Perfect for the start to an East Lothian trip, Kilspindie shows that the yardage doesn't need to be long for a course to be interesting and/or fun.

The course is 5500 yards. Unlike other courses that are this short on yardage, there isn't an abundance of par 3s (4 of them) but there are a lot of short par 4s. The green sites, bunkering and wind make the short par 4s anything but a given birdie fest. You do go on a counter-clockwise loop but there are plenty of changes in direction to make the breeze a factor on holes. You also have a course with proper firm/fast conditions. You will have run or fly it options for 2nd shots as well as around the greens. Kilspindie would be perfect for match play. If you don't do this format, this is a great place to start.

The par 3s are probably the best part of the course. They play to 4 different directions on the compass. The 1st hole is your introduction to Kilspindie as it is a par 3. There are bunkers that look closer to the green than they are in front. There are also bunkers on the sides. You head straight for the sea. Just a very nice opener. The 8th cuts across a beach on an angle-wind/club selection will be key here. The green is one of the best on the course. Bail out left for less carry and you have bunkers blocking that route to make an up/down not exactly promising. The 10th is just surrounded by bunkers. The 13th is your first encounter with the boundary wall. Between the wall is a place to run one on.

The only par 5 is the second hole and it is a good one. You play along the coast to the right. If you try to play the left side, that is where there are an assortment of bunkers. You play into the prevailing wind to make this play longer than the 516 yards would indicate. The green is tilted from back to front.

The par 4s are mostly short which is where match play comes in. Only 3 of them are over 400 yards and most are under 300. Do you lay up to leave a full wedge or do you drive it near the green which can put slopes against you for your recovery? Of the short par 4s, my favorites were the 17th and 18th where the border wall dictates strategy.

East Lothian is loaded with great golf. I would make this a part of an itinerary as it is perfect for a first round-you won't get exhausted if jet lagged/tired. It is also good for a second round or any other time that your legs need some rest. The golf is short but still very good and serves as a way to get some links practice in for those of us on the North American side of the pond. When someone brings up short, quirky and "Charming" golf courses that you can play in under 2.5 hours in Scotland, this is what they are referring to.