Kingsbarns or Carnoustie

[Billy__Baroo]

So, I very recently confirmed that my dad and myself are going to be finally making the trek over to Scotland next June (yes, like June 19'). I've already pretty much put together an entire course and travel itinerary which has us starting up north and then making our way down the east coast before spending 3 days around St. Andrews. My hopes were that we could hit the Old Course, the Castle (even though it seems to get some hate), and then either Carnoustie or Kingsbarns. My concern is that my dad is probably a legit 25+ handicap and Carnoustie is...well, Carnoustie. I know Kingsbarns is supposed to be incredible, but it's $100 more than Carnoustie, and I'd love to get a chance to play there the year after they host the Open. Thoughts?

[Chanceman]

No contest - play Carnoustie. I have played both and Kingsbarns is awesome but Carnoustie is the Oakmont of Scotland. And you can play it. Even if the wind is blowing and its raining and its cold and the fog is in, you will love the place. It is golf in Scotland par excellence.

[hollabachgt]

Even though its hard, Carnoustie is still manageable. You can steer yourself around much of the danger, I wouldn't be concerned that a 25 hdcp couldn't make it through.

[davep043]

Kingsbarns is beautiful and challenging but fair, in the way most modern courses are, but has a history of less than 20 years. Carnoustie very level, so its not scenic, but its very challenging, and has the history of a bunch of open championships. I think Carnoustie becomes more difficult for better players, I don't know that its excessively difficult for a 20-handicapper. There is a handicap limit of 28 for men, you should be certain that your father can meet that. Either way, you'll be playing a remarkable golf course.

[4Par]

And Carnoustie has atmosphere! Try concentrating on a tee or over a putt when the firing range next door starts lighting up!!!

[imakaveli]

Kingsbarns is an American-style links, pretty easy and enjoyable course with the wow-factor. Carnoustie is a beast and has probably the best finish in golf. I would skip Castle course and play Old, KB and Carnoustie!

[Your-away!]

Kingsbarns is like the pretty blonde prom queen - looks lovely and has great views as you go round

 

Carnoustie is like a 30 year old stripper - doesnt look quite as nice as the prom queen, but boy what a ride!

[snagy2000]

Kingsbarns and Spyglass are tied 1(A) on my favs list. Its probably because the day we played they found a live WWII grenade near the first tee and had to dispose of it. Not even kidding! Course is just wonderful to play and walk. A lot better than Pebble IMO. With that said, I'd try to fit both on the agenda and dump the Castle course as mentioned above. You will not regret it! They're both well worth it. New Course is pretty fun and underrated as well. Going to take 2 weeks next time and just spend it in St. Andrews area playing golf. Plenty of options in and around the area to feed that kind of golf appetite.

[davep043]

Kingsbarns and Spyglass are tied 1(A) on my favs list. Its probably because the day we played they found a live WWII grenade near the first tee and had to dispose of it. Not even kidding! Course is just wonderful to play and walk. A lot better than Pebble IMO. With that said, I'd try to fit both on the agenda and dump the Castle course as mentioned above. You will not regret it! They're both well worth it. New Course is pretty fun and underrated as well. Going to take 2 weeks next time and just spend it in St. Andrews area playing golf. Plenty of options in and around the area to feed that kind of golf appetite.

There's one possible complication to dumping the Castle Course. Since Billy_Baroo is talking about June 2019, I'm guessing that he may intend to apply for his Old Course tee time through their advance reservation system. If that's the case, he has to commit to play another of the St Andrews courses. Personally, I'd recommend either the New or Jubilee, but the Castle might be attractive for its design and/or views. Its certainly on a completely different piece of land.

If cost is a significant issue, there are a lot of good links courses within a short drive from St Andrews that most people haven't heard of, for a significantly lower price tag. I've played at Crail, Elie, Lundin Links, and Panmure, and enjoyed every one. You might want to check out http://golfnook.com/StAArea.htm for some good information on courses and lodging in that area.

