Playing a links golf course is a raw, captivating experience that connects you to the very origins of the game. It’s a style of golf that tests your creativity, strategy, and resilience far more than your ability to simply hit a high, floating ball. This guide will walk you through what makes links golf so special, why you should embrace the challenge, and how to adjust your game to conquer these historic courses.
Before we can talk about how to play them, it helps to know what they are. The term “links” originally referred to the stretch of sandy, undulating land that connects the coast to more fertile, agricultural land inland - the “links” between sea and soil. It's on this ground that golf was born.
Unlike perfectly manicured parkland courses with lush grass and towering trees, links courses are shaped by nature. They have a distinct character defined by several key features:
Choosing to play a links course is choosing to play golf as it was intended. It requires a different type of thinking and a wider variety of shots, which is what makes it so rewarding.
On most parkland courses, the strategy is all about aerial bombardment. You hit high shots that fly over hazards and land softly on the greens. On a links course, that strategy is often a recipe for disaster. A high shot into the wind will balloon up and go nowhere, while a downwind shot can fly the green and bounce into trouble you can't even see. The secret to success is keeping the ball low and using the ground as your friend.
This is where the bump-and-run becomes your best friend. It’s a shot that every golfer should have, but on the links, it’s not optional - it’s essential.
The goal of a bump-and-run is to get the ball on the ground as quickly as possible and let it roll out to the hole like a putt. Think of it less as a "hit" and more of a "release".
Once you see a perfectly judged bump-and-run trundling across a firm green and nestling up by the hole, you'll feel a satisfaction that a simple high wedge can never deliver.
You can't talk about links golf without talking about the weather. Many rounds on a links course feel like a heavyweight boxing match with Mother Nature. Learning to manage the wind isn't just a tip, it's the entire game plan.
The first rule of thumb is a classic for a reason: "When it's breezy, swing it easy." Trying to swing harder to fight the wind just adds more backspin to the ball, causing it to climb higher and get thrown around even more. A smooth, controlled swing is your best weapon.
This might seem like a welcome break, but a downwind shot comes with its own set of challenges. The ball will fly farther and release much more upon landing. You have to land your shot well short of the green to account for the extra roll on the firm turf. This is a perfect opportunity to use that bump-and-run and let the wind and ground do the work for you.
Links hazards are truly penal. They aren't there for decoration, they are there to ruin your score if you don't show them respect.
These aren't your typical sprawling, fluffy sand traps. They are small, deep, often revetted with steep-sod walls. The number one goal when you find yourself in one is simple: get out. Forget attacking the flag.
Gorse is a thick, thorny, yellow-flowering bush that lines many links fairways. If your ball goes in there, the best advice is often to not follow it. It will scratch you, your clubs, and your scorecard. If you find your ball, evaluate the lie honestly. Is a swing realistic? Will you be able to make solid contact? Most of the time, the smartest play is to take an unplayable lie, accept the one-stroke penalty, and move on. Don't let one bad shot turn into a disastrous hole.
Choosing a links course is a commitment to a different kind of golfing adventure. It’s for the player who appreciates strategy as much as shot-making. It’s for the amateur historian who wants to walk the same ground where the game was invented. And it’s for any golfer, of any skill level, who wants to become a more complete player.
Learning to hit a bump-and-run, manage a crosswind, and think your way around a course will add so many shots and skills to your toolset. You’ll become a more creative and resilient player. The imperfections - the quirky bounces and gusting winds - teach you to stay patient and focus on the only thing you can control: your next shot. You'll leave a links course a better golfer than when you arrived, armed with a new appreciation for the heart and soul of the game.
Playing a links course is a challenge that strips golf down to its purest elements - you, your ball, and the natural landscape. It's a test of imagination and sound judgment that rewards smart play and a good attitude over a purely mechanical swing, offering a deeply satisfying connection to the soul of the sport.
The strategic demands of links golf, like calculating wind effects or choosing the right shot from a tricky lie, can feel overwhelming. At Caddie AI, we built our tool to be your on-demand course expert. When you’re unsure of the correct line off the tee or need an opinion on a club choice, we give you a smart, simple strategy in seconds. It’s like having a seasoned local caddie in your pocket, ready to take the guesswork out of difficult situations so you can play with more confidence and truly enjoy golf’s most authentic test.
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