It is a case of out with the old and in with the new at Kingsbarns Golf Links as it prepares to reopen for the 2012 golfing season on 1st April.
Among the innovations being introduced at the East Neuk links, which has been recently ranked the No. 1 Modern Course (built after 1960) in Great Britain and Ireland by the American magazine GolfWeek, are a new caddie programme, concierge service and clubhouse menu as well as continual improvements to the course itself.
The course is in excellent condition after a mild winter and a five month break. The green keeping team, led by Course Manager Innes Knight, have made improvements to the drainage system and carried out some revetting of bunkers. Several areas of rough which have been particularly penal in the past have been reduced to make it easier to find any wayward shots and give the golfer more options for the next shot. Major change has been carried out at the Kingsbarns driving range which will newly offer practice off the grass tees enabling the golfers to better prepare for the links experience.
This year Kingsbarns will take its renowned customer service a step further by introducing a “cheerio concierge”. A dedicated member of staff will look after the golfers when they finish their game including taking care of their golf bag and helping them load their belongings onto a car or a coach and inviting them to the clubhouse to enjoy the facilities.
A new caddie programme is being implemented to deliver an even higher standard of service to golfers under the supervision of the new Caddie Master Sean Wiseman. The aim is to make Kingsbarns caddies the envy of world golf by consistently exceeding the expectations of golfing visitors.
The popular Kingsbarns´ clubhouse has been newly decorated inside and out with the main changes taking place in the gent´s locker room and the restaurant area. The fully serviced gent´s locker room will now also be used as a venue for group or corporate events for up to 24 golfers providing a stunning setting with a view of the golf course and the coastline.
Sue Hutchison, the Clubhouse Operations Manager at Kingsbarns, has designed a new menu for the clubhouse combining a range of dishes using the best of local produce and regular favourites such as the renowned Kingsbarns´ chili. The bar menu has also been updated to feature a truly innovative selection of drinks including Scottish gin.
Kingsbarns Chief Executive Alan Hogg said: “Standing still is not an option for us and we have been working hard to make the experience at Kingsbarns even better for our customer this year. Across all the different areas we have introduced new ideas and we have made some improvements out on the course and in the clubhouse. I look forward to getting the season underway and welcoming our guests to the new look Kingsbarns this season.”
The green fee at Kingsbarns for next season is £175 in April and £195 from May until November with a 50% discount for golfers playing a second round within seven days. Resident Scottish golfers who are members of a Scottish Golf Union affiliated golf club are being reminded that they can benefit from a half price green fee rate at Kingsbarns. Links Ticket holders will only be charged £25 for a round at Kingsbarns which represents a discount of £170.
Kingsbarns Golf Links www.kingsbarns.com