Kilspindie
On the shore of Aberlady Bay, Kilspindie is one of the most charming short links on Scotland's Golf Coast. A par 69 of about 5,494 yards first played in 1898, designed by Ross and Sayers with later work by Willie Park, it trades length for fast greens, sea views and pure seaside fun.
Photo: Kilspindie via Google.
The verdict
Kilspindie will never be the longest or the most famous course in East Lothian, and it does not try to be. First played in 1898 and laid out by Ross and Sayers with later additions from the great Willie Park, it is a compact, fast running links of just under 5,500 yards that sits right on the edge of Aberlady Bay, a few minutes from the heavyweight names of Gullane and North Berwick.
What it offers is the kind of seaside golf that reminds you why links are such fun. The fairways are well defined, the greens are quick and deceptive, and several holes run hard along the shoreline of the Firth of Forth, where seabirds, migratory geese and even seals are part of the scene. Off the back tees it still has bite, and for a relaxed round, a family trip or a half day either side of the marquee courses, Kilspindie is one of the friendliest and most enjoyable links on the coast.
Kilspindie at a glance
- Opened
- 1898
- Designer
- Ross and Sayers, later Willie Park
- Type
- Seaside links
- Par
- 69
- Yardage
- About 5,494 yds
- Green fee
- About 90 to 100 GBP, 2025
Opening year, designers, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Kilspindie Golf Club and leading course databases. The present course was first played in 1898, designed by Ross and Sayers with later additions by Willie Park, and plays to a par of 69 at about 5,494 yards from the back tees. Recent round green fees have run in the region of 90 to 100 pounds depending on day and season; figures are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Kilspindie is all about rhythm and position rather than power. The medium length links is laid out so the wind is never the same on consecutive holes, and the well defined fairways reward the player who keeps the ball in play and thinks one shot ahead to the small, quick greens.
The coastal holes along Aberlady Bay are the heart of the round, running close to the shoreline of the Firth of Forth with open views across to Fife and the offshore islands. The greens are the defence here, fast and full of deception, so reading the slopes and controlling pace matters far more than the card might suggest.
Because it is short, Kilspindie tempts you to attack, and the scorecard can flatter or punish in a hurry. It is the ideal companion round to the bigger East Lothian links, a place to enjoy the purest, most relaxed seaside golf, and a course that families and lower handicappers alike come off smiling.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Open to visitors seven days, with tee times booked online or through the golf shop; a welcoming, relaxed club |
| Green fee | Round green fees in the region of 90 to 100 GBP depending on day and season, with better online rates at times (indicative, 2025) |
| Booking | Reserve ahead in summer; the course pairs naturally with a second round nearby in the same day |
| On the day | A short walking links, easy on the legs, with friendly clubhouse hospitality |
| Getting there | Aberlady, East Lothian, about thirty minutes east of Edinburgh and minutes from Gullane and North Berwick |
| Best months | May to September for the warmest, firmest conditions on the coast |
Access and fees verified June 2026 from Kilspindie Golf Club. Green fees are indicative, vary by day and season, and the best rates are often found on the club's online booking page, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Aberlady and the neighbouring village of Gullane put a string of fine links on the doorstep, with comfortable inns and the well regarded Greywalls Hotel beside Muirfield for those wanting to stay in the heart of the golf coast. North Berwick, a few minutes east, adds seaside hotels and a lively town close to several more courses.
Edinburgh, around thirty minutes west, makes an easy base too, combining a city break with day trips along the coast. Kilspindie sits so close to its neighbours that it is simple to pair with Gullane, North Berwick or Dunbar in a single day from any of these bases.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Kilspindie.
Build an East Lothian golf trip
We pair Kilspindie with the great links of Gullane, North Berwick and the rest of Scotland's Golf Coast, then book the lodging and the tee times around your group. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Kilspindie questions
When did Kilspindie open and who designed it?
The present Kilspindie course at Aberlady was first played in 1898, designed by Ross and Sayers with later additions by the renowned Willie Park. It is a traditional Scottish seaside links on Aberlady Bay.
What is the par and length of Kilspindie?
Kilspindie is a par 69 of about 5,494 yards from the back tees, a short but characterful links where fast greens and the wind, rather than length, provide the challenge.
How much does it cost to play Kilspindie?
Recent round green fees have run in the region of 90 to 100 pounds depending on the day and season, often with better rates online. Fees are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
Can visitors play Kilspindie?
Yes. Kilspindie is a welcoming members club that takes visitors seven days a week, with tee times booked online or through the golf shop, and it pairs perfectly with the bigger East Lothian links.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.