Kilspindie Golf Club began life as Luffness Golf Club in 1867, often cited as the 35th registered golf club in the world. Twenty-seven years later the membership split in two. One group moved closer to Gullane to form Luffness New Golf Club, while the other stayed on the links land by Craigielaw Farm and became Kilspindie.
What you get today is a cracking Willie Park Jnr. and Ben Sayers design set right beside Aberlady Bay on the rugged Firth of Forth coastline. If you like your golf old-school and wind-exposed, you're in the right place. It's classic links terrain where the ground game matters, the breeze is always part of the conversation and you'll hit plenty of shots that look perfect until they land. Expect tight, well-placed bunkering, firm running fairways and greens that feel even smaller when the wind is quartering off the bay.
Kilspindie is often called a hidden gem of the East Lothian coast, and it earns that tag. You're surrounded by headline acts, with as many as 15 coastal courses within 10 miles, including Muirfield, Royal Musselburgh and Gullane. Kilspindie might not have the same noise around it, but it's a proper test when the wind gets up and it's ideal for balancing out a multi-course itinerary.
Who is this for?
Golfers keen to explore the golfing paradise of the East Lothian coastline beyond the headline names, without sacrificing authentic links character or paying top-end green fees.
Who is it best for?
Mid-to-low handicappers who appreciate strategic, old-school links golf and groups building an East Lothian tour around a mix of big names and genuine hidden gems.
