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 April 1.
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 prestigious 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 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.
For booking please contact 01334 460861 or visit www.kingsbarns.com.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Located just seven miles south-east of the Home of Golf at St Andrews Kingsbarns is a must-play seaside links course which regularly features in top 100 golf courses rankings in the world. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the golf course opened in 2000 and is set on land which gently slopes down towards the coastline, so nearly every hole boasts spectacular views of the sea. At 7,181 yards from the championship tees, Kingsbarns is a formidable enough test to be included in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship rota each autumn alongside the Old Course at St Andrews and Carnoustie Golf Links. Kingsbarns prides itself in excellent customer service and great accessibility for tee times. Visitors are treated as members for the day and enjoy assistance from the moment they step out of their car until they leave.
For more information please visit www.kingsbarns.com or call +44 (0)1334 460860. Follow the latest happenings on and off the course at Kingsbarns on Facebook and Twitter.
Golf Communications International
Golf Communications International is run by golf PR and marketing specialist Helena Woodcock and provides a full suite of media handling, marketing and event organisation services to resorts, courses, hotels and other businesses involved in the golf industry.
Golf Communications International offers clients four main services. It can assist with all media activity from organising press trips to placing magazine features or attracting broadcast coverage. It can assist with preparing marketing materials from publications and brochures to display stands and copywriting. Clients can also receive support in the area of social media, in working with tour operators to create packages for their venue and in official representation at trade shows and exhibitions.