Trevor Ng
The United States is home to some of the most iconic and challenging golf courses in the world, and among these, links-style courses hold a special place for enthusiasts. Links golf, traditionally associated with the coastal regions of Scotland and Ireland, is characterized by its firm, fast-running fairways, deep bunkers, and exposure to wind and weather. While the U.S. lacks the centuries-old history of links golf found in the British Isles, several courses across the country have been designed to emulate this classic style, offering players a taste of the authentic links experience. Notable examples include Pacific Dunes in Oregon, Bandon Dunes in Oregon, and Shinnecock Hills in New York, each celebrated for their rugged beauty and demanding play. These courses not only pay homage to the traditions of links golf but also provide a unique challenge that attracts golfers seeking a departure from the manicured parkland courses more commonly found in the U.S.
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What You'll Learn
Top Links-Style Courses in the US
While the US is not traditionally known for its links golf courses, a handful of architects have successfully captured the essence of this classic style on native soil. One standout example is Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Oregon, designed by Tom Doak. Its rugged, windswept layout mimics the coastal links of Scotland, with undulating fairways and blind shots that demand strategic play. The course’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean amplifies the links experience, as players navigate firm turf and unpredictable gusts. For purists seeking authenticity, Pacific Dunes is a must-play.
Another gem is Sand Hills Golf Club in Mullen, Nebraska, a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design. Though not coastal, it embodies the minimalist ethos of links golf, with natural sand dunes and vast expanses of native grasses. The absence of trees and emphasis on ground game make it a true links-style test. Its remote location adds to the allure, offering a serene, unspoiled experience that feels worlds away from traditional American courses.
For those on the East Coast, Bayonne Golf Club in New Jersey provides a links-style experience with a modern twist. Perched on a peninsula overlooking New York Harbor, its two courses—Liberty Links and Bayonne—feature firm, fast conditions and panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty. The design encourages creative shot-making, with undulating greens and strategic bunkering that echo the challenges of classic links courses.
A lesser-known but equally impressive option is Arcadia Bluffs in Arcadia, Michigan. Designed by Warren Henderson and Rick Smith, this course hugs the shores of Lake Michigan, offering dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views. The firm fescue turf and pot bunkers are hallmarks of links golf, while the lake’s winds add an extra layer of difficulty. It’s a course that rewards precision and adaptability, much like its Scottish counterparts.
Finally, Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington, gained international attention as the host of the 2015 U.S. Open. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, it blends links-style elements with Pacific Northwest terrain. The course’s expansive fairways, deep bunkers, and firm conditions challenge players to think strategically. While its maintenance has been a topic of debate, its links-inspired design remains a unique offering in the U.S. landscape.
Incorporating these courses into your golf itinerary will provide a taste of links golf without leaving the country. Each offers a distinct experience, from coastal authenticity to inland ingenuity, proving that the spirit of links golf can thrive beyond its traditional homeland.
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Characteristics of Links Golf Courses
Links golf courses, traditionally associated with the British Isles, are characterized by their coastal locations, firm turf, and natural, undulating landscapes. While the U.S. lacks the centuries-old links courses of Scotland or Ireland, several American courses have been designed to emulate these features. Notable examples include Pacific Dunes in Oregon, Bandon Dunes in Oregon, and Shinnecock Hills in New York. These courses incorporate elements like sandy soil, windswept terrain, and native grasses to replicate the links experience. Understanding the defining characteristics of links golf courses helps players appreciate their unique challenges and charms.
One hallmark of links courses is their firm, fast-running fairways, which are often achieved through sandy soil and minimal irrigation. This firmness allows the ball to bounce and roll more than on traditional parkland courses, rewarding low, running shots over high aerial approaches. For instance, at Pacific Dunes, the sandy base encourages players to use ground game strategies, such as bump-and-run shots, to navigate the course effectively. Players accustomed to softer, more forgiving surfaces may need to adjust their technique, favoring lower-lofted clubs and controlled swings to maximize distance and accuracy.
Wind is another defining feature of links golf, often playing as much of a role as the course itself. Coastal locations expose these courses to strong, unpredictable winds that demand strategic shot-making. At Bandon Dunes, for example, the constant ocean breeze requires players to account for wind direction and speed on nearly every shot. To succeed, golfers must master trajectory control, opting for punch shots or knockdowns in high winds and leveraging the wind for added distance when conditions allow. Practicing in windy conditions or using a launch monitor to fine-tune ball flight can prepare players for these challenges.
