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| Kilspindie |
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Kilspindie Golf Club © 2006 by Richard & Mary-Alice Jafolla Perfect second course when you play two courses
in one day.
Every time I think of Kilspindie Golf Club I smile. It really is that kind of golf
course--like a small slice of golf heaven.
An authentic links layout, it lies on the
southern shore of the Firth of Forth between
Aberlady Bay and Gosford Bay. At 5,480 yards
it's short by today's standards. (But as
you know if you've read any of my other reviews,
I'm not a fan of golf courses that rely on
length rather than clever design to challenge
the golfer. Plus, at a par 69 it's not as
short as it first appears with an AFSD of
166 yards.) This course is not the most challenging
course you will ever play. Oh, it has challenges
enough, but length is not one of them. No,
this course tests you because any links-style
course by its very nature is a test. And
when the wind blows--which it does--you'll
have all you can handle. Rather than being
a liability, I find the length of the course
an asset because it gives no advantage to
the big hitters. Instead it favors those
who can place the ball in the best position.
Shot-making ability is rewarded. (In fact,
because of its length, Kilspindie Golf Club is a perfect second course for those who
like to play two courses a day.) |
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| Richard heads down the 1st fairway, a 157 yard par 3. Looks easy, but you are often teeing off directly into the wind. |
If a group of professional golfers got together to design a golf course that they could just flat-out have fun with, Kilspindie Golf Club would be their model. It certainly is one of the most enjoyable courses I have ever played. It's beautifully located, filled with friendly members and staff--no, make that VERY friendly members and staff--and at £32 one of the best bargains in all of Scotland. It's authentic links golf played on a perfect example of a traditional Scottish seaside course. It's the way they used to design golf courses. In fact, it's so traditional that every year the Ryder Cup is played, a group of golf antique dealers--12 from Europe and 12 from America--get together dressed in 1930's garb complete with niblicks and mashies and other such weapons, and play for the Hickory Grail.
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| As you can see, the greens are kept in fabulous shape so you'll have to find something else to blame for any errant putts. |
Attention, Slicers -- Kilspindie Golf Club is laid out in a counter-clockwise manner so the water and rough is almost always on your right. Just to make it interesting, on many holes multiple bunkers are on your left. For instance, # 2 is a 515 yard par 5 and has water all the way down the right side and 7 (count 'em) bunkers on the left. And this hole can turn into a "par 6" when a westerly wind is blowing. Number 7 at 372 yards has 5 bunkers on the left. Number 16 has 11 bunkers on the left side. See what I mean? Length is not the problem, accuracy is. Take hole #8. It's a par 3 but the beach is close on your right and the green is 162 yards away on a coastline that is curving right. That means, depending on the wind, you may have to start your ball out over the water and let the wind take it back. I like the finishing hole. It's not the most difficult one but it's one of the few par 4s I can drive. It's only 252 yards and the tee is slightly elevated. If there is a wind behind it's a chance to make up one of those bogies on your card--or, who knows, maybe an eagle?.
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| The par three 16th with a wonderful view to distract you. You'll need a high shot to hold the green and avoid the bunkers but, with the wind blowing off the Firth of Forth from left to right, you'll need to start it well off the green. |
By the way, if you've read my write-up on the Luffness New course you may have wondered where the word "New" came from. I know I did. But when I was speaking to Graham Sked, the professional at Kilspindie Golf Club, he told me that Luffness used to be the name of these links. However, the Luffness club relocated in Gullane in 1867 and renamed the course Luffness New. Kilspindie Golf Club took over the links in 1867 and has been here ever since.
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| This photo is taken from the back of the 17th green, a 276 yard par 4. Typical of this delightful and quirky course, you have to negotiate your approach over the remenants of a wall to reach the green. But beware, it's uphill and plays a lot longer than it looks. It's quite a nice hole and much fun to play. |
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| A view of the clubhouse from the 18th tee. Yes, you can reach the green--especially with the prevailing wind at your back. |
Okay, so what's the verdict? Yes, there are a lot of great courses in the area and you'll want to be sure to play them. But if you want to have some simple, unadulterated, golfing fun, find an excuse to play this course--even if it's the second one you play that day. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
Golf Nook Scotland rating -- a BIRDIE.
Miscellaneous Notes -- There is a very nice clubhouse licensed to sell food and drink--a perfect place to unwind after a delightful day on the links and the view looking over the 1st hole on to Aberlady Bay is relaxing and delightful. There are also locker room facilities for visiting golfers.
This is strictly a walking course. No buggies are available or needed. However, you can rent a trolley for only £2.
Buy yourself a yardage book. It is a Pro-Guide. As you know, Pro-Guides are one of my favorites. They actually fit in your back pocket and there are hints from Graham Sked on how to play every hole. Graham has been the professional here for 12 years so I reckon he knows what he's talking about. If you follow his advice you can save yourself 2 or 3 shots a round. The book costs £3.50. There are no advertisements so there's plenty of space for making notes.
Rates: Round: All day:
Weekdays: £32, £47.50
Weekends: £40, £57.50
SCORECARD
| # | White | Par | SI | Red | Par | # | White | Par | SI | Red | Par | |
| 1 | 167 | 4 | 9 | 156 | 3 | 10 | 155 | 3 | 10 | 145 | 3 | |
| 2 | 515 | 5 | 3 | 490 | 5 | 11 | 295 | 4 | 8 | 266 | 4 | |
| 3 | 413 | 4 | 13 | 369 | 4 | 12 | 269 | 4 | 18 | 265 | 4 | |
| 4 | 365 | 4 | 1 | 336 | 4 | 13 | 185 | 3 | 4 | 152 | 3 | |
| 5 | 290 | 4 | 15 | 282 | 4 | 14 | 339 | 4 | 16 | 294 | 4 | |
| 6 | 279 | 4 | 17 | 268 | 4 | 15 | 436 | 4 | 2 | 420 | 5 | |
| 7 | 384 | 4 | 5 | 350 | 4 | 16 | 412 | 4 | 14 | 379 | 4 | |
| 8 | 162 | 3 | 7 | 144 | 3 | 17 | 276 | 4 | 6 | 259 | 4 | |
| 9 | 286 | 4 | 11 | 280 | 4 | 18 | 252 | 4 | 12 | 240 | 3 | |
| Out | 2861 | 35 | 2675 | 35 | In | 2619 | 34 | 2420 | 34 | |||
| Out | 2861 | 35 | 2675 | 35 | ||||||||
| Total | 5480 | 69 | 5095 | 69 |
SSS: Mens - 66, Ladies - 69
Kilspindie Golf Club
Aberlady, East Lothian
EH32 0QD
SCOTLAND
Professional: Graham Sked 01875 870358
Clubhouse: 01875 870695
*For WHAT TO DO ALL DAY, please refer to Craigielaw