Jackson Reid
The word links in golf refers to the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. The word comes from the Scots language and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes, and also sometimes to open parkland. Links courses are generally built on sandy coastlands that offer a firmer playing surface than parkland and heathland courses. The term is typically associated with coastal courses, and the land is naturally undulating, extensive, and of little agricultural value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course type | Oldest style of golf course |
| Course location | On or near a coast, often amid dunes |
| Course terrain | Undulating, extensive, sandy |
| Course grass | Wispy long grass, fescue, marram grass |
| Course vegetation | Little vegetation besides tall sea grasses and gorse |
| Course soil | Sandy, well-draining |
| Course hazards | Few water hazards, deep pot bunkers, blind spots |
| Course challenges | Wind, uneven fairways, thick rough |
| Course routing | 'OUT' and 'IN' routing, 9 holes out and 9 holes back to the clubhouse |
| Course maintenance | No greens staff, basic machinery, grazing animals |
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What You'll Learn
Links golf courses are typically located near coasts
The presence of a seaside location is not a guarantee of a links golf course, as some famous courses considered links are not located on the coast. However, links courses are most commonly found in coastal areas, with 17% of golf courses in Scotland being true links courses. Links land is common on the east coast of Scotland, but it can also be found on the southwest coast and the Hebridean islands.
The nature of the links terrain, with its sandy soil and natural dunes, made it ideal for golfing in the early days of the sport. The land was naturally undulating and extensive, but its poor agricultural value made it suitable for use as a golf course. The links terrain also provided better drainage, making it more suitable for winter play and less damaging to early leather-stitched golf balls.
The impact of the sea and wind presents a unique challenge for golfers playing on links courses. The wind coming off the sea is inconsistent in speed and direction, and the lack of trees on links courses offers little protection from the wind. This makes club selection and shot execution critical components of playing on a links course. The natural terrain of links courses is used to develop the golf holes, with the first 9 holes going out and the second 9 bringing players back in.
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Links golf originated in Scotland
Links golf, the oldest style of golf course, first originated in Scotland. The word "links" comes from the Scots language, derived from the Old English or Anglo-Saxon word "hlinc", meaning "rising ground" or "ridge". Links land is typically characterised by coastal sand dunes, an undulating surface, and sandy soil that is unsuitable for arable farming but conducive to certain grasses. Links courses are generally built on this sandy coastland, offering a firmer playing surface than parkland and heathland courses.
The game of golf itself also originated in Scotland, on the eastern coast near Edinburgh. In the early days, players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes using a bent stick or club. The sport became popular in the 15th century, so much so that the Scottish parliament of King James II banned it in 1457, fearing it was a distraction from military training. The ban was largely ignored, and golf received the royal seal of approval in 1502 when King James IV of Scotland became the world's first golfing monarch.
The unique nature of links courses necessitates a distinct style of play. The challenges presented by links courses fall into two categories: topography and climate. Topographical challenges include uneven fairways, thick rough, and small, deep "pot bunkers", while climatic challenges include windy conditions and frequent intermittent rain squalls. Links courses tend to feature an outward nine in one direction along the coast and an opposite inward nine returning, so players must cope with contrasting wind patterns in each half of their round.
Links courses are most common in Great Britain, especially in Scotland, as well as in Ireland. The Open Championship is always played on links courses, differentiating it from the three major championships held in the United States.
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Links courses are built on sandy soil
Links golf courses are characterised by their sandy soil, which is well-draining and provides a firm surface for playing golf all year round. This type of soil is typically found on coastlines, where the original links courses were built, and is the result of thousands of years of wind and water erosion.
The word "links" comes from the Old English word "hlinc", which means "rising ground" or "ridge". Links courses are often located on coastal sand dunes, with few trees and little vegetation besides tall grasses and gorse. The sandy soil is well-draining and provides a firm surface for playing golf, even after heavy rain. This made links land ideal for golfing in the early days of the sport, as the naturally undulating land was accessible and had minimal rainfall.
