what is a style golf course

by Abigale Pfannerstill 4 min read

Full Answer

What are the characteristics of a golf course?

Links courses generally feature large, slow greens and firm, fast fairways; the rough and even the fairways might not be watered except by nature, and the golfer has the option to run his ball along the ground up onto the green. There are often large and deep bunkers. Golf first developed on the links of Scotland.

What is a “regular” golf course?

A “regular” or “woodland” golf course is commonly referred to as a parkland golf course. The main differences are that a parkland golf course is heavily developed by an architect and not as natural as a links golf course. The fairways tend to be more forgiving and flatter when compared to the rolling fairways on a links golf course.

What is links-style golf?

The 18th hole at the Old Course at St. Andrews. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. When most people think of links-style golf, they are picturing golf that can be played along the ground with lots of undulation, plenty of dunes and little to no trees.

What are the different types of golf courses?

1 Links course. First up is the most famous type of golf course, the links course. The term derives from the Old English word hlinc meaning rising ... 2 Parkland course. 3 Heathland course. 4 Sandbelt course. 5 Stadium/Championship course. More items

What are the types of a golf course?

There are three main types of golf courses found around the world. Links, parkland and desert golf courses are commonly found, but each is very different.

What makes a links-style course?

When most people think of links-style golf, they are picturing golf that can be played along the ground with lots of undulation, plenty of dunes and little to no trees. These courses also usually feature pot bunkers as opposed to the larger sprawling American-style bunkers.

What is a stadium style golf course?

A stadium course incorporates mounding and hillsides – around greens in particular – where spectators can sit and get a great view.

What is the difference between a links golf course and a regular golf course?

When discussing links golf vs regular golf, the difference in wind is one of the biggest differentiators. Because links courses are on a coastline, strong sea winds blow in off the water. Links courses rarely have any trees because the land that they are built on isn't suitable for large plant life.

Is Pebble Beach a true links course?

In fact, less than 1% of all the golf layouts in the world would be defined as “true links,” with just a handful in the U.S. Many of the most famous American golf destinations – including Pebble Beach, Whistling Straits and the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island – are links-style courses.

Is Augusta a links course?

MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, both having studied the Old Course, created Augusta National on the links principle of giving players options.

What does TPC mean in golf?

Tournament Players ClubTPC — which stands for Tournament Players Club — means that a golf course is part of a prestigious network of golf courses around the world. In the case of TPC Danzante Bay, we are licensed to use this designation and as the only TPC golf course in Mexico, have very special status.

What kind of course is Sawgrass?

The Stadium Course was designed by noted golf course architects Pete and Alice Dye, and is known as one of the most difficult golf courses in the world....TPC at Sawgrass.Club informationLength7,245 yards (6,625 m)Course rating76.4Slope rating15525 more rows

Why do golf courses have 18 holes?

Andrews formalized the rules and stated, “One round of the Links, or 18 holes is reckoned a match, unless otherwise stipulated.” Legend has it that the reason for 18 holes is that a bottle of whiskey contained the same number of shots as holes on a course, thus providing just enough drink for a shot on each hole.

What are the two types of golf courses?

Most American courses fall into one of three main types.Links Course. Golf originated in Scotland, and links golf, too, has its roots in Scotland. ... Parkland Course. ... Desert Course. ... Executive Course. ... Regulation Course. ... Municipal Course. ... Daily-fee Course. ... Semi-private Course.More items...•

What is a lynx style golf course?

A links golf course is the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. The word comes from the Scots language and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes, and also sometimes to open parkland.

What is a lynx course in golf?

A links is the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. Links courses are generally built on sandy coastland that offers a firmer playing surface than parkland and heathland courses.

When did golf courses start?

Links History. In Scotland, where golf is believed to have originated in the 15th century, the first courses were developed on stretches of land known as links. Farmers deemed these coastal lands useless because of the sandy soil, so golf course designers began to make use of them. There are a number of true links courses still open ...

Why is golf played closer to the ground?

