Kilspindie Golf Club: What to Expect from This Hidden Scottish Links

Kilspindie Golf Club is a short, traditional Scottish links course hidden behind the village of Aberlady on the Firth of Forth, and it suits golfers who value character, fun and setting over length. It is worth booking if you want a genuine links round within reach of Edinburgh, with wildlife, sea views and a famously friendly welcome. It is less suited to anyone seeking a long, modern championship test.

Where Kilspindie sits, and why the location matters

The course lies among the nature reserve of Aberlady Bay, the village of Aberlady, and the waters of the Firth of Forth. It is reached from the village by a few hundred yards of private, single-track road, which is a large part of why it feels secluded rather than like a standard visitor attraction.

That setting shapes the round itself. While playing these traditional Scottish links you may see sea-birds diving for food, migratory geese, and seals sunning on the sand. In the distance, the profile of Edinburgh, its Castle, and the extinct volcanic cone of Arthur's Seat are visible.

What kind of course it is

Kilspindie is best understood as a links in miniature: short by modern standards, but challenging for golfers of every level. The club's own description is "historic, spectacular & challenging," and the course is known for fun rather than yardage.

Recognition supports that reputation:

Andrew Coltart's assessment on the club site captures the appeal: "Kilspindie is one of Scotland's hidden treasures. A beautifully crafted golf course on the banks of the Firth of Forth it challenges golfers of every level. Short by modern standards this fair golf course is a lot of fun to play. Golf and nature meander side by side on this lovely links." Golf.com calls it "a perfect links in miniature," and Golf World describes it as "the epitome of the short-but-charming Scottish links."

Practical visitor signals

The club's navigation lists the pages a visitor needs: Green Fees, Visitors, Visitor Booking, Open Events, Dress Code, Catering, Pro Shop, Accommodation, and Booking Enquiry. A course status indicator on the site showed "Course Open" alongside a date and weather forecast, which is the kind of check worth making before travelling.

For booking and questions, the club lists:

• Booking enquiries: [email protected]
• Clubhouse telephone: 01875 870358
• Pro Shop telephone: 01875 870695
• Address: The Clubhouse, Aberlady, EH32 0QD

The site also includes a members login area, so some content sits behind member access. Green fee amounts and any booking restrictions are not stated in the material available here, so check the Green Fees and Visitor Booking pages directly rather than assuming a price or that booking is unrestricted.

How to decide

Choose Kilspindie if you want a short, characterful links with wildlife, Firth of Forth views and a club that markets itself on friendliness to visitors. Look elsewhere if your priority is a long, demanding championship course. The practical next step is to confirm current green fees and visitor tee availability through the club's booking enquiry contact before planning your trip.