[Billy__Baroo]

Appreciate the responses guys. And davep043 is right on it, we were going to hit another St Andrews course so we can hopefully book an advanced tee time at the Old Course. I was leaning towards the Castle as it's a bit of a contrast to all of the other courses we'll be playing. I'm sure the New Course and Jubilee are great, and they're steeped in history, but I think if we do the Old Course and Carnoustie that something like the Castle will be a breath of fresh air. Here's the list of all the courses we're hoping to hit. She's gonna be a spendy one...

 

Nairn

Royal Dornoch

Struie

Castle Stuart

Cruden Bay

Old Course

Castle

Carnoustie

 

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

[davep043]

Royal Dornoch is perhaps my favorite course in the world, but the Struie is on a relatively flat patch of ground for most the holes. If you're planning to make it 36, its a good choice, altho I did 36 at the Championship Course there and enjoyed the second round even more than the first. If you're looking for another course right near there, you might want to take a look at Brora or Tain. You could even combine Tain with a tour of the Glenmorangie distillery in, where else, Tain.

[thecraw]

Appreciate the responses guys. And davep043 is right on it, we were going to hit another St Andrews course so we can hopefully book an advanced tee time at the Old Course. I was leaning towards the Castle as it's a bit of a contrast to all of the other courses we'll be playing. I'm sure the New Course and Jubilee are great, and they're steeped in history, but I think if we do the Old Course and Carnoustie that something like the Castle will be a breath of fresh air. Here's the list of all the courses we're hoping to hit. She's gonna be a spendy one...

 

Nairn

Royal Dornoch

Struie

Castle Stuart

Cruden Bay

Old Course

Castle

Carnoustie

 

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

I'd drop Nairn for Moray Old and drop Cruden Bay for either Royal Aberdeen or Trump.

[AuldPLO Swiss Golftrotter]

Since Kingsbarns is one of my all time fav, I couldn’t recommend dropping it.

It’s all about Challenge & History at Carnoustie vs Fun & Scenary at Kingsbarns.

I played (and loved) both last year but rate better the overall experience in Kingsbarns.

[driveandputtmachine]

Appreciate the responses guys. And davep043 is right on it, we were going to hit another St Andrews course so we can hopefully book an advanced tee time at the Old Course. I was leaning towards the Castle as it's a bit of a contrast to all of the other courses we'll be playing. I'm sure the New Course and Jubilee are great, and they're steeped in history, but I think if we do the Old Course and Carnoustie that something like the Castle will be a breath of fresh air. Here's the list of all the courses we're hoping to hit. She's gonna be a spendy one...

 

Nairn

Royal Dornoch

Struie

Castle Stuart

Cruden Bay

Old Course

Castle

Carnoustie

 

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

This July I will be playing Nairn, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, The Old Course, and Kingsbarns. Then going to the Open Championship. A bunch of sightseeing and distillery tours as well.

[Ralphyboy84]

Carnoustie member here. If you get the chance play both cos kingsbarns is awesome. Carnoustie whilst tough, can be playable. Just make sure you choose the correct tee to play off and get a caddy. You’ll love it. The last two holes are as good as it gets!

[Gem]

Appreciate the responses guys. And davep043 is right on it, we were going to hit another St Andrews course so we can hopefully book an advanced tee time at the Old Course. I was leaning towards the Castle as it's a bit of a contrast to all of the other courses we'll be playing. I'm sure the New Course and Jubilee are great, and they're steeped in history, but I think if we do the Old Course and Carnoustie that something like the Castle will be a breath of fresh air. Here's the list of all the courses we're hoping to hit. She's gonna be a spendy one...

 

Nairn

Royal Dornoch

Struie

Castle Stuart

Cruden Bay

Old Course

Castle

Carnoustie

 

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

I'd drop Nairn for Moray Old and drop Cruden Bay for either Royal Aberdeen or Trump.

