what other style golf course besides links?

by Gay Haag 5 min read

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. In addition, all three are found in very different places.

Full Answer

What are the best links golf courses in the US?

Whistling Straits is a popular links golf course in the United States in Wisconsin. The course has hosted the PGA Championship 3 times and a Ryder Cup. Another popular links golf course in the States is Pebble Beach Golf Links, which has hosted several major championships and major tournaments.

What are the best golf courses similar to the Old Course?

Tom Doak’s homage to C.B. Macdonald, complete with replicas of several of his template holes, is as close to the Old Course you’ll get on this side of the pond. 2. Bandon Dunes The original Bandon course, by Scotsman David Kidd, has no steep hills and dales but endless dips and ripples, just like the best Scottish links.

What makes a links golf course look like?

The links’ look is very natural and golfers play to the contours of the land. Many links golf courses are found in coastal areas. Pebble Beach, which is located in California, overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The coastal location helps to create the hills, ridges and fairways.

Where do links style golf courses originate?

However, we can be sure of where link style golf courses originated. Built on sandy soil between the coast and farmlands of Scotland, links are the most popular types of golf courses. They’re mostly known for their large, slow greens and fast fairways.

What different types of golf courses are there?

Landscape StyleLinks 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...•

Are all golf courses links?

Although the term links is often used loosely to describe any golf course, few golf courses have all of the design elements of true links courses, including being built on linksland. The presence of a seaside location does not guarantee a links golf course.

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.

What makes a links course different?

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.

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 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.

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 Whistling Straits a links course?

Whistling Straits is one of two 36-hole links-style golf courses associated with Destination Kohler, a luxury golf resort owned and operated by the Kohler Company in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Why are seaside golf courses called links?

Well you may have noticed from above that the game of golf originated on the coast of Scotland – this in turn brought the term links. The word itself has actually evolved from the Old English word 'hlinc' – meaning ridge or rising ground. This described the type of hilly land found in the coastal regions of the UK.

What is a heathland course?

A "heathland course" or "heathland golf course" is a term that describes the physical characteristics of a golf course built on a specific type of geography.

What is a sandbelt golf course?

The sandbelt region of Melbourne boasts a fabulous group of golf courses that epitomise the golden age of golf architecture. These highly ranked layouts are built on land in the southeast suburbs ideal for golf and conveniently located within a short distance of each other.

What are the golf hole styles?

By combining the five types of golf shots demanded by golf holes — penal, heroic, detour, lay-up, and open — among par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes, 280 basic variables may be created, not just three types, as many have been told. A tee shot may be heroic in nature, an approach may present a detour, etc.

What makes a golf course a links?

Today, a links golf course is more broadly defined as a golf course with a natural and open lay-out, lying on sandy soil that is heavily affected by the wind. It has few to no trees, but with thick rough grasses.

Is Whistling Straits a links course?

Whistling Straits is one of two 36-hole links-style golf courses associated with Destination Kohler, a luxury golf resort owned and operated by the Kohler Company in Kohler, Wisconsin.

What does hitting the links mean?

You might hear the term “links golf” which refers to old-school type courses that are found in Europe. Links golf courses are usually flat and have bigger greens than most US courses. You might also hear “Let's hit the links” which just refers to going out and playing a round of golf.

Is the Open always played on a links course?

The Open Championship has always been played on links courses (mostly treeless golf courses that are built along a coast and retain the natural uneven terrain of their locations). From 1860 to 1870 the Open was played exclusively at Prestwick Golf Club. Since 1872 it has been played at a number of courses in rotation.

1. Links Course

One of the most common golf course types is a links course. But, if you find yourself asking “what is a links golf course?”, you’re hardly alone. A links golf course is one of the oldest styles you’ll find. These originated in England and Scotland, where the game was first played.

2. Heathland Course

Heathland golf course aren’t all that different from links courses. These are also most common in Europe. For the most part, they embody a lot of the same characteristics such as sandy soil and bunkers that won’t quit. Again, a lot of what defines these types of courses is where they lay on a map.

3. Parkland Course

Parkland golf courses are what most Americans usually play. This type of course carves its way through a natural landscape and is surrounded with trees, which serve as the biggest hazard. Parkland courses use what is available to them. If the area is hilly, you have a hilly course.

4. Desert Course

Desert golf courses are, you guessed it, found in the desert. This doesn’t mean they are all sand, but that the land surrounding it is. Depending on the course, the desert terrain can be 5 yards or 50 from your intended tee-to-green path.

5. Championship Course

A championship golf course comes less from design features and more of what the course is all about. While it’s not easy to define, a championship golf course is almost something you know when you see it—or someone tells you about it.

6. Par-3 Course

When a course has only par-3 holes, it is a par-3 course. These courses can also be referred to as pitch and putt courses. Most golf course types have names that aren’t as descriptive. A par-3 course is all par-3’s (with the rare exception).

