The Short Answer: Links golf is the oldest style of golf course, played on sandy coastal land with firm surfaces, natural dunes, and minimal artificial features. These courses are characterized by uneven fairways, thick rough, small deep "pot bunkers," and frequent windy conditions due to their coastal location.

If you're a golfer looking to understand the purest form of the game, links golf represents where it all began. From the windswept coasts of Scotland to modern interpretations around the world, links courses offer a unique challenge that tests every aspect of your game. This guide covers everything you need to know about links golf, from its historical origins to mastering the playing techniques that separate links golf from other course types.

Understanding Links Golf Courses

What Defines a True Links Course

The term "links" originates from the Old English word hlinc, which means "rising ground" or "ridge." It describes areas of coastal sand dunes and open parkland. However, not every coastal golf course qualifies as a true links course.

True links courses must meet specific criteria:

• Coastal Location: Links courses are along the coast, usually either within sight or up to a mile from the sea.

• Sandy Soil: Links land is typically characterised by dunes, an undulating surface, and a sandy soil unsuitable for arable farming, but which readily supports various indigenous browntop bent and red fescue grasses.

• Natural Terrain: Links courses are completely natural; they are not man-made, as the course follows the natural shape of the land.

• Minimal Trees: These coastal courses have little to no trees, meaning there is not much protection from the elements.

Historical Origins and Significance

Golf originated on the eastern coast of Scotland. Not only does Scotland have the most Links Courses in the world, but it is also the birthplace of golf. The game developed naturally on this coastal terrain because the sandy soil was perfect for golf but unsuitable for farming.

'The links' isn't a term specific to golf courses. It is simply a strip of generally undulating, but always sandy, terrain linking the sea and the arable farmland around the edges of the British Isles. When this land went unused for agriculture, it became ideal for early golfers to develop their game.

The very first Open Championship was hosted by Prestwick Golf Club, in South Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1860, a links style course known for its rolling sandy hills and dunes. Since then, The Open has always been held at a links course in Scotland, England, or Northern Ireland.

What Makes Links Golf Unique

Terrain and Playing Surfaces

Together, the soil and grasses result in the firm turf associated with links courses and the "running" game. This firmness creates a dramatically different playing experience compared to parkland courses.

Key terrain features include:

• Undulating Fairways: The nature of the courses themselves, which tend to be characterized by uneven fairways, thick rough, and small deep bunkers known as "pot bunkers".

• Natural Hazards: Natural dunes, shaped by the wind and sea, are integrated into the course layout, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of challenge for players.

• Fast Conditions: Links courses are known for their fast and firm playing surfaces. The sandy soil allows for excellent drainage, promoting firmness in fairways and greens.

Weather and Environmental Factors

The unique nature of links courses necessitates a distinct style of play. Links courses present two main types of challenges. First are topographical challenges like uneven fairways, thick rough, and small deep "pot bunkers." Second are climatic challenges, dominated by windy conditions created by their coastal location and lack of trees.

Weather plays a major role in links golf:

• Wind Exposure: Links courses offer no protection from coastal winds, making them extremely challenging to play.

• Variable Conditions: The lack of trees and artificial obstacles means that the wind plays a significant role in gameplay, requiring golfers to adjust their shots based on the direction and speed of the wind.

• Rain Challenges: Frequent intermittent rain squalls add another layer of difficulty to links golf.

Shot Selection and Course Management

Links topography favours a controlled style of golf. Low and even bouncing shots allow balls to be skipped onto greens rather than high flights landed with strong backspin.

Successful links golf requires specific strategies:

• Low Ball Flight: Windy or blustery weather also calls for low, accurate tee shots.

• Bump and Run: Around the green, many players avoid flop shots and instead use 8 or 9 irons to bump the ball onto the putting surface and let it run to the hole.

• Creative Shot-Making: Links courses often require creative shot-making to navigate the natural hazards and terrain. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shots and techniques to get around the course.

Club Selection and Mental Game

Playing on links courses requires careful club selection. A 150-yard shot might need a wedge downwind or a long iron into the wind on the same day. Wind direction significantly impacts club selection.

The fundamental key to playing links golf is acceptance. You must accept that good shots may go unrewarded due to cruel bounces or wind, while poor shots might end up fine due to favorable bounces.

