What’s the Difference Between Links and Parkland Golf Courses?

Golf course enthusiasts often hear the terms “links” and “parkland” thrown around, but what do they actually mean? While both types of courses offer unique challenges and golfing experiences, they differ significantly in design, location, and playing conditions. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between links and parkland courses, and we’ll also highlight the top 5 golf courses in the UK for each category.

What is a Links Course?

A links course is typically located near the coast, often built on sandy soil, and shaped by natural forces such as wind, dunes, and tides. The term “links” originally referred to the land found along coastlines, where early golf was played in Scotland. Links courses are characterised by their natural, rugged landscapes, with undulating terrain and often minimal intervention from course designers.

The playing conditions on links courses are heavily influenced by the weather, particularly the wind. These courses are often more exposed, with few trees and limited shelter. The fairways tend to be firm and fast, with tall grass, pot bunkers, and deep rough adding to the challenge. Many golf purists consider links courses to be the truest test of golfing skill due to their demanding conditions.

Top 5 Links Courses in the UK:

1. St Andrews Links – Old Course (Scotland) As one of the most famous golf courses in the world, the Old Course at St Andrews is a quintessential links course. Situated in the “Home of Golf,” it features wide fairways, large double greens, and iconic landmarks like the Swilcan Bridge.
2. Royal Birkdale Golf Club (England) A regular host of The Open Championship, Royal Birkdale is known for its challenging dunes and tough conditions. It offers a mix of traditional links characteristics with an array of natural hazards.
3. Royal Portrush Golf Club (Northern Ireland) This stunning course, located in County Antrim, is renowned for its dramatic views and challenging terrain. Royal Portrush regularly hosts major tournaments and is considered one of the finest links courses in the world.
4. Muirfield (Scotland) Muirfield is another top-tier links course located in East Lothian. Known for its consistency and challenging layout, it’s one of the most respected venues in the golfing world, regularly hosting The Open Championship.
5. Turnberry – Ailsa Course (Scotland) Often rated among the top courses in the world, the Ailsa Course at Turnberry provides golfers with dramatic coastal views and a true links challenge. Its setting beside the Irish Sea makes for a spectacular yet demanding test of skill.

What is a Parkland Course?

In contrast to links courses, parkland courses are typically found inland and are often set within lush, wooded landscapes. These courses are designed to be more manicured, with well-maintained fairways, large trees, and plenty of water features like lakes and streams. Parkland courses often have a more sheltered environment, with trees offering protection from the wind, which can make them feel less volatile than links courses.

The design of parkland courses tends to be more strategic, with sharp doglegs, water hazards, and well-placed bunkers. The fairways are generally softer, and the greens are often slower than on links courses, allowing for a more controlled ball flight. These courses offer a different type of challenge, often requiring precision and a strong strategy in navigating the terrain.

Top 5 Parkland Courses in the UK:

1. Wentworth Golf Club – West Course (England) One of the most prestigious parkland courses in the UK, Wentworth’s West Course is famous for its tricky doglegs, water hazards, and demanding layout. It has hosted numerous European Tour events and is widely regarded for its beauty and challenge.
2. Sunningdale Golf Club – Old Course (England) Located in Surrey, Sunningdale’s Old Course is a beautiful parkland layout, known for its tree-lined fairways and stunning vistas. It’s a course that combines beauty and challenge, offering golfers a strategic test with its tight fairways and well-placed bunkers.
3. Royal St George’s Golf Club (England) Situated in Sandwich, Kent, Royal St George’s is one of the top parkland courses in the UK, famous for its undulating fairways and strong strategic layout. It also hosts The Open Championship, making it a key venue in golf history.
4. The Belfry – Brabazon Course (England) Known for hosting multiple Ryder Cup events, The Belfry is located in Warwickshire. Its Brabazon Course is a superb example of parkland golf, offering a mix of long holes, challenging water features, and tricky bunkers that make for a compelling round of golf.
5. Gleneagles – King’s Course (Scotland) Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Gleneagles is a luxury resort with a course that is both challenging and picturesque. The King’s Course is a traditional parkland layout, with tree-lined fairways, water features, and strategically placed hazards, providing a test for golfers of all abilities.

Key Differences Between Links and Parkland Courses:

1. Location:
   • Links courses are usually located by the coast, while parkland courses are often situated inland in more sheltered environments.
2. Terrain:
   • Links courses have sandy soil, dunes, and rough terrain, with few trees, while parkland courses feature lush greenery, trees, and well-manicured fairways.
3. Weather Impact:
   • The weather, particularly wind, plays a crucial role in links courses, making them more unpredictable, whereas parkland courses are more sheltered, and conditions tend to be more stable.
4. Course Design:
   • Links courses are often designed to blend naturally with the landscape, while parkland courses are more landscaped with strategic hazards, water features, and tightly spaced trees.
5. Playability:
   • Links courses often feature fast fairways and low ball flight, emphasizing the wind’s influence. Parkland courses tend to have softer conditions, requiring more precise shot-making and control over distances.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of the rugged challenge of links golf or the strategic beauty of parkland courses, the UK offers some of the best examples of each type. Links courses like St Andrews and Royal Birkdale present a true test of golf amidst coastal beauty, while parkland courses like Wentworth and Sunningdale offer a more controlled, scenic golfing experience.

No matter your preference, both types of courses have their unique charm and offer fantastic opportunities to experience the game of golf at its finest.