Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned enthusiast looking to deepen your understanding, knowing the types of golf courses is essential to appreciating the full experience of the sport. Golf courses vary widely in terrain, design, climate, and play style. From windswept coastal links to lush parkland layouts and desert fairways framed by cacti, each course type offers a unique challenge and character.
This guide walks you through the most common types of golf courses around the world, what makes them distinct, and how to choose the one that suits your skills and preferences.
What Is a Golf Course and What Makes Each One Unique?
A golf course is more than just a playing field—it’s a designed landscape created to challenge players both physically and mentally. Most standard 18-hole golf courses cover 100 to 200 acres and include tee boxes, fairways, bunkers, greens, water hazards, and roughs. But not all golf courses are built the same way.
What separates one type of course from another includes:
- Terrain (e.g., flat, coastal, forested, desert)
- Climate and weather patterns
- Natural vegetation and landscaping
- Design philosophy (traditional vs. modern)
- Course difficulty and strategic features
Understanding the types of golf courses helps you match your play style with the right course, whether you’re after a relaxed scenic round or a strategic challenge.
Links Courses: The Original Test of Golf
Links courses represent the birthplace of golf and remain some of the most iconic layouts in the game. Found primarily along the coastal regions of Scotland and the British Isles, these courses were shaped by nature rather than heavy design. The name “links” is derived from the Old English word hlinc, which describes the rolling, sandy terrain typically found between farmland and the sea. This rugged landscape gave rise to a raw and authentic style of golf that continues to challenge players to this day.
Key Features:
- Typically found near the sea, often with sandy soil and natural dunes
- Minimal trees, wide-open spaces, and natural hazards
- Fast-draining soil, making them playable year-round
- Strong coastal winds influence gameplay
- Firm, rolling fairways with natural undulations
Why Play a Links Course?
If you love strategy over power and want a course that changes day-to-day based on wind and weather, links courses offer a true test of golf. Notable examples include:
- St Andrews (Scotland)
- Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)
- Bandon Dunes (Oregon, USA)
What Makes a Links Course Unique?
Links courses are distinct from other types due to their natural construction and coastal location. They were not heavily shaped by modern machinery but instead followed the land’s natural contours. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Natural terrain: Expect rolling fairways, sandy soil, and minimal tree coverage.
- Firm playing surfaces: The ground is usually dry and firm, adding bounce and roll to shots.
- Wind as a key factor: Open landscapes near the ocean mean wind is often a serious consideration.
- Minimal water features: Instead of ponds or lakes, hazards are often formed by deep bunkers and rugged ground.
These features force golfers to adapt their strategy, focusing more on control and creativity than power.
Tips for Playing Better on a Links Course
If you’re used to playing on parkland or manicured courses, links golf can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help improve your game:
- Keep the ball low: Use punch shots or bump-and-run approaches to fight the wind and firm turf.
- Expect irregular bounces: Don’t be surprised by quirky rolls—plan for them.
- Club selection matters: The wind and firmness can add or subtract distance, so judge carefully.
- Use the ground game: Instead of flying the ball to the pin, let it run up to the target.
Mastering links golf requires adapting to the course rather than trying to overpower it.
Famous Links Courses You Should Know
Some of the most legendary and prestigious golf tournaments take place on links courses. These layouts not only test skill but also immerse players in the history of the game. Here are a few notable examples:
- St Andrews Old Course (Scotland): Known as the “Home of Golf,” it has hosted The Open Championship more than any other course.
- Royal Troon (Scotland): Offers a mix of scenic views and intense challenges, particularly in windy conditions.
- Royal County Down (Northern Ireland): Celebrated for its rugged beauty and strategic difficulty.
- Bandon Dunes (Oregon, USA): A modern American homage to traditional links design.
Playing on these courses is like stepping into golf history—each one offering a unique test shaped by nature and time.
Parkland Courses: The Most Common Course Type
When you picture a lush green golf course with tree-lined fairways and manicured landscapes, you’re probably thinking of a parkland course. These are the most common courses, especially in the U.S. and inland regions.
Key Features:
- Located inland, usually on fertile soil
- Well-maintained, with manicured fairways and roughs
- Trees, bunkers, and water hazards for challenge and beauty
- Often designed with traditional architecture and strategic shot values
Why Choose a Parkland Course?
Parkland courses are ideal for golfers who enjoy a consistent surface and a more structured environment. They often favor precision and shot shaping. Famous parkland courses include:
- Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia, USA)
- Wentworth Club (England)
Desert Courses: Beauty and Challenge in Arid Settings
Desert courses are built in arid regions, such as the American Southwest or parts of the Middle East. These courses contrast sharply against the surrounding landscape, offering a stunning visual and technical challenge.
