! Scigolf presents Scott Hazledine Answers Your Golfing Questions On Your Golf Game.

Question 59

Scott,
What is a links type golf course?

Thanks,
Jim

Dear Jim,

A links type course is one near or on an ocean. Characteristics are no trees, and the hazards tend to be natural such as gorges. The rough is gnarly grass and brush, again natural. We think of many of the courses in Scotland as links courses. They're on the ocean, have no trees and are natural; sort of grew the way they are rather than follow an architect's design.

That is a more of a description because I don't know of a precise definition, especially now that there are "links" courses all over that are designed with many of the features of the original links courses.

As I finished this answer Neville Chandler called me from the UK. Since Neville is a member of a links course, I asked him for his definition.

Neville told me that the members frequently discuss that question and agree that a true links course has no trees. The only man-made features are bunkers, and gnarly is a good word to describe the rough as it'll have tough shrubs and often seagrass.

Neville thinks the word "links" has an English origin rather than Scottish, but wasn't sure. And Ballybunion in Ireland, which was designed by God, is the finest links course there is. It's also Tom Watson's favorite golf course.