What Is a Links Golf Course? Meaning, Features, Tips
What is a links golf course? A true links course is laid out along the coast on sandy soil, with firm, rolling ground, dunes, few or no trees, small deep pot bunkers and plenty of wind. Many courses call themselves "links" or "links-style," but in the strict sense the term only fits seaside land like the courses in Scotland, Ireland and England where golf began.
This guide explains where the word comes from, how links golf differs from the parkland courses most Americans play, and how to adjust your game if you ever tee it up on one. Dressing for a windy round? Browse our best-selling golf shirts.
What is a links golf course, exactly?
According to GOLF.com's guide to the types of golf courses, the category is "more specific" than the name suggests: "The course must be along the coast with sandy soil underneath." True links courses "are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland and England," and examples it lists include The Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal Troon, Lahinch and several courses at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Why is it called a links course?
The word comes from the Old English hlinc, meaning "rising ground or ridge," and refers to the sandy strip along the coast. That land wasn't much use for farming, but its sandy soil drains very well and keeps the ground firm, which made it ideal for early golf.
Features of a links golf course
- Coastal, sandy ground: the defining trait. Firm turf lets the ball bounce and roll a long way.
- Dunes and undulation: natural humps and hollows instead of flat, built-up fairways.
- Few or no trees: wide-open views, and nothing to block the wind.
- Pot bunkers: small, deep bunkers rather than the large sprawling bunkers common on American courses.
- Wind: GOLF.com notes that because of the lack of trees and the waterfront location, "wind plays a huge factor on most links courses."
Links vs. parkland golf: what's the difference?
Parkland courses are built inland and usually have lots of trees, lush grass and man-made features like dug bunkers, ponds and built-up rough. They're the courses you see most often on TV in the U.S.; GOLF.com calls Augusta National "arguably the most famous parkland course in the world."
| Links | Parkland | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Coastal, sandy soil | Inland |
| Trees | Few or none | Many |
| Turf | Firm and fast | Lush, softer |
| Bunkers | Small, deep pot bunkers | Larger, shaped bunkers |
| Typical shot | Low, running shots along the ground | High shots that stop quickly |
There are other types too, such as heathland courses (inland British courses with heather and gorse) and the sandbelt courses near Melbourne, Australia.
What does "links-style" mean?
Architects sometimes copy links features on land that isn't on the coast: wide-open holes, rolling ground, firm turf and few trees. These are often called links-style courses. They can be great fun, but by the strict definition they aren't true links.
How to play a links golf course
- Keep the ball low. With firm ground and wind, a lower flight that runs is easier to control than a high shot that balloons.
- Use the ground. Bump-and-run shots and putting from off the green are often smarter than a lofted pitch. Our how to chip a golf ball guide covers the low chip.
- Plan for roll. Pick a landing spot short of your target and let the ball run.
- Avoid pot bunkers at all costs. They are small but deep; sometimes the only way out is sideways or backward. Review the bunker rules in our golf rules for beginners.
- Club for the wind. Into the wind, take more club and swing smoother; downwind, expect extra roll.
What to wear on a links course
Coastal courses can be breezy and cool even in summer, so layers help. A long sleeve polo is an easy base layer. Many of our polos come in men's and women's short sleeve, long sleeve and sleeveless styles and can be personalized with your name; check each product page for the styles offered. Also see our golf dress code guide.
FAQ
What's the difference between links golf and regular golf?
Links golf is played on coastal, sandy land with firm turf, few trees, pot bunkers and wind, so low running shots matter more. Most U.S. courses are parkland courses: inland, tree-lined and softer.
Why do they call it a links course?
From the Old English word hlinc, meaning rising ground or ridge, which referred to the sandy land along the coast.
Are there true links courses in the United States?
Yes, a few. GOLF.com lists several of the courses at Bandon Dunes in Oregon among true links courses.
Is a links course harder?
It can be, mainly because of wind, firm bounces and deep pot bunkers. Keeping the ball low and on the ground makes it much more playable.
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