The combination of links land and the featherie ball were probably what allowed golf to thrive while similar games died out. In addition, before the mid-19th century, there were no mechanical grass cutters, so golf was predominantly played in winter when the grass was naturally short from animal grazing. Links land, with its better drainage, was therefore more suitable for winter play and less damaging to the early leather-stitched golf balls.
Today, links courses are still most common in Great Britain, especially in Scotland, as well as in Ireland. However, links-style courses have been built in other parts of the world, including North America. While a seaside location does not guarantee a links golf course, links conditions can be duplicated on suitable ground, even hundreds of miles inland.
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Links golf is the oldest style of golf course
The natural terrain of links courses includes undulating and extensive land, featuring dunes, small rivers, and thick rough grasses. Links courses tend to have few trees and water hazards, and the bunkers are often deep, known as "pot bunkers". The sandy soil allows for good drainage, making the course playable even after heavy rain. The natural sand dunes can also create blind spots for golfers, adding to the challenge of the course.
The impact of the sea and wind is a significant factor in links golf. The wind coming off the sea presents a challenge due to its variable speed and direction. The lack of trees on links courses offers little protection from the wind, making club selection and shot execution critical. Links courses often feature an "outward" nine in one direction along the coast and an "inward" nine in the opposite direction, creating varying wind patterns for players to navigate.
The combination of the links terrain and the 'featherie' ball likely contributed to the development and popularity of golf, while other similar games died out due to a lack of suitable playing areas. The links land in Scotland was accessible to early golfers and coincided with the area of minimal rainfall in the country. The better drainage of links land made it more suitable for winter play and caused less damage to the early leather-stitched golf balls.
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Links golf courses are characterised by uneven fairways
The term "links" in golf comes from the Scots language and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes and sometimes to open parkland. The word itself is derived from the Old English word "hlinc", which means "rising ground" or "ridge". Links golf courses are characterised by uneven fairways, thick rough, and small deep bunkers known as "pot bunkers".
Links golf courses are typically found along coastlines and feature natural sandy dunes and sandy soil. These conditions provide hard and fast fairways, which tend to offer more roll than other types of courses. The sandy soil also allows for better drainage, making the courses more playable even after heavy rain. The rolling terrain and uneven fairways present a unique challenge for golfers, requiring them to play from a lie above or below their feet more often than on a typical course.
The impact of the sea and wind is another significant factor in links golf. The wind coming off the sea can be unpredictable, with speed and direction that are rarely consistent. Combined with the lack of trees on links courses, this exposes golfers to the elements and makes club selection and shot execution critical. The wind can carry a ball further than expected, requiring players to adjust their play accordingly.
Links courses are characterised by their natural and open layout, with few to no trees but thick rough grasses. The traditional 'OUT' and 'IN' routing, with 9 holes out and 9 holes back to the clubhouse, is also a common feature. The greens on links courses tend to be rock hard, requiring players to run the ball up to the hole rather than using backspin.
Links golf courses offer a unique experience with their challenging terrain, coastal winds, and natural features. They provide a test for golfers of all skill levels and are considered some of the best golf courses in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
The word "links" comes from the Scots language and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes, and also sometimes to open parkland.
Links golf courses are usually located on coastlines and feature natural sandy dunes and sandy soil. However, they can also be duplicated on suitable ground, even hundreds of miles inland.
Links golf courses have hard and fast fairways, which provide more roll than other types of courses. They also have deep pot bunkers, thick rough grasses, and little vegetation besides tall sea grasses and gorse.
The wind coming off the sea presents a challenge on links golf courses as its speed and direction are rarely consistent. The lack of trees on these courses also offers little protection from the wind.
Links golf courses are considered challenging due to their natural terrain, which includes uneven fairways and sandy soil that can be affected by wind. The rolling terrain presents golfers with a unique challenge, as they may find themselves playing from a lie above or below their feet more often than usual.
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