 

I quite like both Nairn courses but Moray Old is my favourite course here in Scotland. I just love the bunkering and variety of holes from easy to seriously tough.

I spent a few summer holidays with good mates back in the late 80s in a cottage rental in Rothes and played all the courses in the area and had a great time.

It was only £18 for a day ticket on Moray and we played 3 rounds on the same day a few times :-)

[Hawkeye77]

Not jumping into this one because I haven't played either and we won't be playing either.

 

I spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday, apart from scrambling because of an unforeseen need to change some long reserved lodging (whew, it worked out), on Google Earth Pro just dropping that little guy down on roads and in cities in Scotland and just heading up and down roads and streets. Some streets/driveways you can get on will allow you to pan to some pretty incredible views of some of the golf courses as well - fun, fun, fun. Road along Moray Old fun to look across, caught some of North Berwick and Lundin Links and on and on, plus just wandering through towns/looking at castles, simply FUN - highly recommend it and gives you chance to look over some of the roads to be travelled as well and catch some pretty cool scenery.

[davep043]

Not jumping into this one because I haven't played either and we won't be playing either.

 

I spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday, apart from scrambling because of an unforeseen need to change some long reserved lodging (whew, it worked out), on Google Earth Pro just dropping that little guy down on roads and in cities in Scotland and just heading up and down roads and streets. Some streets/driveways you can get on will allow you to pan to some pretty incredible views of some of the golf courses as well - fun, fun, fun. Road along Moray Old fun to look across, caught some of North Berwick and Lundin Links and on and on, plus just wandering through towns/looking at castles, simply FUN - highly recommend it and gives you chance to look over some of the roads to be travelled as well and catch some pretty cool scenery.

If you're driving, rather than having a dedicated driver, you can look to see what the turns look like, where the road signs are, maybe its just past the Tesco store, it can really help you get to your destination.

[Hawkeye77]

Not jumping into this one because I haven't played either and we won't be playing either.

 

I spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday, apart from scrambling because of an unforeseen need to change some long reserved lodging (whew, it worked out), on Google Earth Pro just dropping that little guy down on roads and in cities in Scotland and just heading up and down roads and streets. Some streets/driveways you can get on will allow you to pan to some pretty incredible views of some of the golf courses as well - fun, fun, fun. Road along Moray Old fun to look across, caught some of North Berwick and Lundin Links and on and on, plus just wandering through towns/looking at castles, simply FUN - highly recommend it and gives you chance to look over some of the roads to be travelled as well and catch some pretty cool scenery.

If you're driving, rather than having a dedicated driver, you can look to see what the turns look like, where the road signs are, maybe its just past the Tesco store, it can really help you get to your destination.

 

Thanks. Did take a few random looks on some of the roads we will be on just for the cool scenery. I'll have to motor up a few as well.

[cardoustie]

The Castle is visually spectacular but not Carnoustie, tricked up a little even with 5 greens softened

 

Kingsbarns is soooooooooo good

[Walter]

We played Carnoustie the day before Kingsbarns in our Scotland trip.

Both were legend and brilliant!

 

Try to play both, but when you have to choose play Carnoustie for the history! ( the Mister who did the welcoming even opened up the glass vault in order to have our picture taken with the open Trophy)

 

I hope you will have a great trip!

PS

( In Carnoustie we had a great local Caddy which is really a plus in the experience, also at Kingsbarns awesome fore Caddy )

[knickerbocker]

Play the New over the Caste. You won't regret it.

 

Carnoustie and Kingsbarn are both great in different ways.

[Chigolfer2]

Our group would say 8 out of 8 Kingsbarns...It's not that Carnoustie is hard it just isn't memorable.

[Chanceman]

Carnoustie not memorable?? It's engraved on my mind forever. Astral Weeks over Thriller, not that I dislike Thriller.

[imakaveli]

Carnoustie not memorable?? It's engraved on my mind forever. Astral Weeks over Thriller, not that I dislike Thriller.

 

Probably they were referring to eye candy?

