much.

Robert B, UK – June 2015

5 Stars across the board for every element of Kingsbarns, from the initial greeting to lunch in the beautiful clubhouse. Our 36 holes were the highest standard of any course we played, and such a beautiful spot.

David, UK – June 2015

I had been told by others who had played previously, that Kingsbarns is unique and to expect a laid-back Clubhouse atmosphere & friendly staff. All of this was true. And as for the Course, words can’t do it justice. It really is a little piece of Heaven. Many thanks for a great all-round experience.

Will D, USA – June 2015

The weather was fabulous, the course is fantastic, and the four caddies we had were spectacular. The starter, Peter, was delightful and all the grounds staff we encountered and spoke to were outstanding assets to Kingsbarns.

Our time at Kingsbarns will remain a highlight for us forever. Thank you again for your role in making this happen. Truly the most enjoyable golfing trip we have ever experienced.

Campbell S, USA – June 2015

We had a wonderful time, from the welcome at club drop-off, to the company of two knowledgeable and very patient caddies, to the condition of the course, to the club-house hospitality and welcome. Never mind the scores, the golfing experience on our 40th wedding anniversary was truly memorable, befitting the occasion.

With thanks to you and all your staff

Paul, Newark-on-Trent, UK – April 2015

I have played every open venue in Scotland with the exception of Muirfield. This course is my favourite by a long, long way. Service from staff, club facilities, practice facilities, half-way house, golf course. I just can’t fault the place.
Brian, April 2015

Have played many great golf courses but this was outstanding, great layout and great condition and from the minute we arrived to the minute we left we were treated like royalty.
Jordan C, Inverness, Scotland – December 2014

Most Beautiful course I’ve ever played!!! My foursome thought it was breath-taking!!!! Must play if you are ever in St. Andrews.
Bill K, Rockville, Maryland – November 2014

I very rarely bring my camera along with me when golfing but this course was consistently ranked as one of the most scenic courses in Scotland. Not only were the views fantastic, so was the course! I highly recommend booking a caddie in advance. We found that their advice and knowledge of the course greatly enhanced our enjoyment of the round.
K2Canada, Southwestern Ontario, Canada – November 2014

My hubby & daughter played here and were raving about the stunning views, relaxed atmosphere & friendly staff. The half-way house was closed due to it being winter, however when they were near the club house they were greeted with hot chocolate and a snack – such a lovely touch & what makes this place special. They loved it so much they played it twice during our short stay.
Suzi, Brighouse, UK – October 2014

I believe that if Kingsbarns was a bit further away from St Andrews that it would host more Tournaments and Championships. This was our favourite course that we played after 10 days in Scotland. From the setup, the facilities, the course condition, the caddies and the quality of the food at the 19th – everything top notch.
Scotty, Auckland, New Zealand – October 2014

Kingsbarns, in my opinion, is the best golf course in this entire area of Scotland. Sure you have the history of St. Andrews and you can’t discount that – but if you strictly judge overall quality, play, views, service, etc…..Kingsbarns is the best!
The views on course and from the quaint clubhouse are spectacular overlooking the ocean. The golf course and caddies are top of the line and the staff is very accommodating. When I come back to Scotland this will be the FIRST place we book to play golf.
Christopher C, Indianapolis, Indiana – October 2014

Travelled with a group of 12 and played Turnberry, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, The Castle Course and Kingsbarns which was by far my favourite. I think the group would agree. The course is very scenic and was in great shape. The caddies while younger than most we had at other courses were excellent. Mine in particular was the best greens reader I have ever seen. While a very young course by Scotland’s standards (only about 20 years old) it is quickly becoming a favourite of many and will actually be hosting the Women’s British Open in a year or so. Highly recommend.
Jode, Georgetown, Texas – September 2014