Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland has released details of a record-breaking year at the Fife course. During the 2018 season, the east coast links welcomed more guests than ever before, and rounded off the year by collecting two Scottish Golf Tourism awards, including the title of ‘Best Golf Experience’.
According to Alan Hogg, chief executive at Kingsbarns, the club’s success in 2018 can be attributed to the publicity the venue received on the back of its hosting of last year’s Ricoh Women’s British Open – the first major to be held at Kingsbarns.
“Last year we welcomed the world’s best players to Kingsbarns, resulting in a wide range of media coverage around the world,” said Hogg. “That exposure, along with our annual commitment to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, meant the stunning views associated with Kingsbarns have been viewed by more people than ever before. Together with our commitment to delivering world-class levels of service throughout the year, the omen’s British Open has resulted in a remarkable follow-on season – the best ever at Kingsbarns.”
This approach was recognised at the annual Scottish Golf Tourism awards, when Kingsbarns picked up two accolades – Best Golf Experience and Best Customer Service.
“Picking up two awards was very special indeed,” added Hogg. “This is the fifth year in a row Kingsbarns has received the customer service award and the fourth year out five that we have picked up the best experience award. I think this speaks volumes about our keen focus on delivering a world-class overall golf experience every day to every visitor.”
The club has already succeeded in building on its hosting of the Women’s British Open by launching a new tournament designed specifically for aspiring female golfers. The inaugural Kingsbarns Girls Classic – a collaboration between Kingsbarns and Scottish Golf – saw 28 girls from 14 counties invited to play an end-of-season match across the links. Additionally, the inaugural Kingsbarns Ladies’ Day attracted 80 players for a programme of pampering and golf at the start of the season. The popularity of the sell-out fixture was superseded when the 2019 follow-up event sold out in 48 hours.
Away from the course, Kingsbarns has also seen developments at its 19th hole, with the clubhouse being extended to accommodate more guests. As well as increasing the overall seating capacity by nearly a third, the expansion has enhanced the post-round experience at Kingsbarns which Art Dunkley, Director of Kingsbarns Golf Links, said was a key ingredient in the Kingsbarns experience.
“Our ethos is to continually refine what we do and seek out ways to improve how we present Kingsbarns,” he said. “Our prime responsibility is to welcome visiting golfers from around the world and ensure their time with us is memorable for all the right reasons. As a recognised Major venue, and regular stop on the European Tour circuit, we aim to deliver world-class service equally to the world’s best golfers and passionate enthusiasts day in and day out. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously but enjoy very much.”