Links Golf Courses Around the World

Scotland, England, and Ireland

The British Isles hold the majority of true links courses. Scotland, England, and Ireland each offer iconic examples that showcase the origins and traditions of the game:

• The Old Course at St Andrews (Scotland): The world’s oldest golf course, with play dating back to 1552. Known as the “Home of Golf,” it remains the most celebrated links experience.

• Royal Troon (Scotland): Host to multiple Open Championships, recognized for its deep bunkers and demanding finishing stretch.

• Carnoustie Golf Links (Scotland): Regarded as one of the toughest tests in golf, with narrow fairways and challenging winds.

• Royal Birkdale (England): A classic English links course with dramatic sand dunes and tight fairways. Often praised as one of the best Open venues.

• Royal St George’s (England): The first English course to host The Open. Known for its rolling fairways and strategic bunkering.

• Royal Portrush (Northern Ireland): A stunning coastal course brought back into The Open rotation. Its dramatic setting and difficult layout make it a favorite among professionals.

• Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland): A rugged course that winds through towering dunes. Widely considered one of the finest links in the world.

• Lahinch Golf Club (Ireland): Nicknamed the “St Andrews of Ireland.” Famous for its blind shots, natural flow, and Atlantic views.

International Links Courses

While most true links courses are in the UK and Ireland, some notable ‘links-style’ courses exist elsewhere that showcase the natural beauty of coastal golf:

• Pebble Beach Golf Links: In the United States, Pebble Beach is a coastal course and is often described as 'links-style.' However, it does not qualify as a true links course by traditional definitions.

• Whistling Straits: Some courses located hundreds of miles from a seacoast, such as Whistling Straits, near Kohler, Wisconsin, on the Great Lakes, can have all of the characteristics of a seaside links except for proximity to saltwater.

• Chambers Bay: Chambers Bay, host to the 2015 U.S. Open, is a prime example of a links-inspired course located on the shores of Puget Sound in Washington.

Links vs. Parkland Courses

Parkland courses are built inland, away from the ocean. These courses often feature lots of trees and lush grass. The differences between links and parkland golf are substantial:

• Maintenance: Parkland courses are often built in places that don't have ideal conditions for golf. This means the grass and soil are harder and more expensive to maintain.

• Features: It's usually the case that parkland courses are well-manicured, and are full of man-made features designed by course architects like dug bunkers, ponds, and built-up rough.

• Playing Conditions: Links courses are typically located around coastal areas and have firm fairways and natural contours. Parkland courses, by contrast, feature lush grass, tree-lined fairways, and more manicured landscapes.

No Matter the Course, BRUCE BOLT is Here to Help

Playing links golf isn’t just about adjusting your shot shape. It’s about adapting to the ground under your feet and the wind swirling above your head. With firm turf and unpredictable bounces, every swing starts with a solid connection between your hands and the club. That’s why the right glove matters.

BRUCE BOLT’s premium golf gloves are built for serious golfers who demand precision and feel. Each glove is handcrafted from premium Cabretta leather and shaped with conical finger stalls and articulated wrists. The result is a snug, natural fit that gives you better control in challenging conditions.

Whether you're navigating each hole with pot bunkers, executing bump-and-run shots, or fighting coastal winds, BRUCE BOLT gives you a grip you can trust. No matter the course or the conditions, you’ll feel more confident with every swing.

Ready to build a more reliable swing from the grip up? Start with BRUCE BOLT.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a golf course a true links course?

A true links course must be located on coastal land with sandy soil, natural terrain shaped by wind and sea, minimal trees, and firm playing surfaces. Fewer than 250 courses worldwide meet these strict criteria.

Why is links golf considered more difficult?

Links golf is challenging due to firm playing surfaces, unpredictable bounces, constant wind exposure, natural hazards like pot bunkers, and the need for creative shot-making rather than relying on high, soft shots.

What's the difference between links and links-style courses?

True links courses are located on coastal sandy terrain with natural features. Links-style courses are inland courses designed to mimic links characteristics but lack the authentic coastal environment and natural elements.

How should I prepare for my first links golfing experience?

Practice low, controlled shots, develop your bump-and-run technique, prepare mentally for unpredictable bounces, and ensure you have quality equipment like proper golf gloves for a firm grip in windy conditions.

Which major championship is always played on links courses?

The Open Championship is always held on links courses, maintaining the tournament's connection to golf's origins and providing the ultimate test of links golf skills for the world's best players.