Links courses also distinguish themselves through their natural, rugged aesthetics, often featuring few trees and abundant native grasses. This minimalism forces players to rely on visual cues like dunes, pot bunkers, and the ocean to navigate the course. Shinnecock Hills, for instance, uses its undulating terrain and deep bunkers to create a visually striking yet demanding layout. Players should focus on course management, studying hole diagrams and elevation changes to avoid hazards and position themselves advantageously. Walking the course rather than using a cart can provide a better sense of the terrain and improve decision-making.
Finally, the absence of water hazards—a staple of many modern courses—is a subtle yet significant characteristic of links golf. Instead, designers rely on natural obstacles like deep bunkers, gorse, and fescue grasses to challenge players. At Sand Hills Golf Club in Nebraska, a modern American links course, the strategic placement of bunkers and natural dunes replaces the need for artificial water features. Players should prioritize accuracy over power, as missing the fairway often leads to difficult recovery shots. Practicing precision with mid-irons and hybrids can help golfers avoid these penal areas and maintain a steady pace of play.
In summary, while true links courses are rare in the U.S., those that exist or emulate the style share key characteristics: firm, fast fairways; windy conditions; natural, rugged landscapes; and strategic hazards. By understanding and adapting to these features, players can enhance their experience and performance on these unique courses. Whether playing a classic links course or a modern interpretation, embracing the challenges of the terrain and weather is essential to mastering this distinct style of golf.
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Best Coastal Links Courses to Play
The United States may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of classic links golf, but its coastal regions boast a surprising number of courses that capture the essence of this traditional style. These layouts, often characterized by windswept dunes, firm turf, and undulating greens, offer a unique challenge that contrasts sharply with the manicured parkland courses more common in the U.S. For golfers seeking a taste of links golf without crossing the Atlantic, here are some of the best coastal links courses to play.
Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Oregon, stands as a modern masterpiece of links golf. Designed by Tom Doak, this course hugs the rugged Oregon coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The natural terrain dictates the layout, with holes weaving through towering dunes and fescue grasses. Players must navigate the ever-present wind and blind shots, making strategic play essential. A round here is not just a game but an immersive experience in the raw beauty of coastal golf. For those planning a visit, consider playing in the early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the dramatic landscape.
Shifting to the East Coast, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, is a historic gem. Host to multiple U.S. Opens, this course embodies the links tradition with its firm, fast-running fairways and undulating greens. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures that wind is a constant factor, demanding precision and adaptability. Shinnecock’s design encourages ground play, allowing skilled golfers to use the contours of the land to their advantage. While access is limited, securing a tee time here is a must for any serious golfer looking to experience one of America’s premier links-style courses.
For a more accessible option, Bay Harbor Golf Club’s Links Course in Michigan offers a unique blend of links and lakeside golf. Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, this Arthur Hills design features elevated tees, dramatic drops, and expansive views of the water. The course incorporates traditional links elements like pot bunkers and undulating fairways while taking full advantage of its coastal setting. It’s an ideal choice for golfers who want to enjoy the links experience without the exclusivity of some of the more renowned courses. Pair your round with a stay at the adjacent resort for a complete golf getaway.
Finally, no discussion of coastal links courses would be complete without mentioning Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. While not a pure links course, its dramatic cliffs, oceanfront holes, and firm conditions during the summer months evoke the spirit of links golf. The iconic 7th hole, with its perilous drop to the Pacific, is a highlight that rivals any seaside hole in the world. Pebble Beach’s blend of beauty and challenge makes it a bucket-list destination for golfers globally. To maximize your experience, plan your visit during the dry season when the course plays firmer and faster, enhancing its links-like characteristics.
Incorporating these courses into your golf itinerary will provide a diverse and authentic links experience, showcasing the best of America’s coastal offerings. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged Pacific Northwest, the historic East Coast, or the dramatic shores of the Great Lakes, these courses deliver the thrill of links golf with a distinctly American twist.
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History of Links Golf in America
The United States, despite its vast coastline, is not traditionally known for links-style golf courses. Unlike Scotland and Ireland, where the game originated on windswept, sandy dunes, American golf has historically favored manicured parkland courses with lush fairways and tree-lined borders. However, a closer look reveals a fascinating history of links golf in America, marked by both adaptation and innovation.
