Kingsbarns Distillery, located just outside St Andrews in the East Neuk of Fife, has unveiled what is believed to be the first putting green at a Scottish distillery. Created by Wemyss Family Spirits, the six-hole green unites whisky and golf in a single visitor destination.
The distillery was founded by local golf caddie Douglas Clement in 2009. As such, golf has been part of the distillery since its inception, and the new putting green marks that connection to the sport.
The attraction cements Kingsbarns’ place within one of Scotland’s most celebrated sporting and cultural landscapes.
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READ THE STORYThe green adds to an established golf-inspired whisky collection. That range includes the sold-out Caddie’s Dream release and the recent 19th Hole expression, created in collaboration with The Dunvegan Hotel.
Visitors can combine a distillery tour and whisky tasting with time on the green. Those stopping by simply to enjoy the distillery’s café are also encouraged to take a putt.
“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,” said William Wemyss, founder and chairman of Wemyss Family Spirits. “We believed there was an opportunity to create something visitors would genuinely remember and which could only really exist in this part of Scotland.”
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“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,” Wemyss said. “As whisky tourism becomes more competitive internationally, experiences that feel authentic and distinctive become increasingly important. We believe this offers something genuinely different.”
Kingsbarns is known for producing elegant Lowland single malts with a light, fruity and floral character, using locally grown barley and careful cask maturation.
To mark the opening, Kingsbarns will run a competition for visitors throughout August. Distillery manager Peter Holroyd will set a score on the course. Visitors who beat it will be entered into a prize draw to win the distillery’s entire core range, comprising Doocot, Balcomie and Coaltown.