7. Executive Course

Want to play a shorter course with some hole variety? Then you want to play an executive golf course. An executive course is like a par-3 course in that many of the holes are par-3’s, but this option lets you take the driver out of your bag a couple times. Additionally, an executive course with 18 holes is also fairly common.

The Famous Three Styles Of Golf Course

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.

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 2 or even Augusta National are both Parkland and Woodland/Forest Golf Courses.

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.

Golf Course Types by Access

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:

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-5 holes, 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. Links Courses

The origin of golf is widely disputed, and to an extent we will never know the truth of where it began. However, we can be sure of where link style golf courses originated. Built on sandy soil between the coast and farmlands of Scotland, links are the most popular types of golf courses.

2. Parkland Courses

Parkland golf courses appeared as a result of moving links courses more inland. Characterised by design elements, natural settings and narrower fairways enclosed by trees and lush greeneries, many PGA tours take place on these terrain types.

3. Desert Courses

Popular in parts of the USA and the Middle East , desert golf courses are as they sound: built in the desert. Greenery from this range of golf courses is sometimes the only green seen for miles, and they require heavy irrigation as a result of their location. This often comes at the price of environmental concern, however.

4. Sand Courses

In 1961, British oil workers built the emirate’s first golf course as a side project to their pursuits in oil. Naturally, the environment’s ground meant that the first golf course in the country would be sand.

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.

Links Golf Course vs 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.

Why Are Links Golf Courses 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.

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.

Links Characteristics

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.

Traditional Links Course

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.

Playing a Links Course

Professional golf instructors will advise players to adjust their playing style when going out on a links course. Generally, the game is played closer to the ground.

image

Links Course

Heathland Course

  • Heathland golf course aren’t all that different from links courses. These are also most common in Europe. For the most part, they embody a lot of the same characteristics such as sandy soil and bunkers that won’t quit. Again, a lot of what defines these types of courses is where they lay on a map. Heathland golf courses are inland, away from the se...
See more on golfandcourse.com

Parkland Course

  • Parkland golf courses are what most Americans usually play. This type of course carves its way through a natural landscape and is surrounded with trees, which serve as the biggest hazard. Parkland courses use what is available to them. If the area is hilly, you have a hilly course. If the land is flat, architects can get a bit more creative, but the course is still flat. While links and othe…
See more on golfandcourse.com

Desert Course

  • Desert golf courses are, you guessed it, found in the desert. This doesn’t mean they are all sand, but that the land surrounding it is. Depending on the course, the desert terrain can be 5 yards or 50 from your intended tee-to-green path. If you’re playing a desert course, goal number one is to have fun. Just kidding, it’s to stay on the grass and off the sand. Keep yourself on the grass and …
See more on golfandcourse.com

Championship Course

  • A championship golf course comes less from design features and more of what the course is all about. While it’s not easy to define, a championship golf course is almost something you know when you see it—or someone tells you about it. Championship golf courses have a variety of definitions. To help with your understanding of the basic types of golf courses, we’ll walk you thr…
See more on golfandcourse.com

Par-3 Course

  • When a course has only par-3 holes, it is a par-3 course. These courses can also be referred to as pitch and putt courses. Most golf course types have names that aren’t as descriptive. A par-3 course is all par-3’s (with the rare exception). Pitch and putt courses are ones with holes so short pitch shots are all it takes to get around. If there is one distinction to make between the two, pitc…
See more on golfandcourse.com

Executive Course

  • Want to play a shorter course with some hole variety? Then you want to play an executive golf course. An executive course is like a par-3 course in that many of the holes are par-3’s, but this option lets you take the driver out of your bag a couple times. Additionally, an executive course with 18 holes is also fairly common. When this type of course began popping up, it was through …
See more on golfandcourse.com

What Are Most Pro Courses?

  • Nearly all professional golf tournaments are held at links or heartland courses. Besides being the oldest and most common types, these courses are tweaked to be a tougher test of player ability. With only the rarest of exceptions, any time you watch a pro tournament in Europe, it will be on a links course. Watch the players tee off in the United States and the ratio is a bit different. If it’s cl…
See more on golfandcourse.com

Golf and The Occupied Environment

  • As you can see, types of golf courses are more than if it’s 9 or 18 holes. Much of what determines the type of course is the environment around it. Unlike sports with standard courts, fields, and tracks, golf has more freedom. Every time you step onto the first tee of a course, you get something different. Much like no two rounds are ever the same, no two courses are the same. F…
See more on golfandcourse.com

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, …
See more on golfclubstyle.com

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.
See more on golfclubstyle.com

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 ...
See more on golfclubstyle.com

Golf Course Types by Access

Image
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…
See more on liveabout.com

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…
See more on liveabout.com

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...
See more on liveabout.com