Course Review
Kilspindie dates from 1867, and as such ranks as the 35th oldest course in the world.
The course is sited right on the Firth of Forth, with the first four holes, then holes 7 & 8 adjacent to the coast. There are no large dunes at Kilspindie so every hole has clear viewing of the firth across to the Kingdom of Fife. There is very little "quirk" factor here, just good solid links golf.
As you would expect the turf is firm and fast, the greens are not overly large or contoured, but have plenty of interest, and there are enough revetted pot bunkers on every hole to command your attention.
Although only a par 69 with four par 3's and one par 5, Kilspindie is very short by modern standards measuring only 5494 yards from the tips. There are six par 4's which come in under 300 yards! You will not be required to hit many long irons or fairway woods into greens, but you will constantly be asked the question as to what type of shot, and which club to use, to approach those short par 4's. With the greens and surrounds firm, and enough breeze to get you thinking, it is a perfect opportunity to practice the bump and run, the punch shot, and improvise various half shots. To me this is far more interesting than playing a full shot in to every hole, but then I just love links golf.
This is a great course to hone your links golf skills, and an ideal starter for any trip to the area. And the fun factor is off the scale!
Overall I found Kilspindie a joy to play. It is short by any standard, and there are no large dunes on the site. But the seaside views are lovely, the turf exceptional, and the golf great fun. And at the end of the day, what more could you want!
This is just pure links golf.
Notable Holes
The course starts off from the quaint little clubhouse with a lovely par 3 defined by the firth behind the green and a cluster of revetted bunkers.
Kilspindie GC hole 1
Other stand out holes were the par 4, fourth hole with its green tucked on a point - and the gorgeous par 3, 8th hole on its own little promontory (with beach carries from the back tee)
Kilspindie GC hole 8
Not so impressive was back right tee on the par 4, 9th hole.
A new home was built right of the green, so the club has put a screen up to prevent the tee shot heading that way, forcing you to aim left - it's an awkward hole..
Golf Tours
Kilspindie Golf Club is located at Aberlady on the East Lothian coast in Scotland. The area is blessed with a smorgasbord of quality links courses including Muirfield, The Renaissance Club, and the West Course at North Berwick, all within 10 or 15 minutes of each other. And there are plenty more quality links courses nearby - Dunbar, Craigielaw, Luffness New, Longnriddy, Gullane courses 1, 2, and 3, the east course at Nth Berwick and 2 courses at Archerfield.
You can set up your base in North Berwick or Edinburgh and happily play as much golf as you like. Let us put together a golf tour to East Lothian for you
The Travelling Golfer specialises in small group tours and customised self-led tours. We are based in Melbourne Australia and have over 35 years experience organising golf tours to places throughout the world.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
