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Links golf is a type of golf course that is typically found in Scotland, Ireland, and England. The term links comes from the Old English word hlinc, meaning rising ground or ridge, and refers to sandy areas along the coast. True links golf courses must be located along the coast with sandy soil, which drains well and keeps the ground firm, making it ideal for a golf course. Links golf is where the game originated, as this sandy soil was perfect for playing golf but not much else.
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What You'll Learn
- True links golf courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland and England
- True links golf courses must be along the coast with sandy soil underneath
- Links golf is where the game originated
- The sandy soil drains well, keeping the ground firm
- Links courses are more specific than those that are simply called 'links'
True links golf courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland and England
Links golf courses are the oldest style of golf course, with the word "links" deriving from the Old English word "hlinc", meaning "rising ground" or "ridge". Links golf is where the game originated and true links courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland and England, along with a few other parts of the world. There are 247 true links courses in the world, of which 211 are in the British Isles.
The courses are characterised by their location on sandy coastlines, with undulating terrain, dunes, and infertile sandy soil. The soil is unsuitable for arable farming but supports indigenous grasses such as marram, sea lyme, fescues, and bents. The combination of soil and grasses results in the firm turf associated with links courses. The coastal location also means windy conditions and a lack of trees, which differentiates links courses from parkland courses. Parkland courses are built inland, often with lush grass, trees, and man-made features such as dug bunkers and ponds. They are well-manicured and tend to be more expensive to maintain due to the nature of the grass and soil.
While many courses claim to be links or use the term "links-style", true links courses must meet specific criteria. The sandy soil of links courses drains well, keeping the ground firm and ideal for golfing. This type of soil is characteristic of the coasts of Scotland, Ireland, and England, which is why most true links courses are found in these countries. The first links course was developed in Scotland, and the country remains a common location for links courses today.
Ireland is another country with a high number of true links courses, with 58 listed by The Links Association. These courses offer stunning views and unique challenges for golfers, such as the one at Doonbeg on the west coast of Ireland, which has been rated as having the prettiest opening hole in golf. While links courses are mostly associated with the British Isles, there are a few examples in other parts of the world, such as the Royal Adelaide Golf Club in South Australia.
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True links golf courses must be along the coast with sandy soil underneath
Links golf courses are famous and abundant, with many courses claiming to be links courses or having the word "links" in their name. However, true links golf courses have specific characteristics that set them apart. True links golf courses must be located along the coast and have sandy soil underneath. This definition stems from the Old English word "hlinc," which means rising ground or ridge and refers to sandy areas along the coast.
The requirement for sandy soil is not just a tradition but has practical benefits for the course. The sandy soil drains remarkably well, keeping the ground firm, which is ideal for a golf course. The excellent drainage properties of sandy soil ensure that the course remains playable even after heavy rainfall. In contrast, parkland courses, which are built inland away from the ocean, often have lush grass and require more maintenance due to the harder soil.
The coasts of Scotland, Ireland, and England are known for their true links golf courses. These areas provide the perfect setting for links golf, as the sandy soil along the coast was ideal for the game and not suitable for much else. The land was often not usable for agriculture, so people looked for alternative uses, and golf became a popular choice.
While some may argue that the definition of a true links course is more flexible, the presence of sandy soil along the coast is a defining feature. This unique soil composition provides a natural advantage for golf courses, ensuring well-drained and firm playing conditions. As a result, true links golf courses offer a distinct experience that combines the beauty of the coast with the practical benefits of sandy soil.
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Links golf is where the game originated
The modern game of golf originated in Scotland, where the first written record of the sport is James II's banning of the game in 1457 as a distraction from learning archery. James IV lifted the ban in 1502 and became a golfer himself. The game was played on natural courses along the coast, and the sandy soil provided a firm playing surface that drained remarkably well, keeping the ground firm and ideal for a golf course. The land wasn't suitable for agriculture, so people looked for alternative uses for it.
Links golf courses are defined by their unique natural features, most notably their seaside locations, which offer impeccable views of the ocean, rolling sand dunes, and tall grasses. The natural terrain is shaped by wind, rain, and the sea, creating a rugged and uneven landscape with natural hazards such as dunes, tall grasses, and pot bunkers. The lack of trees and artificial obstacles means that wind plays a significant role in gameplay, requiring golfers to adjust their shots accordingly.
