Golf courses can be some of the most visually breathtaking vistas not just in all of sports, but in nature too.
For those truly in love with the game, links golf courses stand head and shoulders above the rest, offering unparalleled beauty on all sides. This makes them the most idyllic setting to enjoy a round of golf that any player would appreciate.
But what exactly are links golf courses? Why are they so popular with certain players? And where did the name come from? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
At Clarkes Golf, we’re home to a huge selection of golf clubs from the leading brands in the sport today – including Callaway golf clubs, TaylorMade golf clubs and more. So we’ll always have the right tools you can use if you get the chance to visit one of these golfing wonders in person.
So, what are links golf courses all about?...
Links golf course meaning
In simple terms, a links golf course is a course that is as close to a natural product of nature as possible, rather than one in which the terrain has been intentionally shifted to match the needs of players.
Back when the sport was in its infancy, the technology didn’t exist to manipulate the ground in the same way we can today. This meant that many courses needed to be built around the existing limitations provided by the land.
Links courses are most commonly found along coastal lines, with the force of the sea breeze, and even the shifting tides in some cases, contributing to the layout of the land which became the links course.
This is a far cry from the vast majority of courses today, which have been carefully designed by golf course architects to offer the best golfing experience possible.
Some modern courses known as 'links-style golf courses' have even been crafted in the image of these famous fairways. But a links-style course simply can't match the historical significance and coveted links land offered by the real thing.
It's also common for less experienced players to mistake some courses, like heathland courses, for true links courses, because they offer similar characteristics.
What makes links golf courses different?
Firstly, they’re exceptionally rare.
‘True’ links courses account for less than one per cent of all golf courses globally. So consider yourself very lucky if you’ve been fortunate enough to play on one.
The next important element to mention is the soil. While other golf courses try to emulate the right texture and consistency, links courses are the all-natural innovators.
The soil is very sandy, which makes sense given links courses are often by the beach. At first glance, it sounds like a disadvantage. But it’s actually incredibly helpful for both players and greenkeepers. Sandy soil:
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Assists with drainage, keeping the ground in great condition.
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Creates firmness, helping players reach longer distances with greater ball bounce.
The real disadvantages start to appear when we consider the location of links courses. Because they’re by the coast, they’re usually exceptionally windy and lacking in tall trees.
So not only does this make it more difficult to hit the ball straight, but you also have no protection from the surrounding nature whatsoever. This means you’ll need to stay on your toes to account for sudden wind shifts. But this is a challenge most players relish.
Why are they called links golf courses?
For a sport with so many unusual naming tendencies (albatross… really?) the term ‘links’ actually makes a lot of sense.
It comes from the old English term meaning ‘coastal sand dunes’ or 'rising ground' which is pretty fitting given where most links courses are located. But back then it would have been spelt ‘hlinc.’
What are the most iconic links courses?
Unless you’re willing to travel to the UK Isles, you may struggle to find a links golf course to play, as almost ninety per cent of them are scattered throughout England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
But we would be remiss when talking of the most famous links golf courses if we failed to mention the remarkable Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland.
Recognised as the oldest golf course in the world – hence the name – the Old Course dates back to 1552 and is open to both recreational players and professionals, meaning anyone who’s able to visit can play on some of the most hallowed golfing grounds on Earth.
With its instantly-recognisable humps and bumps along the fairway, along with the other qualities present across many links courses, the Old Course remains one of the most challenging links courses, yet an exciting experience for golfers young and old.
Definitely one to tick off your golfing bucket list!
Heading to the links? Choose the best golf clubs for you at Clarkes Golf
If you’re gearing up for a trip to your favourite links course (lucky you!) you’ll need the right tools to give the course the quality round it deserves – and you’ll find everything you need and more at Clarkes Golf.
With a huge selection of golf clubs, golf clothing, golf accessories and more, we’re your go-to stop whatever you need to pick up for the next time you play golf.
Be sure to browse the Clarkes Golf site today and grab yourself a bargain!