When it comes to golf, there are a lot of different terms and concepts that can be confusing for beginners. For example, have you ever heard someone talk about a “links” and wondered what they meant? What is a links, anyway? And how is it different from just a regular old golf course?
Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’re going to break down the difference between a golf course and a links, so you can be in the know next time you’re on the course. Essentially, a links is a specific type of golf course that has some distinct features and characteristics that set it apart from other types of courses.
For starters, a links course is usually located near the coast and has a very open, natural feel. Unlike traditional golf courses, which may have lots of trees, water hazards, and man-made features, links courses tend to have fewer obstacles and rely on the natural landscape – sand dunes, high grasses, etc. – to provide challenges for golfers. Additionally, links courses usually have large, undulating greens and fairways that are designed to play differently depending on the weather conditions (which can be quite windy near the coast!).
The History and Evolution of Golf Courses and Links
Golf is no doubt a prestigious sport enjoyed by millions worldwide. It evolved from a game played in the fields of Scotland to a game with dedicated golf courses and designed links. Golf has come a long way since the very beginning of the sport, and the development of courses and links have played significant roles in shaping the sport into what it is today. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of golf courses and links.
Golf courses and links have come a long way over the past few centuries. Here are some of the significant milestones in the evolution of golf courses and links:
- The first golf courses: In the late 1800s, golf courses consisting of nine holes started to become popular. The first golf course in the United States was erected in 1893 at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois.
- 18-hole golf courses: In 1764, the Old Course at St. Andrews was the first golf course to have 18 holes. This number was then adopted worldwide.
- Links courses: Links courses are open, natural courses typically found on coastal terrain, where the course layout follows naturally occurring features of the landscape. Although the term “links” originally referred to the land lying along the Scottish coastline, the term is now commonly applied to any golf course built on coastal dunes. The first links course was the Old Course at St. Andrews.
- Design and architecture: Over the years, architects have contributed significantly to the development of golf courses and links. They have used their creativity and expertise to create courses that challenge and inspire players while taking advantage of the natural surroundings.
- Technology in golf courses: In modern times, technology has contributed to the evolution of golf courses. Golf course architects use GPS systems and drones to map out the landscape and create course designs. Golf course maintenance has also improved, with innovative technologies in irrigation and greenkeeping.
To gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of golf courses and links, let’s take a look at a brief timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1457 | Golf started to be documented in Scotland |
| 1764 | The Old Course at St. Andrews was converted to 18 holes |
| 1856 | First artificial hazard (sand bunker) |
| 1873 | First women’s golf tournament |
| 1893 | First golf course built in the United States at Chicago Golf Club |
| 1919 | First municipal golf course built in Los Angeles, California |
| 1932 | First Augusta National Invitational (now known as the Masters) |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods wins his third U.S. Open by an incredible 15 strokes at Pebble Beach Golf Links, solidifying his place as one of the greatest golfers of all time |
As golf continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that golf courses and links will continue to play a significant role. The history and evolution of these integral parts of the sport have led us to the amazing courses we have today.
Design and Layout Differences between Golf Courses and Links
While both golf courses and links are designed for the same purpose – to play a round of golf – there are fundamental differences in their design and layout. Here are the main differences between golf courses and links:
- Golf courses are typically laid out in a parkland setting with trees and landscaping, while links courses are built on natural coastal land with existing sand dunes, tall grasses, and natural water hazards. This means that golf courses are usually more manicured and defined, while links courses are more rugged and natural in appearance.
- Golf courses often have more water features such as ponds and lakes than traditional links courses, which have natural water hazards such as burns or streams.
- The greens on a golf course tend to be softer and more receptive to shots, while the greens on a links course tend to be firmer and faster due to the terrain.
One major difference between golf courses and links courses is the style of architecture used. Golf courses often feature a variety of architectural styles such as classical, modern, and art deco, while links courses typically have more traditional British architecture with features like pot bunkers, blind shots, and dogleg holes.
Another difference between golf courses and links courses is the length of holes. Golf courses may have some long, wide-open fairways with plenty of room for drives, while links courses often have tight fairways lined with rough and other hazards.
| Golf Courses | Links Courses |
|---|---|
| Manicured and defined | Rugged and natural |
| More water features | Natural water hazards |
| Softer greens | Firmer and faster greens |
In conclusion, while both golf courses and links are designed for the same purpose, the differences in their design and layout make each type of course unique. Whether one prefers the natural ruggedness of a links or the more manicured and defined appearance of a golf course is a matter of personal preference.
Characteristics of a traditional links course
Links golf courses are often associated with seaside locations, featuring undulating fairways, thick rough, and unpredictable weather conditions. While a typical golf course is often located inland and on rolling hills, there are several distinguishing features that make a traditional links course stand out. Here are some of the most notable characteristics of a links course:
- Uneven terrain: Unlike golf courses that can be found on flat and manicured landscapes, links courses are built on natural, uneven terrain. This means that the course is often subject to unpredictable bounces and lies, making it more challenging even for experienced golfers.