Key Features:
- Lush green fairways surrounded by desert sand, cacti, and rock formations
- Limited water supply—many use reclaimed water for irrigation
- High heat and dry conditions
- Native desert terrain becomes a natural hazard
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Dramatic scenery, year-round play in warm climates
- Cons: Harsh conditions, high risk of dehydration, expensive maintenance
Examples include:
- TPC Scottsdale (Arizona, USA)
- Emirates Golf Club (Dubai)
Mountain Courses: Elevated Play with Stunning Views
Mountain courses offer some of the most scenic and physically demanding golf experiences. Built on or around mountain ranges, these courses often feature steep elevation changes and dramatic landscapes.
Key Features:
- Dramatic elevation shifts between tees and greens
- Sloped fairways and complex lies
- Thin air affects ball trajectory—your drives may go farther!
- Often open only during summer due to snow and accessibility
Playing Tips:
- Take elevation into account when choosing clubs
- Be prepared for a workout—walking a mountain course is challenging
Popular mountain courses include:
- Banff Springs Golf Course (Canada)
- The Broadmoor Golf Club (Colorado, USA)
Heathland Courses: A Mix of Parkland and Links
Heathland courses are common in the UK and parts of Northern Europe. These layouts are often considered a hybrid between links and parkland, offering sandy soil and native shrubs like heather.
Key Features:
- Inland location, typically on sandy, acidic soil
- Gently rolling terrain with firm fairways
- Heather, gorse, and broom vegetation
- Fewer trees than parkland courses, but more than links
Why Golfers Love Heathland Courses:
They combine strategic play with aesthetic beauty and are playable in a variety of weather conditions. Examples include:
- Sunningdale Golf Club (England)
- Walton Heath (England)
Types of Golf Courses Based on Length and Hole Count
Not all golf courses have the traditional 18-hole layout. Some vary by size, number of holes, or intended use. These types suit different players’ needs.
Executive Courses:
- Shorter than traditional courses
- Typically par-3 and par-4 holes
- Great for beginners and quick rounds
Par-3 Courses:
- All holes are par 3
- Designed for short-game practice
- Perfect for families, kids, and short sessions
9-Hole Courses:
- Half the size of a full course
- May be played twice for 18 holes
- Ideal for quick play or beginners
Championship Courses:
- Built for professional tournaments
- Longer length and increased difficulty
- Meticulously maintained and highly strategic
How Climate and Geography Shape Golf Course Types
Golf courses are shaped by the environment they occupy. Terrain, soil, temperature, and rainfall patterns all affect how a course is designed and maintained.
Regional Influence:
- Tropical areas: Often feature lush, resort-style courses with palm trees and water hazards
- Cold climates: May require seasonal closures or heated greens
- Coastal regions: Often host links-style courses
- Dry climates: Lead to more desert courses with water conservation strategies
Understanding geography helps you appreciate why a course is built a certain way—and how to play it.
Course Design Philosophy: Traditional vs. Modern
Golf course architecture is as much an art as it is a science. Over the years, design trends have evolved, creating different course experiences for players.
Traditional Designs:
- Emphasize natural land features
- Less emphasis on forced carries or artificial hazards
- Typically found in older, classic courses
Modern Designs:
- Incorporate bold bunkering, water hazards, and elevated greens
- Often more challenging and visually dramatic
- Built with better drainage and maintenance technology
Both types offer value; the choice depends on your play preference.
Choosing the Right Type of Golf Course for You
As a golfer, selecting the right course type can enhance your playing experience. Here’s a quick guide based on your needs and preferences:
For Beginners:
- Executive courses or par-3 courses for manageable play
- Parkland courses for predictable conditions
For Scenic Views:
- Mountain courses and coastal links for breathtaking backdrops
For Strategic Play:
- Links and heathland courses, where wind and bounce come into play
For All-Day Challenges:
- Championship and desert courses test endurance and precision
Tip: Always research a course’s layout, grass type, and typical weather before booking your tee time.
The Future of Golf Course Development
As the golf industry embraces sustainability and technology, future course designs are evolving. Expect to see:
- Eco-friendly layouts using native grasses and minimal water
- Smart irrigation systems to reduce environmental impact
- Smaller course footprints to accommodate urban developments
- Virtual practice and training areas to complement physical courses
This forward-thinking approach makes golf more accessible and environmentally responsible.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Diversity of Golf Courses
The wide variety of golf course types ensures there’s something for everyone, from the tradition-bound player seeking authenticity on a links course to the casual golfer looking for a relaxed round on a parkland fairway. Understanding these differences can deepen your appreciation of the game and improve your strategy on the course.
Next time you book a tee time, take a moment to consider the course type. It might change the way you play—and the way you view the game.
