Kingsbarns, You Beauty....

Gorgeous....

Today was one of the rounds I was most excited for. I was excited for Paul to see Kingsbarns, especially in such perfect weather. For me, Kingsbarns is special as it was the first course Kristen and I saw and played here in Scotland years ago. It was special then and certainly didn't disappoint today. We were up early to get everything moved out of the house and into the Kia. We will be nesting right behind the R&A in the Hotel Du Vin tonight. With an early time on the Old Course tomorrow, it'll be super convenient. After a delicious breakfast in the clubhouse and a little warm up session on the range, we were ready to head out. We had caddies today and were paired with two gents from VA and TN. We come all the way over here to play with someone else from Nashville. Go figure. 

Par 5 3rd hole @ Kingsbarns

Par 4 4th hole @ Kingsbarns

The course is special for many reasons. One of which is the fact that the North Sea is visible from every hole on the course. Not many links courses, although they are by the sea, can say as much. I also love the risk reward nature of some of the holes here at Kingsbarns. Case in point is the drivable par 4 6th hole below. Carry the two pot bunkers in the distance and the ball will feed down to a long sloping green. I hit a good one here and ended just off the green, short left. Much to my chagrin though I wasn't able to get up and down for birdie. Being just off the green still meant 70+ feet to the hole. I ran my first putt by and missed the return putt. Pars don't hurt...

Drivable Par 4 6th hole @ Kingsbarns

Almost got there....

Par 4 7th hole @ Kingsbarns

The par 3 8th hole below is a devilish one. The green is split in two with a massive slope from right to left. Hit your landing spot and the ball will feed right down to the hole. Paul went a little long off the tee but hit an incredible recovery shot, leaving him a short on for par. I was just off the green to the left of the pin and two putted for par myself. Great hole....

Short Par 3 8th hole @ Kingsbarns

Making the Turn...

Par 4 10th hole @ Kingsbarns

Par 4 11th hole @ Kingsbarns

Par 4 11th green @ Kingsbarns

About to let loose on the Par 5 12th @ Kingsbarns

The par 5 12th is the signature hole here at Kingsbarns. It is gorgeous, with the North Sea running down the left side. Reminds me a bit of the par 5 18th at Pebble Beach. This hole was the start of a strong back nine for me ten years ago, would it be the same today? 

Par 5 12th hole @ Kingsbarns

Par 3 13th hole @ Kingsbarns (Hit it to 2 ft)

Well, the birdie didn't come on the 12th. It did come at the par 3 13th with a nice 7 iron to 2 feet for a tap in birdie. There was a lot of wind into on this shot and with a such a small target, I was pleased to say the least with the outcome. 

Par 5 12th and Par 3 13th holes @ Kingsbarns

Beautiful Par 3 15th hole @ Kingsbarns

The other signature hole here is the par 3 15th. This is beautiful hole along the North Sea that changes with the tide. Tides out and you have to carry the rocks below. Tide's in, and the waves are rolling in, Either way, you better hit a good one. Paul hit the best shot of the group to about 15 ft above the hole. Not one he could charge with the speed of the greens but a good birdie chance nonetheless. His putt missed just left of the hole and we walked away with pars.

Forced carry of the Par 3 15th hole @ Kingsbarns

Ready to roll the rock....

Par 4 17th hole @ Kingsbarns

Beautiful Par 4 18th hole @ Kingsbarns

We couldn't have asked for a better day and experience here at Kingsbarns. The course was in great shape as always and the staff, from the welcome crew through to the caddies, got it right when it comes to a great customer experience. 

Market Street was hopping back in St Andrews

Back in St Andrews, Market Street was hopping, With such wonderful weather, the streets were filled with shoppers. The Old Course was bathed in sunshine as well. We are expecting the same weather tomorrow for our walk about The Old Course. 

Bathed in Sunshine.....

Home for our last night in St Andrews.....

We got checked in to the Hotel du Vin and caught up on a little rest before an early dinner at Ham's Hame. We were both pretty tired and looking forward to a restful evening. Tomorrow's a big day so time to get some sleep. Guess that's all for now. LYDCP!