Kingsbarns targets whisky and golf fans
A Fife-based whisky producer has opened what is thought to be the first putting green at a Scottish distillery.
Kingsbarns Distillery is located just outside of St Andrews, a seaside town known as the ‘home of golf ‘. The gin and Scotch whisky distillery was founded by local golf caddie Douglas Clement in 2009.
The distillery said the opening of the outdoor putting green showcases its “tangible connection” to golf, allowing visitors to combine time on the green with a trip to the whisky distillery or its café.
The new addition aims to be a “relaxed and accessible experience designed to appeal to golfers, whisky enthusiasts and tourists in search of something authentically and uniquely Scottish”.
William Wemyss, founder and chairman of Wemyss Family Spirits, owner of Kingsbarns Distillery, said: “Golf and whisky have always felt naturally connected, and particularly so in a place like St Andrews where both are woven into the very identity of the area.”
“We believed there was an opportunity to create something visitors would genuinely remember and which could only really exist in this part of Scotland.
“The idea of enjoying a dram at a working distillery and then stepping onto a green overlooking the St Andrews coastline felt like a natural and fitting way to bring those two worlds together.
“As whisky tourism becomes more competitive internationally, experiences that feel authentic and distinctive become increasingly important. We believe this offers something genuinely different.”
Kingsbarns produces Lowland single malts with a “light and fruity floral character” using locally grown barley. It also makes gin under the Darnley’s brand.
To celebrate the opening of the putting green, Kingsbarns will be running a competition for consumers during August.
Distillery manager Peter Holroyd will take to the course to set a score, inviting visitors to try and beat it. Those who are successful are entered into a prize draw to win the distillery’s three-strong core range of Kingsbarns whiskies: Doocot, Balcomie and Coaltown.
The opening of the putting green follows last September’s launch of Kingsbarns’ Caddies’ Dream whisky, inspired by St Andrews’ golfing legacy.
Last month, St Andrews-based distillery Eden Mill launched a golf simulator challenge, giving players the chance to win a whisky cask worth £5,000 (US$6,670).
The Spirits Business recently explored the sport’s long-running ties to whisky.
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