American in Spain

Kingdom of Fife Championship - Scotland 2005 - Part 6 of 7

May 16, 2011
Kingsbarns Clubhouse

In June, 2011, I'm going on a golf vacation to Ireland with three of my best friends, Paul (my father), Jeff, and Jacob. Six years ago, we took a similar golf vacation to Scotland. At the time, I posted photos and commentary to a website that predated this blog. In preparation for our trip this year, I'm re-posting my commentary on that trip in October 2005.

On Thursday, October 13, 2005, we played the most beautiful golf course any of us had ever played: Kingsbarns. Built in 2000, it has the look and feel of an ancient links course. There is a view of the sea from every single hole! Not only was the course beautiful, but I played the best golf I've ever played. I came very close to getting three twos (birdying three par threes), and shot a one-under 35 on the back nine. I was on every green in regulation on the back nine. Having started with a double bogey on the first hole, my total score for the round was a six-over, 78.

Kingsbarns Clubhouse Panorama

The clubhouse.

Eighteenth Green at Kingsbarns

The view of the 18th green from the clubhouse. That's a difficult approach shot!

Jeff tries to sink three putts like Jacob did, including a nonsense soliloquy to the camera.

Jacob at Kingsbarns

Jacob reads his course guide on the tee.

Jacob Tees Off

And lets it rip!

Erik tees off at Kingsbarns

Erik hits a perfect drive.

Jeff tees off at Kingsbarns

Jeff's looking good in his matching shirt and hat.

Jacob blasts a drive.

Paul in the Kingsbarns Clubhouse

Paul lounges in the clubhouse and enjoys the view.

The 18th green at Kingsbarns

I couldn't resist taking another shot of the 18th green.

Jacob enjoying the view over Kingsbarns

Jacob also likes the view.

Kingsbarns Panorama

A panorama of the 18th hole as seen from the clubhouse.

That night we went out to the local bars again. We found an interesting group of friends: Margot, from New York City, Eric, from Lichfield, England (3 or 4 miles from where I used to live), and Alfonso, from Chile. They were playing pool, and let us play with them.

Jeff playing pool

Jeff lines up his shot without the help of a caddy.

Jeff playing pool

What form!

Margot plays pool in Anstruther

Margot takes a shot.

Margot plays pool in Anstruther

Margot has good style as well.

Jeff and Margot

The competitors hug after the match.

Paul lines up a shot

Paul takes on Eric, from Lichfield. Eric is a professor of Shakespeare at St. Andrews University.

Paul and Eric arm wrestle Eric and Paul

Paul wins!

Erik lines up a break

Erik goes head-to-head with Margot.

Erik plays pool

Erik lines up a shot.

Erik playing pool

Erik "One Under" Rasmussen takes his shot.

Margot, Eric, and Alfonso

Margot, Eric, and Alfonso.