Hidden among the nature reserve of Aberlady Bay and the teaming waters of the Firth of Forth, Kilspindie Golf Club uses classical natural links land on the beautiful East Lothian coast.
Its salt marshes and mudflats support breeding grounds for a large variety of birds, including waders, ducks and geese. In the distance, you can see the profile of Edinburgh, its castle, and the long extinct volcanic cone of Arthur’s Seat.
Kilspindie measures just 5,500 yards from the medal tees, but with a par of 69, there are challenges along the way! Though, you won’t have too torrid a time here. Weather permitting, of course…
History
Golf has been known to be played over this piece of links land since the 16th century when King James V was a frequent visitor of Aberlady for “the archery and golfing”.
When the golf club was formed – as Luffness – in 1867, it was the 35th registered golf club in the world. That course sat in land which is now occupied by the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve.
After 27 years, George Hope, the then landowner, had ambitions to create a new golf course closer to Gullane. In the end, the club split in two, with one half staying to play Luffness New Golf Club, and the remaining members accepted an offer from a neighbouring landlord, the Earl of Wemyss and March, to build a golf course on the links land bordering Craigielaw Farm. This was named Kilspindie in 1899.
What makes Kilspindie Golf Club special?
Very few changes have been made to the traditional Scottish links in more than a century, so golfers – irrespective of their standard of play – can continue to enjoy the same challenges as have so many in the past.
Throw in the glorious views over the Firth of Forth, with the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve to the east, and it is one stunning parcel of land that the course sits on.
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The course is also a magnet for hickory-shafted enthusiasts, those who play golf in the days of eras past.
Where does it rank?
55th in Scotland, 9th in East Lothian
Where is Kilspindie Golf Club?
Kilspindie Golf Club sits on the East Lothian coastline of the country. It is based just outside the town of Aberlady, off the A198 which runs between Tyninghame and Tranent. The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is just under 20 miles to the west of Kilspindie.
Longniddry and Drem are the two nearest train stations to Kilspindie, with both being four miles from the golf club. For international visitors to the area, Edinburgh Airport is easily the closest, along the biggest and busiest airport in the country.
Get in touch with Kilspindie
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01875 870358.
You can play at Kilspindie on the NCG Top 100s Tour in the 2026 season!
- Book your spot to play at Kilspindie on the NCG Top 100s Tour on March 30th, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Gullane No.2 and Longniddry in our East Lothian Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Kilspindie Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
