What Is Links Golf and Why You Need It


Links golf isn’t just an opportunity to improve your golf game. It’s also a chance to learn about yourself and the golf course; it’s a chance to learn and a chance to grow.


I love playing links golf…


Links golf is the most fun because the wind plays such a big role. You have to be super creative in the way that you play the ball so that you’re not fighting the wind all of the time. 

 

Links golf requires a totally different set of skills from the game most of us are used to. I remember the first time I played it and I’m a big believer in playing the game of golf the way it was meant to be played. 


Playing on a links course is how the game of golf was intended to be played. There’s a reason why the game has been played for hundreds of years on links courses around the world.


Links golf is about playing it safe or playing for the worst possible outcome. When you play links golf, you don’t consider how to win, you consider how to lose. You imagine the worst possible thing that could happen and you prepare for it.  


  • I love playing golf on a links course. 
  • I think it’s the best way to play the game.
  • I love the fact that it’s so different from the courses that I’m used to playing. 

 

When I’m out there playing links golf it’s like a spiritual thing. I’m in touch with the spirit of golf and I’m just trying to connect with that. The real me is out there playing, I’m trying to win. 


  • When playing links golf I feel a connection with the spirit of golf.
  • Playing on a links course is golf as it should be played. 


Links courses are the way to go if you want to play golf. Not only are they more challenging and fun to play, but they’re also more beautiful to look at.


Beautiful links golf courseOn a links course I feel a connection with the spirit of golf. I’m in touch with the real me and trying to connect with the spirit of golf. The real me is a links golfer, and I’m trying to be one with it.

What's The Difference Between Links Golf And Regular Golf?


Links golf is a type of golf that is played on grassy surfaces with few trees or hazards, such as seaside golf courses in Scotland. The rules are similar to those of regular golf (or at least they are supposed to be), but the game itself is very different.


Some say:


  • Golf is fun in the sun. 
  • Links golf is what you play when golf is not meant to be fun, when it’s cold and wet, when it’s windy and the ball refuses to travel in the direction you want it to.


I don't agree:


  • Playing links golf is the most fun you can have. 
  • Links golf is fun, even when it rains.


You’ve probably been wondering — what exactly is links golf? And what’s the difference between links golf and regular golf? 


Links golf is a traditional form of golf played on Scotland's sand, shingle and sometimes gravel coastline and beaches. The oldest course in the United Kingdom is the Royal Burgess Golfing Society in Edinburgh, founded in 1735. 


To understand what links golf is, here’s the difference between golf and links golf:


  • Links golf is similar to regular golf, except that the greens and fairways are much different than what you’re used to. 
  • The grass is sometimes longer, the ground is sometimes softer, and the holes are harder to hit. 


It takes a lot more skill to play links golf. That’s why it’s also more fun!


Famous links golf courseLinks golf can be fun, even when it's cold and wet, when it's windy and the ball refuses to travel in the direction you want it to. There is some wisdom in that. And there is some golf!

What Makes A Links Golf Course?


Links golf courses are very different from the standard style of golf that most people are familiar with. They’re not only built differently, they’re also played differently — which is what makes them so appealing to many golfers. 


If you’ve never played a links course before, the experience can be a bit intimidating.


  • What Is Links Style Golf Course? 


Here are a few characteristics that are unique to this type of golf course:


  • A links golf course is a golf course which is sited on coastal land, often within sight of the sea.
  • Links golf courses also resemble the natural habitat of the land. 


When you think of golf, you probably envision a well-manicured course with manicured greens and fairways. 


Links golf courses are quite different. 


In other words, links golf courses are built on windswept coastal land that is surrounded by sand dunes, heather and gorse. They feature wild terrain and natural elements, making them a challenge for both amateur and professional golfers alike.


Links golf is the game played on the coast of Scotland and Ireland. This form of golf is very different from the one played in the USA and most of the rest of the world.


The word “links” comes from the Old English word hlinc which means “marsh” or “wild country” and was later used to describe coastal landscapes with sand dunes, such as in East Lothian in Scotland.


Links golf is a type of golf played on courses where the holes are surrounded by sand dunes and the wind can be a huge factor for the golfer. If you’ve never played links golf before, you have to play it when you get a chance.


There’s a real sense of community and tradition in the game of golfing. But there’s one place in particular that’s famous for its links golf courses, and that’s Ireland. Ireland has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world and is famous for its links golf courses. 


There are more than 150 of them in the country and most of them are located along the coast. One of the best things about Ireland is that it's home to some of the world's best golf courses. Ireland has a couple of courses that are often considered to be amongst the best in the world.


Links golf is a lot more fun than regular golf because the wind is such a huge factor in how you play the game. If the wind is blowing hard from the left, then you hit your shots left. 


If you ever have the chance to play links golf in Scotland you should definitely take it. Scottish golf is generally considered to be the best golf you can play in the world. 


The courses are incredibly beautiful, the weather is usually great, and you can play a bunch of different courses. Playing links golf in Scotland is on most golfers bucket list.


Iconic links golf architectureIf you ever have the chance to play links golf in Scotland you should definitely take it.

What Is Links Style Golf?


Links golf is a style of golf that is played on sandy, grassy, or rough land. In essence, it is played on land that is not highly manicured. There is typically no formal teeing area, and the fairways are not lined with trees. 


Links style golf is a style of play that has been around for centuries. This is the most popular style of golf in the world, and a remarkable way to experience the game as it was originally meant to be played.


Because of this, links golf places a premium on accuracy over distance. The game is designed to be played in a way that takes full advantage of the terrain and conditions.


I want to talk about this because it’s a common misconception that’s really not true. When it comes to playing links golf, you don’t want to play the ball high in the air. You want the ball to come in a little flatter, and you want to play it off the ground. 


Links golf is very different to regular golf. In traditional golf you want to hit the ball as far as possible. But in links golf, you want to hit the ball as close to the ground as possible. 


Links golf is all about the wind, so you want to play the ball low in the air. Don’t hit the ball high in the air because it’ll get caught in the wind and it’ll be hard to control. 


If you’re interested in playing links golf, then you should definitely put Scotland or Ireland on your bucket list. Both countries have a variety of courses and the scenery and views will be unforgettable. 

 

I think every golfer should experience playing links golf before our time is up. It’s completely different than playing golf on a manicured golf course because it’s far more natural and it’s a lot more challenging because the wind can really play havoc with your game.


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