Generally, the game is played closer to the ground. Since the terrain on a links course is naturally firm , players employ more bump-and-run shots. Putting from close off the green is also encouraged. And keeping your ball flight low helps to lessen the effects the usually brisk coastal winds have on your ball flight.

What are the characteristics of a links course?

A links course is along the sea, consists of sandy soil and has little vegetation other than tall sea grasses and gorse, a hearty low-growing evergreen plant. The natural terrain is used to develop the golf holes. Many of the bunkers were once natural windswept dunes. The layout of the holes is also part ...

Where are links golf courses located?

Links golf courses are situated along coastal regions. A links golf course is the oldest style of course. The word “links” is derived from ancient Scotland and refers to an area along a coast that often includes sand dunes and few, if any, trees. One reason the game originated on this type of land was because it suited play.

Which country has the most links golf courses?

Andrews. Ireland, Wales and England also have true links courses, but Scotland is believed to have the most.

What are the most famous links courses in the world?

St. Andrews, Royal Troon, and Royal Dornach are considered three of Scotland's most famous and most traditional links courses. In Ireland, there are also traditional links, including Waterville, Ballybunion and Lahinch. The United States also has several famous links courses. One of them is the highly ranked Pebble Beach. Sinnecock Hills in New York and Bandon Dunes in Oregon are also traditional links.

How are golf courses grouped?

Golf courses are generally grouped in three ways: By access (who can play them), by size (number and type of holes), or by setting and design.

What is a public golf course?

Public courses: A public golf course is one that is open to the general public. Everyone who plays golf is welcome at a public golf course. Within the public category, there are two main sub-types - the municipal course and the daily fee course. Municipal courses are those owned by cities or counties and run for the benefit of the local citizens ...

What are some examples of parkland golf courses?

So named because of the park-like setting. Most PGA Tour courses are good examples of parkland courses. Desert course: A course built in the desert, natch, where the teeing grounds, fairways and putting greens are lush but might be the only grass in the area.

What is an issue in categorizing courses by setting/design?

An issue in categorizing courses by setting/design is that many courses do not fit entirely, or even easily, into one or other groups (aside from desert courses, which are pretty easy to spot). Some may mix elements of both parkland and links.

Where did golf originate?

Golf first developed on the links of Scotland. Parkland course: A parkland course is one that is lushly manicured with verdant fairways and fast greens, with plenty of trees, and typically located inland. So named because of the park-like setting. Most PGA Tour courses are good examples of parkland courses.

What is a link course?

There are three main types of courses when grouping by setting and/or design: Links course: A links course is one built on a sandy coastline that is open to the wind with few or no trees, but with plenty of tall coastal grasses.

What is a semi private golf course?

Semi-private courses: A semi-private course is one that both sells memberships and allows non-members to play. Those purchasing memberships might receive preferential tees times and discounted green fees, or access to other club amenities or perks.

What is the most famous golf course in England?

Heathland Golf Courses are another style typically found in England. The most famous of them all is Sunningdale Golf Club. Other examples include The Berkshire and Walton Heath. In a way, they are like inland Links Golf Courses due to their brownish colour, gorse bushes and sandy soil. They may lack the same wind levels of links golf, but you will have much tighter fairways and many more trees to navigate.

What is an executive golf course?

Executive Golf Courses consist exclusively of par-3 holes. That does not mean they are ‘ pitch and putt ’ courses. Many of them consist of full-length par-3 holes. Nor does it mean they are guaranteed to be easy, some executive golf courses are more challenging than their traditional full-length counterparts.

What is Parkland Golf Course?

A Parkland Golf Course is the opposite of a Links Golf Course. While Links’ are built on the coasts and blend into the wild terrain, a Parkland course is built inland and is clearly maintained by man.

Is there a golf course in the desert?

It should come as no surprise to learn that Desert Golf Courses are built … in the desert! If Parkland Golf Courses are artificial, well, Desert Golf Courses take it up a notch. But in a good way, they are like a beautiful lush green oasis in a sea of yellow and white sand.

What is links golf?

Links golf is the original golf course style, presenting many challenges different to those found on Parkland courses. Here in the UK, we are spoilt for choice with some of the best Links courses in the world.

