Kɪʟsᴘɪɴᴅɪᴇ GC

On the banks of beautiful Aberlady Bay you’ll find one of my favourite under-the-radar courses. Kilspindie isn’t particularly well known - often overshadowed by its bigger name neighbours. It’s also not long - far from it in fact, only 5,500 yards it’s one of the shorter courses you’ll find. But it has some stunning holes and a rather charming history.

Kilspindie was originally founded as Luffness Golf Club in 1867. After a dispute in 1894, the membership split with half forming Luffness New GC in Gullane. The original Luffness GC moved to the edge of Aberlady Bay and promptly changed their name to ‘Kilspindie GC’. Each year, Luffness New writes to Kilspindie asking if they can drop the ‘New’ from their name, and every year their request is politely declined.

The course won’t beat you up - but it will test your game. The opening run of holes play along the coast, the beach in play at all times. The Fourth in particular is special, the green on a promontory jutting into the Bay. Eight is another highlight - a short par 3 playing over the beach. A railway-sleeper clad wall waiting to ricochet your ball back onto the beach if you’re half a club short.

Whilst the back 9 doesn’t have the same beachfront property, it’s no less enjoyable. Even off the back tees, 4 of the par 4s on this 9 are under 300 yards. Seventeen and Eighteen are two more highlights. Both driveable par 4s - the clubhouse behind the home green very much in play at only 250 yards!

Kilspindie is a delight. Good fun, great setting and with some gorgeous holes. Ideal to play with a half set or hickories – or perhaps a warm up to links golf on arriving in East Lothian.