Situated on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth between Aberlady Bay and Gosford Bay, Kilspindie Golf Club offers a classic links layout. Founded in 1867, Kilspindie lays claim to being the 35th oldest golf club in the world, so in playing here, you really are taking a step back into the historical annals of the great game. Though probably a little short to play host to any of the major events of the golfing calendar, Kilspindie hosts its own version of a major in the shape of the "Alternative Ryder Cup", which is played every second year and is contested by two teams of 12 from the United States and Europe, each of them playing with pre-1930's hickory shafts. The event will again be played at Kilspindie in May 2005.
Boasting a total length of 5,480 yards and a par of 69, Kilspindie may not be as long as some of its illustrious neighbours, which include Gullane, Muirfield, Dunbar and North Berwick, but you can be assured that it is a classic, traditional Scottish links. There is probably a common misperception, which persists in the mind of golfers, that requires a great golf course to be brutally humbling experience. This is not the case at Kilspindie. Though certainly a real links challenge, Kilspindie offers a standard scratch of 66, three below its par of 69 and serves as a traditional links experience that can be enjoyed by all - not just the lower handicap golfer.
Bordering the nature reserve at Aberlady Bay, Kilspindie offers majestic views across the Firth of Forth. Its layout offers no less than thirteen par fours, of varying lengths, four par threes and just one par five. Though certainly short, Kilspindie is quite tight and following the 167-yard opening hole, the 515-yard par five, 2nd makes the initial introduction to the sea, which provides close company for the next two holes. The stretch from the 2nd to the 4th hole, which is rated as the most difficult on the course, generally plays into the prevailing south-westerly wind, while the par three, 8th hole is a classic. At 162 yards in length, distance may not be a problem but with the sea cutting in from the right, many balls will find a watery repose.
At just over 2,600 yards in length, the par 34 homeward stretch is even shorter than the front nine, but it is equally enjoyable. Following a number of short par fours at the 11th, 12th and 14th holes, you are confronted by two tough par fours in the shape of the 436-yard, 15th hole, which is rated as the second most difficult on the course, and the 412-yard, 16th hole. Overall, the course may be short but it does have its fair share of pot bunkers and when the wind blows, you will find yourself constantly questioning the yardages on the course planner.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Do not, in any way, be put off by the meager yardage and par of 69. It may not be an experience that will be you to your knees but then really, there's nothing wrong with that.
Situated in the town of Aberlady, just off the A198 route and less than 20 miles northeast of Edinburgh.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Greywalls, Muirfield, Gullane EH31 2EG
Tel: + 44 1620 842144. Email: hotel@greywalls.co.uk.
Overlooking Muirfield Golf Club, guests dine in an elegant atmosphere, while the chef cooks uncomplicated fare allowing the quality and freshness of the ingredients to dominate.
The Open Arms Hotel, Dirleton EH39 5EG.
Tel: + 44 1620 850241. Email: openarms@clara.co.uk.
The Library dining room offers a selection of culinary classics. Local produce abounds, while the dishes might include fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef or duck breast baked on lemon grass.
Bonars Restaurant, Poldrate Mill, Tyne House, Haddington EH41 4AD
Tel: + 44 1620 822100. Email: bonars@lineone.net.
Ideally suited to the rustic interior of the restaurant, the menu is simple and assured. And if you're looking for a treat, try the peppered sea bass with lobster and saffron risotto.
Situated on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth between Aberlady Bay and Gosford Bay, Kilspindie Golf Club offers a classic links layout. Founded in 1867, Kilspindie lays claim to being the 35th oldest golf club in the world, so in playing here, you really are taking a step back into the historical annals of the great game. Though probably a little short to play host to any of the major events of the golfing calendar, Kilspindie hosts its own version of a major in the shape of the "Alternative Ryder Cup", which is played every second year and is contested by two teams of 12 from the United States and Europe, each of them playing with pre-1930's hickory shafts. The event will again be played at Kilspindie in May 2005.