- Bunkers and dunes: Links courses usually have fewer trees and more bunkers and sand dunes. These natural hazards are another factor that makes links golf more challenging than regular golf courses.
- Firm fairways: The fairways on links courses are often firm and fast because of their proximity to the ocean. This can make the ball travel farther, but it also means that a good approach shot needs to be on-target so that it doesn’t roll off the green.
In addition to these terrain-related features, links courses typically have different layouts and hole configurations than regular golf courses. The par on a links course is usually higher due to the unpredictable weather and terrain conditions.
| Links Course | Typical Course |
|---|---|
| Undulating fairways | Manicured fairways |
| Fewer trees, more natural hazards | More trees, fewer hazards |
| Firmer fairways | Softer fairways |
Overall, the traditional links course is a unique golfing experience that provides a different challenge than a typical course. Its natural environment, the features of which include uneven terrain, sand dunes, and unpredictable weather, can require players to adjust and develop new skills to play successfully.
Factors that impact the difficulty level of golf courses and links
When it comes to golf, the difficulty level of a course can vary greatly depending on multiple factors. Here, we’ll take a closer look at what distinguishes a golf course from a links, and examine some of the key factors that influence each course’s level of difficulty.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Golf Courses and Links
- Golf courses are typically more manicured and present a greater variety of hazards, including water and sand traps.
- Links courses are typically set on coastal land, with natural grasses and few trees or water hazards. Instead, the primary challenge is often posed by high winds and unpredictable weather conditions.
Course Design
The design of a course will heavily influence its difficulty level. A course with a variety of terrain, forced carries, and narrow fairways will be more challenging than an open course with wide landing areas.
The presence of hazards such as water and sand bunkers also adds to the difficulty level. Courses with more and larger hazards will require greater precision and accuracy to successfully navigate.
Terrain and Weather
The terrain of a course is another important factor when it comes to determining its level of difficulty. Courses with hilly or mountainous terrain will typically be more challenging than those in flat areas.
Weather also plays a significant role in course difficulty. Courses set in areas with high winds, frequent rain, or intense heat will pose a greater challenge to players. Changes in weather conditions throughout the day can also impact the difficulty level of a course.
Distance and Layout
Finally, the length and layout of a course will contribute to its difficulty level. Longer courses with more holes will require more sustained focus and physical endurance from players.
| Course Type | Average Length in Yards |
|---|---|
| Championship Golf Course | 7,000 – 7,500 |
| Municipal Golf Course | 5,500 – 6,500 |
| Links Course | 6,300 – 6,800 |
The layout of a course can also impact its difficulty level. Courses with more varied hole lengths and shapes will require different strategies and skillsets from players, adding an additional layer of challenge.
Environmental considerations for golf courses vs. links
Golf courses and links are both types of golf courses, but they have some significant differences in their environmental impact. These differences can be attributed to several factors, including their location, design, and maintenance practices.
- Location: Golf courses are typically located in areas that are not native to golf, such as deserts or wetlands. This means that they require more water and other resources to keep them in good condition. Links, on the other hand, are often located in coastal areas that are more suitable for golf and require less maintenance.
- Design: Golf courses are designed with aesthetics in mind, often incorporating trees, water features, and other landscaping elements. These features require significant amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides to maintain. Links, on the other hand, are designed to be more natural, incorporating the existing landscape into the course design and requiring fewer resources to maintain.
- Maintenance practices: Golf courses require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition, including mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. These activities can have a significant environmental impact, including water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. Links, on the other hand, require less maintenance and rely more on natural resources, such as sand, wind, and salt spray, to maintain their condition.
Overall, links tend to have a lower environmental impact than traditional golf courses, thanks to their location, design, and maintenance practices. However, that doesn’t mean that links are completely free of environmental concerns. For example, sea-level rise and storm surges can threaten links located in coastal areas, while golfers can unintentionally damage fragile ecosystems by trampling on native plant and animal life.
Ultimately, it is up to golf course designers, managers, and golfers themselves to minimize the environmental impact of these courses and ensure that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
The influence of geography and terrain on golf courses and links
Golf courses and links are both influenced by the geography and terrain of the area in which they are located. The topography of land has a direct impact on the design of a golf course or links. Here are some of the ways in which geography and terrain impact these two types of courses:
- Golf courses: Golf courses are typically located on relatively flat land because the game of golf requires a relatively unobstructed playing surface. Rolling hills and slopes can provide golfers with a challenge but in excess can make the course unplayable. To create a golf course on such terrain, the developers have to build up green and tee boxes using various manmade materials.
- Links: Unlike golf courses, links are situated near coastlines and in areas that aren’t suitable for other uses such as farming. They are characteristically more undulating, with fairways and greens molded into the natural terrain. Golfers have to factor in the sea breeze when playing their shots which can prove to be tricky.
