Defining a Link Course in Golf

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Course Management & Strategy

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Quick Answer

• It’s a golf course built right on the coast, usually on sandy soil with rolling, natural terrain. Think wind-swept dunes.
• Expect firm, fast conditions, minimal trees, and wind as your constant companion.
• These courses demand a different kind of strategy, focusing on the ground game and managing the elements.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who are curious about the game’s history and different course designs.
• Anyone planning a golf trip to coastal areas like Scotland, Ireland, or even parts of the US East Coast. You’ll want to know what you’re getting into.

What to Check First for Links Golf

• Location, Location, Location: Is it hugging the coastline? Is it exposed to the sea breeze? This is your biggest clue.
• Wind Report: What are the prevailing wind conditions for that specific area and time of year? This is crucial.
• Soil & Turf Type: Look for sandy soil and firm, often sparse turf. Forget about that plush, forgiving fairway you might be used to.
• Terrain: Is it naturally undulating, with dunes, humps, and hollows? Links courses are shaped by nature, not just bulldozers.

Navigating the Unique Challenge of a Link Course

Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding a Link Course

1. Action: Research the geographical location. What to look for: Proximity to the sea and its elevation relative to the water. Mistake: Assuming any course near water is a links course. Many parkland courses are near lakes, that’s a different beast.

2. Action: Investigate the prevailing wind patterns. What to look for: The dominant wind direction and its typical strength throughout the year. Mistake: Underestimating the wind’s impact. It’s not just a nuisance; it’s a primary strategic element.

3. Action: Examine the typical turf and soil composition. What to look for: Sandy soil, firm and fast fairways, and often less lush, more resilient grasses. Mistake: Expecting soft, receptive conditions that hold a ball. Links bounce.

4. Action: Study the course routing and natural features. What to look for: Natural dunes, sandy areas, and how the holes are routed to use or contend with these features. Mistake: Thinking the course is just a series of flat holes with greens.

5. Action: Assess the bunkering style. What to look for: Often deep, revetted (turf-edged) pot bunkers or sprawling sandy waste areas designed to catch errant shots. Mistake: Treating these bunkers like any other. They can be serious penalities.

6. Action: Understand the green complexes. What to look for: Greens that are often raised, undulating, and well-bunkered, demanding precise approaches. Mistake: Assuming greens will be flat and easy to putt on.

7. Action: Consider the vegetation. What to look for: Sparse vegetation, heather, gorse, and very few trees. Mistake: Expecting mature trees to offer protection from the wind or define fairways.

Common Mistakes in Understanding Link Course Golf

• Mistake: Assuming all coastal courses are true links courses.
• Why it matters: While many coastal courses share some characteristics, a true links course is defined by its sandy subsoil, natural seaside terrain, and exposure to the elements, particularly wind. A course built on clay near the coast isn’t a links course.
• Fix: Verify the course’s specific design principles and its natural environment. Look for mentions of sandy soil and seaside dunes.
• Mistake: Underestimating the impact of wind.
• Why it matters: Wind is the defining feature of links golf. It can dramatically alter club selection, ball flight, and the perceived difficulty of every hole. Ignoring it is like playing blindfolded.
• Fix: Always factor in wind direction and strength for every shot. Learn to play controlled, lower trajectory shots and accept that you’ll be using more or fewer clubs than you normally would.
• Mistake: Expecting soft, receptive fairways and greens.
• Why it matters: Links courses are typically firm and fast. Balls will run out significantly on the fairways, and approaches might bounce unpredictably. Greens can be firm, making holding the ball a challenge.
• Fix: Prepare to play a “ground game.” Practice low, running shots (bump-and-runs) and learn to use the contours of the ground to your advantage. Accept that the ball will roll.
• Mistake: Ignoring the natural contours and uneven lies.
• Why it matters: Links courses are built on natural terrain, meaning you’ll encounter humps, hollows, and slopes everywhere. Your ball might not sit cleanly, and your stances can be awkward.
• Fix: Develop your ability to play from uneven lies. Learn to adjust your setup and swing to accommodate slopes and bumps. Trust your feel.
• Mistake: Getting frustrated by blind shots and obscured targets.
• Why it matters: The natural topography of links courses often creates blind shots from the tee or fairway, where you can’t see your target. This can be disorienting.
• Fix: Trust your yardage book and your caddie (if you have one). Commit to your line and trust that your shot will find the intended area. It’s part of the charm.
• Mistake: Over-reliance on traditional parkland course strategies.
• Why it matters: Strategies that work on lush, tree-lined courses often fail on links. For instance, hitting high, soft shots into greens is difficult when the wind is strong.
• Fix: Adapt your thinking. Focus on control, accuracy, and managing the wind. Embrace the bump-and-run, learn to read the ground, and accept that not every shot will be perfectly struck.

FAQ

• What is the primary geographical characteristic of a link course?

A link course is situated directly along a coastline, typically built on sandy soil with natural, undulating terrain shaped by the wind and sea.

• How does wind typically affect play on a link course?

Wind is a dominant force on links courses, significantly impacting club selection, ball flight, trajectory, and overall strategy on almost every hole.

• Are link courses usually flat or hilly?

They are rarely flat. Links courses are characterized by natural dunes, rolling hills, and uneven terrain, making them visually striking and challenging.

• What kind of turf is common on a link course?

Expect firm, tight turf and sandy soil, which leads to firm and fast playing conditions. The grass is often resilient and well-suited to the coastal environment.

• Are there many trees on link courses?

Generally, no. True links courses feature very sparse vegetation, with trees being a rarity. The landscape is typically open and exposed to the elements.

• What is the “ground game” in golf, and why is it important on links courses?

The “ground game” refers to playing shots that roll along the ground rather than flying through the air. On links courses, with firm fairways and strong winds, low, running shots like the bump-and-run are often essential for controlling the ball and navigating tricky lies and wind conditions.

• Are all golf courses in Scotland considered links courses?

While Scotland is the birthplace of golf and has many famous links courses, not all courses in Scotland are links courses. Many are parkland or heathland courses, though links are the most iconic type found there.