Did you know that there are over 38,000 golf courses worldwide? Each one falls into one of three main categories: links, parkland, or desert. In this guide, I’ll teach you about the similarities and differences between all types of golf courses.
I’ll teach you how to play each golf course style effectively.
Links Golf Courses
Links courses date back to the birthplace of golf, with their origins around the coastal regions of Scotland in the 15th century. The term “links” refers to the coastal dunes and grassy, open land connecting the land and sea.
Scotland’s rolling dunes and shores naturally lent themselves to the sport, providing a perfect yet challenging setting for early players. The historic Old Course at St. Andrews is the most popular links golf course I can think of, but they are scattered across Europe.
What sets links golf courses apart are their natural, rugged features. These courses are typically situated on sandy soil that drains well, creating firm, fast surfaces that favor a low-bouncing ball. Unlike many modern courses, links layouts retain natural hazards like pot bunkers (steep sand traps), tall, wispy fescue grass, and undulating fairways.
The wind is one of the first things you’ll notice on a links course. This constant breeze requires you to adjust your strategy, focusing on low, controlled shots instead of the high, arching drives favored on other courses.
Famous Links Golf Courses
- Old Course at St. Andrews (Scotland)
- Royal Birkdale (England)
- Pebble Beach (California, USA)
- Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Australia)
- Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)
How to Play Links Golf Courses
Links courses are often exposed to strong, unpredictable winds. To adapt, try hitting low, controlled shots, known as “punch shots,” which help keep the ball beneath the wind. Clubbing up or down to adjust your distance can also be critical, as wind can drastically affect how far your ball travels.
The firm turf on links courses means the ball bounces and rolls much more than on softer fairways. To combat this, go for lower-lofted clubs to keep the ball down and consider allowing for extra roll when aiming. On approach shots, aim to land short of the green to let the ball roll to the target.
Links courses have undulating fairways and high dunes, so blind shots are common. Studying the course layout beforehand and looking for course markers to help guide your aim is essential. Natural hazards, like pot bunkers and tall grasses, are best avoided.
Links golf rewards creative shot-making. It is essential to think outside the box with shots like bump-and-runs, which involve hitting the ball low and letting it run along the ground toward the green. Using a variety of shot types gives you more control over where the ball goes.
Parkland Golf Courses
Parkland golf courses are often carefully designed within lush, forested settings, giving them a distinctive look and feel. Augusta National, where the Masters is played, is the most famous parkland course.
As golf became popular in landlocked areas, designers began creating parkland courses resembling parks and forests. These courses became popular in the U.S. and Europe, offering a different aesthetic and experience from traditional links courses.
Tree-lined fairways, manicured greens, and well-placed water hazards or bunkers typically define parkland courses. The fairways are usually lined with large trees, and the greens are carefully sculpted and maintained to create a pristine appearance. The hazards on parkland courses, such as sand traps and water features, are often strategically constructed rather than naturally occurring.
With softer turf and more forgiving fairways, parkland courses tend to be easier on approach shots, as the softer grass can stop the ball quickly. These courses are also generally less impacted by wind, allowing for higher, more aggressive shots. The well-maintained greens and consistent rough make play smoother, but the tight tree lines demand accuracy off the tee.
Famous Parkland Golf Courses
- Augusta National (Host of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia)
- Oak Hill Country Club (New York, USA)
- Wentworth Club (Surrey, England)
- Muirfield Village (Ohio, USA)
- Sunningdale Golf Club (England)
How to Play Parkland Golf Courses
Playing a parkland golf course requires accuracy and a strategic approach. With tree-lined fairways, staying straight is crucial. Parkland courses often punish wayward shots with dense, rough, or obstructed views, so focusing on accuracy over power is better. Choose clubs that you’re confident hitting straight, and prioritize placement to set up your next shot.
Parkland greens are typically well-protected by bunkers and sometimes water hazards, challenging approach shots. Aim to land your ball in the right spot to avoid hazards and control your ball’s spin for a soft landing on these greens.
Parkland courses frequently include water hazards and carefully placed bunkers to challenge your shot-making. Play strategically to avoid high-risk shots and practice soft, controlled swings to get out cleanly when you end up in a bunker.
Parkland greens are typically fast, smooth, and meticulously maintained, so reading breaks and speed control are essential. Before putting it in, take time to assess the slopes and grain of the green. Practice a smooth, controlled stroke to prevent your putt from rolling too far, as the speed on manicured greens can be tricky to manage.