- Water Hazards: Both golf courses and links feature water hazards that come from rivers, lakes or the sea. Golf courses may have artificial ponds that make for a nice landscape while links can have extensive sand dunes and quirky native areas that make it unique. Since both have open terrain it is essential to cater to natural resources to put them into great use.
- Trees and vegetation: Golf courses and links are designed in harmony with nature, and the trees and vegetation that surround them are typically left untouched. Trees often come into play where hazards are created on fairways and greens. Links have bushes and grasses that make the game more challenging due to the links game’s unique setting.
- Climate: The weather also plays a significant role in influencing the design of both golf courses and links. Courses in hot regions must deal with ant infestation while the ones near the sea are prone to rust. Extreme weather such as typhoons and cyclones can prove to be disastrous to these courses.
- Maintenance: Maintenance is crucial for both golf courses and links. Golf courses may employ extensive irrigation systems to maintain their lush greens which ultimately costs more. However, links rely on natural resources like rainwater on the greens, and wind helps to speed up the process of drying out the surface. Unlike golf courses, links require minimal maintenance but are more prone to natural damage, and can be harder to repair.
The geography and terrain of an area can have a significant impact on the design of a golf course or a links. From rolling hills to sandy beaches, each course has its own unique features that enable it to offer a distinctive playing experience.
Differences in playing style and strategy for golf courses and links.
Golf courses and links are two different types of land that are used for golf. As such, there are differences in playing style and strategy for these two types of course.
In general, golf courses are softer and have more grass than a links course. They have rolling hills, trees, and water hazards. On the other hand, links courses are generally hard and have less grass. They’re undulating and have deep bunkers. Links courses are also usually situated near coastal areas.
- Playing style
- Strategy
- Club selection
Playing style refers to how a golfer approaches the course and which shots they use. On golf courses, for example, golfers can aim to hit the ball up in the air and let it land softly on the greens. This requires a high trajectory and spin on the ball, which is why better golfers can often hit the ball with more accuracy than less experienced golfers.
On links courses, however, golfers take a different approach. Since links courses have less grass and are often exposed to winds, golfers need to keep the ball low and avoid getting the ball into trouble in pot bunkers or out of bounds. As such, players often use things like low shots, “bump and runs,” and “stingers” to keep the ball low and avoid trouble.
In terms of strategy, golf courses and links courses require different approaches. Golf courses, with their softer conditions and more grass, tend to be more forgiving. Players can take more risks and be more aggressive when they’re playing on a golf course. They can go for the green on a par 5 in two shots, for example, or hit a driver off the tee to cut a corner.
On links courses, however, players need to be more cautious. Links courses have fewer hazards, but the hazards they do have are generally very deep bunkers that are very difficult to get out of. Players will need to make sure they keep the ball in play in links courses to avoid the hazards, and play very conservatively when they do get into them.
| Golf Course | Link Course |
|---|---|
| Softer conditions and more grass | Harder and have less grass |
| Rolling hills, trees, and water hazards | Undulating with deep bunkers and situated near coastal areas |
| More forgiving and allows for more risk-taking | Requires caution and a conservative approach |
In terms of club selection, golfers on golf courses tend to use a wider range of clubs since there are more obstacles to clear. Players will often use their drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons and wedges to perform shots with different distances and trajectories. On links courses, however, players will usually need to use fewer clubs and rely more on their irons and wedges to keep the ball low and out of danger.
Ultimately, the main difference between playing on a golf course and playing on a links course is that the latter requires more finesse and attention to detail. Good players on links courses are those who can control the ball and avoid obstacles, instead of trying to overpower the course.
What is the difference between a golf course and a links?
1. What is a golf course?
A golf course is a piece of land specially designed for playing golf. It usually has 18 holes, although some courses may have more or less.
2. What is a links?
A links is a type of golf course that is built along a coastal area. Links courses have a unique sandy soil and native vegetation that makes them different from other courses.
3. How is the terrain different on a golf course versus a links?
In general, golf courses tend to have more trees and water hazards than links courses. Links courses are typically more open and exposed, with natural hazards like sand dunes and gusting winds.
4. What clubs should you use on a golf course versus a links?
The clubs you use on a golf course versus a links will depend on the specific hole you are playing. In general, however, you may want to choose clubs that are better suited to the native vegetation and natural hazards on the links.
5. Are golf courses and links used for different types of tournaments?
Yes, golf courses and links may be used for different types of tournaments. For example, the British Open is typically played on a links course, while the US Open may be played on a traditional golf course.
6. Which is better, a golf course or a links?
That’s ultimately up to personal preference! Some golfers may prefer the challenge of playing on a links, while others may prefer the more manicured and controlled environment of a traditional golf course.
Closing:
Thanks for reading! Whether you prefer traditional courses or links-style, we hope you have a great time out on the green. Be sure to check back later for more golf-related content!