Date Published: 13/09/2024
Golf in the UK is not only rich in history but also diverse in its playing environments. From the rugged coastlines to the meticulously manicured inland fairways, the variety of golf course types offers golfers unique experiences.
For those unfamiliar with the nuances of these different designs, understanding the layout and style of a course is essential for improving your game and choosing where to play.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the different types of golf courses, focusing on the most popular styles and how they affect the golfing experience.
When most people think of golf, links golf courses often come to mind. These are typically found along coastal regions, utilising the natural contours of the land. The term “links” comes from the Old English word “hlinc,” meaning rising ground or ridge, a fitting description for these often undulating layouts.
The hallmark of a links golf course is its sandy soil, which drains well, making the course playable even in poor weather, such as winter. Sparse vegetation, firm fairways, and deep bunkers define the landscape, while unpredictable winds from the nearby sea add an extra challenge. Golfers can expect an exciting, rugged experience with a premium on strategy and creativity. Some of the most iconic links courses include St Andrews and Royal Birkdale, hosting numerous Open Championships.
Contrasting with the coastal links style is the parkland golf course. These courses are generally located inland and are characterised by lush, manicured fairways, an abundance of trees, and well-maintained greens. Often resembling a landscaped park, parkland courses are more sheltered from the elements, providing a calmer and more predictable round of golf compared to links courses.
Golf course layouts for parkland courses are designed to take full advantage of trees, water hazards, and rolling terrain to create an aesthetically pleasing but still challenging game. The Belfry, which has hosted multiple Ryder Cup events, is a perfect example of a classic parkland course, with its rolling fairways and beautiful water features.
A heathland golf course combines elements of both links and parkland courses. Usually found inland, these courses are defined by natural landscapes of heather, gorse, and sandy soils, giving them a rugged, natural look. Heathland courses are often less manicured than parkland courses but have a similar sheltered feel.
Though not located by the sea, heathland courses often share the firm, fast fairways of links courses and can present a similar challenge when it comes to unpredictable conditions. Examples include Sunningdale and Walton Heath, both offering a unique mix of scenic beauty and strategic gameplay.
Moorland courses are generally found in higher elevations, often on expanses of open land with rolling, grassy terrain. These courses are more rugged than parkland courses but tend to have softer, more forgiving turf than links or heathland courses.
Wind plays a significant role in golf course types like moorland courses, and golfers must often adjust their play to account for the often blustery conditions. Courses such as Gleneagles in Scotland feature moorland layouts that challenge players with sloping fairways and natural hazards.
As the name suggests, woodland golf courses are characterised by dense forests and tree-lined fairways. These courses demand accuracy and precision, as errant shots can quickly find themselves blocked by towering trees. The abundance of shade often means woodland courses can have softer, greener fairways, but navigating the tight, narrow paths requires skillful play.
Woodland courses offer a peaceful, serene experience, but the presence of trees also means that weather conditions, particularly wind, play a minimal role. A prime example is Wentworth Club in Surrey, which hosts the BMW PGA Championship, known for its iconic tree-lined holes and strategic layout.
While rare in the UK, desert golf courses are worth mentioning due to their prevalence in arid regions across the globe. These courses are typically built in dry, desert environments with minimal grass and plenty of sand. Players are surrounded by cacti, rocks, and scrubland, creating a stark contrast to the lush green courses found in the UK.
The design of these courses forces golfers to stay on the narrow fairways, as the surrounding desert terrain is typically unplayable. Although rare in the UK, they provide a unique golf experience that many international golf enthusiasts enjoy.
Understanding the types of golf courses and their golf course layouts can significantly impact your enjoyment of the game. Whether you’re looking for the rugged charm of a links course or the pristine beauty of a parkland course, there are a variety of golfing environments to suit all skill levels.
For golfers keen to track their performance across different courses, iGolf provides an easy and affordable way to maintain a digital history of your golf handicap. With an annual subscription of just £46, you can access handicap tracking, record your progress, and compete against fellow golfers on all types of courses.
So, next time you book a round, why not try a new golf course type and see how your game adapts? Whether it’s the unpredictable winds of a links course or the sheltered calm of a parkland course, each style presents its own set of challenges and rewards, making golf a truly unique experience.
Embrace the diversity, and explore the many fantastic courses available, all while improving your game with iGolf. Sign up here