What are the factors that affect golf?

If you’re not used to Links golf, keep in mind the main factors: 1 Quick, firm, uneven fairways, and greens. 2 High chance of strong offshore winds. 3 Uneven footing. 4 Approach shots.

What are the different types of golf courses?

There are links, parkland, and desert golf courses and even executive courses. The type of golf course that I am going to talk about today is a links golf course.

Where did golf originate?

The country of Scotland is where golf originated, and it has a ton of history with the game of golf and its traditions. Flash forward to today, and there are links golf courses all over in the United States and in Europe. The majority of links golf courses are usually on the coastline of major bodies of water.

What is the difference between a parkland and a links golf course?

The main differences are that a parkland golf course is heavily developed by an architect and not as natural as a links golf course. The fairways tend to be more forgiving and flatter when compared to the rolling fairways on a links golf course. The best examples of each type would be St Andrews for links courses and Augusta National ...

Why are links golf courses so popular?

There are several reasons for links golf courses and why they are popular, but the main reason is because of the challenge and uniqueness of the course. The high winds and rolling fairways make the course play different each time because you never know how the course is going to turn out on that particular day.

What is a link golf course?

What is a Links Golf Course? A links golf course is regarded today as a golf course that has few trees, a lot of wind, thick grasses or thick heather, and a lot of bunkers. They are built on sandy soil and in most cases are on a coastline of a body of water. The term “links” actually has Scots origins and means “rising ground” or “ridge”.

What does "links" mean in golf?

The term “links” actually has Scots origins and means “rising ground” or “ridge”. The reason for this is because links courses really do play true to the contour of the course and is not usually very flat. Some people might argue that links golf courses have fewer or more characteristics, but that seems to be the general consensus ...

Where is the home of links golf?

The home of links golf is Scotland. The links golf courses in Scotland are the earliest recollection of golf and those courses were similar to links golf courses today. The Old Course at St Andrew’s is where the modern game started in 1764. The country of Scotland is where golf originated, and it has a ton of history with the game ...

What is landscape golf?

Landscape Style. Golf course architecture is an art form. Many courses incorporate elements of the natural setting into their designs. How the architect uses or reshapes the natural terrain determines the landscape category of the course. Most American courses fall into one of three main types.

What are the holes in a golf course called?

The majority of the holes on a standard golf course are par 4s. The remaining holes are a mix of par 3s and par 5s. Many regulation golf courses are known as championship courses, even if they may never host an official championship. These courses have excellent playing surfaces, and they are often par-72 courses.

What is a parkland course?

A manicured golf course with careful landscaping and an abundance of green grass and trees is usually known as a parkland course. The land is more tailored, so fairways are typically smooth. Unlike links courses, which are, by definition, found in coastal areas, parkland courses are often far from the shore.

How often do you stop at a parkland golf course?

Casual golfers may prefer to stick with stopping in at the municipal parkland course once or twice a year. Those more committed to the game will appreciate what a challenging-yet-enjoyable, championship-level private golf club has to offer.

How do links courses work?

Links courses work with the natural landscape of these strips of lands along the Scottish and Irish coasts . They incorporate the land's slopes and turns, and the fairways often have a natural roll to them. Wind can be a major factor in the game on a links course. Even though purists claim that true links courses are located only in the part ...

How many holes are there in an executive golf course?

The course leans toward par-3 holes with just a few par-4 or par-5 holes thrown in. An executive course can have 9 or 18 holes.

What is municipal golf?

Municipal Course. Golf facilities that are owned by a city or other municipality are known as municipal courses. You pay a fee each time that you visit one of these courses. Sometimes, these are the cheapest pay-as-you-go courses, but fees may be different for residents and non-residents.

What is the main style of golf?

Golf courses come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The main style of golf courses are desert, parkland, and links. Parkland golf courses are lushly manicured with verdant fairways and fast greens, with plenty of trees, and typically located inland. Links golf courses normally are located along the coastlines, desert golf courses are the deserts, ...

