Typically found along coastlines, links courses are characterised by their natural, rugged terrain, often featuring rolling hills, sandy soil, and few trees.

The term “links” comes from the Old English word “hlinc,” meaning a ridge or area of coastal sand dunes, which is exactly where these courses are located—on the thin strip of land that connects farmland to the coast.

Links golf courses are celebrated for their unique challenges, including strong coastal winds, firm ground, and natural undulations.

These elements make it a true test of strategy and skill, often requiring golfers to use more creativity than they would on parkland courses.

The fairways are usually wide but undulating, and bunkers are deep and penal, with the rough being comprised of long, wispy grass that can be quite unforgiving.

Characteristics of a Links Golf Course

• Location: Typically built along coastlines, often with ocean or sea views.
  Terrain: Sandy soil with natural dunes, rolling hills, and uneven fairways.
• Wind: Coastal winds are a major factor, adding an unpredictable element to each round.
• Minimal Trees: Links courses rarely feature trees, instead relying on natural landscape features to create challenges.
• Bunkers: Deep, strategically placed bunkers with steep faces, often lined with revetted (layered turf) walls.
• Firm Ground: The sandy soil allows for firm fairways, creating more run on the ball but also making control more difficult.

Why are Links Courses Special?

What sets links courses apart from other golf course types is how they blend with the natural landscape.

These courses are often designed to use the land as it exists, rather than reshaping it, making each course unique to its environment.

As a result, the conditions vary significantly based on weather, making the same course feel like a different experience each time you play it.

Additionally, links courses emphasise “ground game”—the ball often needs to be played low and strategically along the firm ground, especially when strong winds are in play.

Mastering links golf requires precise shot-making, patience, and adaptability, offering a purer, more traditional form of golf.

Famous Links Golf Courses

Many of the world’s most famous and revered courses are links-style, including:

• St Andrews Links (Scotland): The birthplace of golf and home to the famous Old Course, regarded as the quintessential links experience.
• Royal Portrush (Northern Ireland): Host of The Open Championship, featuring stunning coastal views and rugged terrain.
• Royal Birkdale (England): Another Open Championship venue known for its challenging layout and fierce coastal winds.
• Ballybunion (Ireland): An iconic links course offering wild dunes and a truly authentic links experience.

How to Play a Links Golf Course

Playing on a links course requires adapting to the conditions.

Unlike a parkland course where golfers can rely more on aerial shots, links courses demand a strategic ground game.

Keep your shots low to avoid the wind, and embrace the natural bounces and runouts that come with firm fairways.

Course management is key—sometimes it’s better to play conservatively than attack pins, especially when conditions are tough.

Summary

In summary, links golf courses are a celebration of the sport’s origins, blending natural beauty with challenging gameplay.

Whether you’re battling the wind or bouncing your ball off firm, rolling fairways, playing a round on a links course is a unique experience that every golfer should try at least once!