[thecraw]

Carnoustie is a tough old beast, some great golf holes bit it isn't as aesthetically pleasing on the eye as a Kingsbarns, Castle Stuart, Machrihanish Dunes etc.

[scott_Donald]

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

Certainly Carnoustie over Kingsbarns!

 

Appreciate the responses guys. And davep043 is right on it, we were going to hit another St Andrews course so we can hopefully book an advanced tee time at the Old Course. I was leaning towards the Castle as it's a bit of a contrast to all of the other courses we'll be playing. I'm sure the New Course and Jubilee are great, and they're steeped in history, but I think if we do the Old Course and Carnoustie that something like the Castle will be a breath of fresh air. Here's the list of all the courses we're hoping to hit. She's gonna be a spendy one...

 

Nairn

Royal Dornoch

Struie

Castle Stuart

Cruden Bay

Old Course

Castle

Carnoustie

 

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

I'd drop Nairn for Moray Old and drop Cruden Bay for either Royal Aberdeen or Trump.

 

There are so many personal opinions, some I would swap over others.

 

One question Is hy did the OP choose each of them, that kind of stuff I find interesting.

 

I am a member at Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay is nothing like it. Trump is another different animal.

[Billy__Baroo]

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

Certainly Carnoustie over Kingsbarns!

 

Appreciate the responses guys. And davep043 is right on it, we were going to hit another St Andrews course so we can hopefully book an advanced tee time at the Old Course. I was leaning towards the Castle as it's a bit of a contrast to all of the other courses we'll be playing. I'm sure the New Course and Jubilee are great, and they're steeped in history, but I think if we do the Old Course and Carnoustie that something like the Castle will be a breath of fresh air. Here's the list of all the courses we're hoping to hit. She's gonna be a spendy one...

 

Nairn

Royal Dornoch

Struie

Castle Stuart

Cruden Bay

Old Course

Castle

Carnoustie

 

Between these courses and a few distillery tours, we've got our hands full!

 

I'd drop Nairn for Moray Old and drop Cruden Bay for either Royal Aberdeen or Trump.

 

There are so many personal opinions, some I would swap over others.

 

One question Is hy did the OP choose each of them, that kind of stuff I find interesting.

 

I am a member at Royal Aberdeen and Cruden Bay is nothing like it. Trump is another different animal.

 

Well, this trip is still over a year out, so things may change around a bit. The reason I chose the courses I did is because I wanted to see a good amount of the country as well as play some fantastic spots, so after a long flight into Glasgow, I figured we'd drive north to stay in Inverness for a few days. Royal Dornoch and Castle Stuart were the two musts up there, and Nairn seemed like it gets solid reviews and would be a good first course of the trip for us. Kind of a warm up round. Then we would head over to Aberdeen and I was looking at Cruden Bay because I'd read a few other peoples Scotland trip reports on here and everyone said how much they loved that course. I'm kind of up in the air between Cruden, Royal Aberdeen, and Trump's course. I even considered doing 36 at Cruden and Royal Aberdeen that day before heading south to St. Andrews. Then with the St. Andrews courses, I was thinking about doing the Castle as I love David Kidd's courses and the views look incredible. We'd hit the Old Course, of course. And then with Carnoustie and Kingsbarns it's really a battle of beauty and the beast. At that point in the trip, and the way I know that my dad operates, I think Kingsbarns would be the more rewarding experience of the two for us. Again, we've got over a year to go, so I'm sure it will change, but this is where I'm at right now.

[Chanceman]

When you think about it, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns make a fantastic pair of courses to play. So different but so good - especially with the Old Course in between. Play all three.

[Ken23]

Make sure that your dad gets his handicap down to 24 or better (per a handicap card), as the maximum handicap allowed for men playing The Old Course is 24. And, he definitely needs a handicap card (USGA, GHIN, etc.) - I have played the Old over 50 times, and have never seen a situation where they let a visitor play without proof of handicap.