Early attempts to replicate the classic links experience often fell short. Courses like Shinnecock Hills, originally designed in the late 19th century, were built on sandy soil but lacked the natural undulations and firm turf characteristic of true links. These early efforts, while admirable, were more imitation than authentic recreation.
The mid-20th century saw a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of links golf. Architects like Stanley Thompson and Charles Blair Macdonald began incorporating links-style features into their designs, such as pot bunkers, undulating greens, and strategic use of wind. Courses like National Golf Links of America and Cypress Point Club emerged as hybrids, blending American parkland aesthetics with links-inspired challenges.
A true turning point came in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the rise of minimalist golf course architecture. Architects like Tom Doak and Coore & Crenshaw championed a "less is more" approach, emphasizing the natural contours of the land and the inherent challenges of coastal environments. Courses like Pacific Dunes in Oregon and Bandon Dunes in Oregon became instant classics, proving that authentic links golf could thrive outside its traditional Scottish and Irish homeland.
Today, America boasts a growing number of links-style courses, each offering a unique interpretation of the genre. From the dramatic cliffs of Pacific Dunes to the rolling dunes of Sand Hills in Nebraska, these courses provide a taste of the timeless appeal of links golf. While they may not perfectly replicate the ancient links of St. Andrews or Royal County Down, they stand as testaments to the enduring influence of this iconic style and the ingenuity of American golf course design.
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Design Features of US Links Courses
The United States boasts a surprising number of links-style golf courses, despite its lack of traditional seaside dunes. These courses, inspired by the classic links of Scotland and Ireland, offer a unique challenge and aesthetic. While they may not always be directly on the coast, they incorporate key design features that evoke the spirit of true links golf.
Embracing the Wind: A Defining Factor
The most crucial element of any links course, whether in Scotland or the US, is the wind. Designers of American links courses prioritize open layouts with minimal tree coverage, allowing the wind to become a constant and unpredictable factor. This forces players to adjust their strategy on every shot, favoring low, controlled trajectories over high, booming drives. Courses like Pacific Dunes in Oregon and Sand Hills Golf Club in Nebraska exemplify this, with their exposed fairways and undulating greens leaving players at the mercy of the elements.
Bunkers: Strategic Hazards, Not Decorative Features
Bunkers on US links courses are not merely aesthetic additions; they are strategic hazards designed to punish errant shots. Unlike their parkland counterparts, these bunkers are often deep, revetted with native grasses, and strategically placed to catch balls rolling off the firm, fast fairways. The pot bunkers at Bandon Trails in Oregon are notorious for their depth and difficulty, demanding precision and creativity to escape.
Firm and Fast: The Links Turf
The playing surface on a links course is fundamentally different from that of a typical American course. Instead of lush, manicured fairways, links courses feature firm, fast-running turf that encourages the ball to bounce and roll. This rewards players who can control their ball flight and utilize the ground to their advantage. Courses like Whistling Straits in Wisconsin have meticulously maintained fescue grasses that mimic the tight, wispy turf found on traditional linksland.
Undulating Greens: A Test of Putting Prowess
Greens on US links courses are rarely flat. They are typically large, undulating, and often raised, requiring players to read the breaks carefully and execute precise putts. The greens at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York are renowned for their speed and complexity, demanding a delicate touch and a keen eye for slope.
A Unique Golfing Experience
While not replicas of their Scottish counterparts, US links courses offer a distinct and challenging golfing experience. By incorporating design features like wind exposure, strategic bunkering, firm turf, and undulating greens, these courses capture the essence of links golf, providing players with a test of skill, strategy, and adaptability.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several links-style golf courses in the U.S., particularly along coastal areas, designed to mimic the traditional Scottish links courses.
Notable examples include Pacific Dunes in Oregon, Bandon Dunes in Oregon, Shinnecock Hills in New York, and Chambers Bay in Washington.
Links courses are characterized by their coastal location, sandy soil, firm and fast fairways, undulating terrain, and exposure to wind, with minimal trees and water hazards.
No, links-style courses are less common in the U.S. than parkland or desert-style courses, as they require specific coastal and soil conditions.
While links courses can be challenging due to wind and firm conditions, many U.S. links-style courses offer multiple tees, making them accessible to players of all skill levels.