Links golf requires a different approach compared to other types of golf courses. Golfers need to adapt to the terrain and its elements, focusing on accuracy, distance control, and shot shaping rather than relying solely on strength. The bump-and-run technique, which involves using low trajectory shots with a lot of spin, is commonly employed on links courses to compensate for the firm and fast fairways.
The Open Championship, the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf, has been held almost exclusively on links courses since its inception in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, one of the first formal links courses. Other famous links courses include St. Andrews, considered a pilgrimage site by many golfers, as well as Muirfield and Royal Birkdale.
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The sandy soil drains well, keeping the ground firm
The sandy soil of a true links golf course drains remarkably well, keeping the ground firm. This is one of the key distinguishing features of a links course, which derives its name from the Old English word "hlinc", meaning rising ground or ridge. Links courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland, and England, and are typically located along the coast with sandy soil underneath.
The sandy soil of links courses is ideal for golf as it provides excellent drainage, ensuring that the ground remains firm even after heavy rainfall. This natural drainage system is a significant advantage for golf courses as it helps to maintain the playability and condition of the course. The soil's ability to drain water effectively reduces the risk of waterlogging, which can cause damage to the course and disrupt play.
In contrast, parkland courses, which are built inland away from the ocean, often feature lush grass and manicured landscapes. These courses are well-known for their man-made features such as dug bunkers, ponds, and built-up rough. However, the soil and grass in parkland courses are harder to maintain and more expensive due to the lack of natural land movement and undulation.
Heathland courses, on the other hand, are similar to links courses in terms of terrain and soil type. They are typically found in Britain and feature open, undulating landscapes with sandy soil. Like links courses, heathland courses offer a more natural and less manicured playing experience.
The sandy soil of true links golf courses is, therefore, a crucial factor in the overall character and playability of the course. Its excellent drainage properties help to create a firm playing surface, contributing to the unique challenges and enjoyment of the game.
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Links courses are more specific than those that are simply called 'links'
Links golf courses are distinct from other golf courses in several ways. Firstly, the term 'links' refers specifically to a sandy area along the coast, derived from the Old English word 'hlinc', meaning rising ground or ridge. While many courses may use the term 'links' or include it in their name, true links courses are characterised by their coastal location and sandy soil. Links courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales, where the game of golf originated due to the unsuitability of the sandy soil for agriculture. This sandy soil drains well, keeping the ground firm, which is ideal for a golf course.
In addition to their coastal location, links courses are known for their natural features, including undulating greens, rolling fairways, and dunes. The terrain is typically flat, with minimal elevation changes caused by natural dunes, and the absence of trees and plant life due to the challenging growing conditions. Links courses often feature bunkers, which were originally created by animals burrowing and scraping into the leeward sides of the dunes, later enlarged by the wind into sand pits.
The distinction between links courses and other types of golf courses, such as parkland and heathland courses, is important to golfers and course designers. Parkland courses, for example, are built inland away from the ocean and often feature lush grass, trees, and man-made features like dug bunkers and ponds. Heathland courses, on the other hand, are typically found in Britain and are characterised by open spaces with heather, gorse, and coarse grasses. While the term 'links' has become interchangeable with 'golf course' for many golfers, true links courses adhere to specific criteria that set them apart from other courses.
Some golfers and course designers advocate for a stricter definition of links courses, arguing that factors such as the absence of trees, the presence of bunkers, and the routing of the holes should be considered. However, others suggest that the definition should be based more on how the course plays rather than solely on its appearance. Nonetheless, links courses are recognised as presenting a unique challenge to golfers, testing their skills and strategic thinking in ways that other courses may not.
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Frequently asked questions
A true links golf course is one that is located along the coast with sandy soil underneath.
True links golf courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
The sandy soil along the coast drains well, keeping the ground firm, which is ideal for a golf course.
True links golf courses have sandy soil and are often characterized by their natural land movement and undulation.
Another type of golf course is a parkland course, which is built inland, away from the ocean, and often features trees and lush grass.
