The Definition of a Links Golf Course

A links golf course is a seaside course built on the sandy, undulating coastal ground that features few if any trees, fescue grass, no defense to coastal winds, and quick-draining sandy soil that produces firm conditions.

Other features typical of links golf courses include few if any water features; deep pot bunkers; and routing that goes out to the farthest point of the golf course, then back towards the clubhouse.

Here’s how each element of a links golf course impacts the way you play.

Because of the seaside requirement, most new golf courses aren’t links courses. Parkland courses, which are inland, and incorporate trees and more water hazards into the layout, are typically the default style of modern course build, as that’s what most available land accommodates.

Links golf courses are often imitated, and arguably, sometimes duplicated.

Take Whistling Straits for example. Of course, Kohler, Wisconsin, doesn’t border any ocean, but it’s arguably situated along the sea, nestled up against Lake Michigan. Other than its geography, the 1998 Pete Dye design resembles a links course, making it the poster child for the links-style genre of golf courses. These courses, which meet several links course criteria with a compromise or two, still give golfers a taste of links golf, much closer to the way the game was invented than the typical parkland course.

RELATED: Pete Dye's Golf Courses and Daring Design Traits

In addition to Whistling Straits, popular American links-style courses include Chambers Bay (WA), Arcadia Bluffs (MI), and Ferry Point (NY).

Way back in the 1400s, Scottish farmers found no use for the sandy ground next to the ocean. While the soil was unusable for crops, it was ideal for golf. The term links describes the rising ground found along the coast, which is where links golf courses were built. 

Because early golf course architects didn’t have the luxury of earth-movers, links golf courses were built on top of the land in its natural state. The architect’s job was to select teeing areas, green sites, and shape fairways by removing vegetation.

It’s common to hear people refer to ”the links” in reference to any golf course, but before you throw around that expression, you should understand that it’s technically not correct unless you’re referring to a true links course. 

While most people either understand the casual reference, or don’t know the distinction, it’s only a matter of time before you get corrected by a savvy golfer educated in the game’s architecture.

Of course, now that you’re educated on links golf, you can enlighten your golf buddies the next time they mistakenly toss out the expression.