Course: Kingsbarns Golf Links, St. Andrews

Kingsbarns Golf Links located just off the coast of the North Sea and a mere six kilometers from St. Andrews is one of the most captivating links courses in Scotland. Although the course opened for play only in July 200, there is evidence of the game having been played here as far back as 1793 and even before the Second World War. The links remained remarkably golf less till the end of the 20th century when Kyle Phillips was commissioned to create one of the best looking courses in the country.

A lot of earth moving, landscaping and research ended in the Kingsbarns links in 2000 and the course was lapped up by enthusiasts just as soon. Interestingly, all the earth hauling revealed not only a visually impactful course but also a surprise burn on the links The Cambo which comes into play on a round.

One of the biggest delights of playing golf on this modern links course is the availability of stunning vistas of the North Sea on most holes. Adding to the experience are the immaculately maintained greens, lush, undulating fairways and all the bumps and hollows that the terrain naturally affords the track. However, dont go to Kingsbarns expecting an easy game. The course hosts the Dunhill Links Championship and is a tough track meant to test a golfers best skills.

The layout runs to 7,126 yards from the championship tees requiring stamina and the accompanying scenic beauty demands concentration. Playing for a par of 72, Kingsbarns poses an easy, soothing yet challenging game for players of all levels. The rolling dunes, ridges and hollows leave little room for big shooters and reward the thinking player. Although not too easy on the pocket, Kingsbarns is a must play for its beauty and the promise of greater things to come in future.

Course: Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie

Monster water hazards, formidable bunkers, three of the worlds most acclaimed closing holes and a course that is hard to find Carnoustie is definitely one for the dogged golfer. Ranked 27th in the world for its demanding layout, Carnoustie is considered as one of the most difficult natural sea side links courses. Although there is little by way of dramatic scenery or a game-upstaging sea view, the beauty of the layout makes up for it.

Golf has been played on these links since as far back as 1527 and there is evidence of a 10-hole course laid out in 1842. But the Carnoustie as we know it today was born of the labors of Old Tom Morris in 1857 with additions in 1926 by James Braid. The Beast hosted the British Open for the first time in 1931 and the championship has returned on five subsequent occasions since then.

The Championship course runs 6,941 yards par 72 and locks horns with Carnousties famous Burns the Jockey Burn and the Barry Burn several times. The water hazards have ruined the day for one player a many and if it doesnt go too well imagine Jean Van de Velde mulling over a shot, standing knee-deep in Barry Burn! If water is not on your mind at Carnoustie, the bunkering certainly will be. Most holes are guarded fiercely by bunkers making it a thinkers game all throughout. Cases in point are the par five - 6th called the Long and Hogans Alley.

Carnoustie offers a memorable round with holes like the 15th, 16th and the 17th some of the toughest closing holes in the world. However, despite the tough layout and the fiendish weather Carnoustie stays in the top ten list of every golfers wish list and is a true test of skills.

Golf Vacations UK – Scotland Tour Specialists are offering a Scottish Highlands Special to include 7 night’s accommodation, transport and 6 rounds of golf at Royal Dornoch, Brora, Tain, Nairn West Links, Moray Old Links and Boat of Garten

$1,850 per golfer

$1,335 per non golfer.

Special packages for other areas of Scotland are available.

Visit the web site to view courses and accommodation or call Toll Free 888 209 4094 for further information