Desert Golf Courses
Desert golf courses are popular in regions like Arizona, California, and Nevada, where vast, open desert landscapes create challenging courses with breathtaking desert scenery. These courses are known for their striking contrast of green fairways against the surrounding sand and rock.
Desert courses integrate the natural desert terrain, typically with limited grass areas only on the fairways, greens, and tee boxes. The rest of the course is surrounded by native desert plants, rocks, and sand. This setup creates a rugged beauty and offers a sustainable approach to course design.
Desert golf demands accuracy, as stray shots may end up in the rough desert terrain, making recovery shots difficult. The hot, dry climate requires extra hydration and sun protection, especially in peak summer months when temperatures can be extreme.
Desert courses face environmental challenges, especially regarding water use. Maintaining grass in a desert environment requires extensive irrigation systems and conservation measures, leading many courses to limit green areas and focus on efficient water management. As a result, desert courses are often designed with sustainability in mind, using drought-resistant grass to reduce water consumption.
Notable Desert Golf Courses
- TPC Scottsdale (Located in Arizona and the most notable desert golf course)
- Shadow Creek (Nevada)
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Arizona)
- Emirates Golf Club (Dubai)
- Wolf Creek (Nevada)
How to Play Desert Golf Courses
Desert courses often feature narrow fairways surrounded by rocky, sandy terrain. Accuracy is crucial, as balls hit off-course are likely to land in unforgiving areas that are difficult to play from or completely out of bounds. Prioritize hitting straight shots, even if it means using a shorter club to maintain control.
Many desert courses have dramatic elevation changes and rock formations, adding beauty and challenge. Be mindful of your stance and club selection on uneven lies, and adjust your aim to account for steep inclines or declines. Rock formations can create blind spots, so be aware of your surroundings and aim for safe targets.
Desert climates can get extremely hot, especially in summer, so hydration and sun protection are essential. Bring extra water, wear breathable clothing, and consider playing early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak temperatures. Adjust your energy output to stay focused throughout the round.
Greens on desert courses are often firm and fast, with subtle breaks that may be harder to read against a backdrop of sand and rocks. Take extra time to assess the slope and grain of the grass, and look for small elevation changes that might affect the putt’s speed and direction.
Comparing Course Types: Links vs Parkland vs Desert
Links, parkland, and desert golf courses offer different playing experiences shaped by their layouts and environments.
Links courses feature natural, rugged terrain with undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and sandy soil. The design emphasizes low, controlled shots due to wind and firm surfaces.
Parkland courses, on the other hand, are manicured with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and constructed bunkers. These courses tend to have softer turf and more forgiving fairways, requiring strategic play.
Desert courses integrate the natural desert landscape with limited grass areas and rugged terrain. They require precision to avoid desert rocks, and their maintenance focuses on water conservation.
Each course type demands different skills: links courses require shot-making creativity in windy conditions, parkland courses emphasize accurate shots to guarded greens, while desert courses test your ability to manage heat, elevation changes, and challenging terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Golf Courses (FAQs)
What is the main difference between links and parkland golf courses?
Links courses are typically coastal, with firm sandy soil and natural hazards, while parkland courses are inland with tree-lined fairways and manicured greens.
Are desert golf courses more challenging than other types?
Desert courses can be more challenging due to their accuracy demands and unique hazards like rock formations and out-of-bounds areas.
Which type of golf course is best for beginners?
Parkland courses are often more forgiving for beginners due to their wider fairways and softer turf.
How do playing conditions differ on links courses compared to other types?
Links courses typically have firmer surfaces, faster fairways, and are more affected by wind, requiring different shot-making strategies.
What environmental considerations are unique to desert golf courses?
Desert courses face challenges with water conservation and irrigation, often incorporating native desert landscapes to minimize environmental impact.
Conclusion
All types of golf courses offer their own unique set of challenges and rewards. From the windswept links of Scotland to the lush parklands of Augusta, and the sun-baked deserts of Arizona, there’s a world of golfing experiences waiting for you.
I hope this guide has inspired you to step out of your comfort zone and try different course types. Remember, the key to becoming a well-rounded golfer is to embrace the diversity of the game.
So, why not plan your next golfing adventure on a golf course type you’ve never played before? If you can’t travel, the next PGA tour event will showcase the exciting holes on one of these types of golf courses.
Go and have fun!