What type of golf course is in the USA?

Chances are, any famous golf course that you have heard of in the United States is most likely a parkland golf course . They seem to be the most common type of golf course in the USA, unlike European golf courses.

What obstacles do parkland golfers face?

The main obstacle that parkland golfers have to deal with is fairway bunkers, greenside bunkers, and of course trees in tough spots .

What is the difference between a links and a parkland golf course?

The main difference between the two is that a links golf course has a few and sometimes no trees whatsoever. It is usually very windy and has rolling terrain. A parkland golf course is usually heavily wooded and can be pretty flat in some cases. Some of the most elite parkland golf courses have a lot of trees and rolling fairways ...

What is a desert golf course?

A desert golf course only has grass on the tee box, fairway, and green. It is placed in a natural desert, so it normally has no trees. The elements of a desert make this very tough for golfers. The sand dunes can greatly affect a golfer’s round.

Why are parkland golf courses so popular?

Parkland golf courses are so popular because they are more suitable for most climates and geographical locations across the world. Most areas can grow trees, so it is easy to imagine a golf course there. Other types of courses require a specific location or type of land.

What is the most famous parkland golf course in the world?

The most famous parkland golf course in the world is probably Augusta National. The course is very historic and obviously hosts one of the most important golf tournaments every year. The fast greens and abundance of trees to deal with make it a very challenging parkland golf course and is just as tough as the toughest desert ...

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Golf Course Types by Access

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Not all golf courses are available to be played by all golfers. Some are private clubs, some restrict access in other ways or give preferential treatment to certain golfers over others. When grouping golf courses by access, here are how those groups are labeled: 1. Public courses: A public golf course is one that is open to the general p…
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Golf Course Types by Size

  • Another way of grouping golf courses is by size, which refers both to the number of holes (18 is standard) and the types of holes (a mix of par-3, par-4, and par-5holes, with par-4s being prevalent, is the standard on a "regulation," or full-sized, course). When grouping courses by size, here are how those groups are labeled: 1. 18-hole course: There really is no dedicated name, no special la…
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Golf Course Types by Setting/Design

  • The third way of grouping golf courses by type is to group them according to their geographical setting and/or the architectural elements of their design (those are often the same things since courses are often designed to fit into their natural surroundings). There are three main types of courses when grouping by setting and/or design: 1. Links co...
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The Famous Three Styles of Golf Course

  • Links Golf Courses
    This is truly the original style of golf course. Whenever you play a Links Golf Course, you play golf as it was invented to be played. To qualify as a Links Golf Course, it must be located within sight or sound of the sea. Golf links have open layouts with very few trees, rolling undulating landscap…
  • Parkland Golf Courses
    A Parkland Golf Course is the opposite of a Links Golf Course. While Links’ are built on the coasts and blend into the wild terrain, a Parkland course is built inland and is clearly maintained by man. Playing a Parkland Golf Course will feel like you are playing golf in a park. They have lush, green, …
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Some Lesser-Known Styles

  • It is important to note that some of the courses fitting these styles are often hybrids. For example, one can argue that Pinehurst Number 2or even Augusta National are both Parkland and Woodland/Forest Golf Courses.
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Heathland Golf Courses

  • Heathland Golf Courses are another style typically found in England. The most famous of them all is Sunningdale Golf Club. Other examples include The Berkshire and Walton Heath. In a way, they are like inland Links Golf Courses due to their brownish colour, gorse bushes and sandy soil. They may lack the same wind levels of links golf, but you will have much tighter fairways and many m…
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Links Golf Course Characteristics

Links Versus Parkland Courses

How to Play A Links Style Golf Course

Main Points to Remember on Links Golf Courses

Best Places For Links Golf

The Takeaway – What Is A Links Style Course?

  • Links golf is the original golf course style, presenting many challenges different to those found on Parkland courses.Here in the UK, we are spoilt for choice with some of the best Links courses in the world. If you’re not used to Links golf, keep in mind the main factors: 1. Quick, firm, uneven fairways, and greens. 2. High chance of strong offsho...
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