Explore 5 Types of Golf Courses: Which One Is Right For You?

There are many different forms and designs for golf courses, each with a special mix of challenge, surroundings, and experience. There’s something unique for every golfer, whether you’re negotiating the tremendous elevation course, savoring the rich tranquility of a parkland layout, or tackling the coastal winds of tough links courses. With so many choices, though—links, parkland, desert, heathland, and mountain courses—how do you decide which is the best? Let’s explore these five different kinds of golf courses and find what makes every one of them unforgettable!

5 Types of Golf Courses

Golf courses could be categorized according to many different bases on a wonderful spectrum. This page will introduce five varieties of golf courses depending on their location and terrain:

1. Links Courses

Originating in Scotland, the country where golf first emerged, link courses are the most classic and famous kind of course available. Often referring to coastal settings, the Old English word “hlinc”, meaning rising ground or ridge, comes first when describing the phrase “links”. Usually located along the coastline on sandy ground, these courses use natural undulations and little artificial landscaping.

Links courses take advantage of their coastal location, which features undulating hills, dunes, and minimal artificial landscaping. The lack of trees results in an open and windswept sensation, so links courses present significant difficulties, particularly considering coastal breezes. This kind of golf course guarantees fast, solid fairways that inspire inventive shot-making, including bump-and-run shots. Links courses, with their deep, steep-sided bunkers, would satisfy players who enjoy trials. Furthermore, it calls for a strategy to play in links courses, as common are wind, rain, and changing weather conditions.

Links courses are designed to test every aspect of your game. They challenge your ability to adapt to wind, judge unpredictable bounces, and think strategically. Playing on a links course is as much about the experience and scenery as it is about the game itself, making it a must-try for any golf enthusiast.

Some of these courses include St. Andrews Golf Club (Old Course), Royal Country Down, Royal St. George’s Golf Club, and Ballybunion Golf Club.

2. Parkland Courses

Parkland courses, typically located in areas with abundant trees and undulating terrain, are rich, inland golf courses. If you watch the PGA Tour, you’ve probably seen various parkland courses. Parkland courses derive their name from their appearance and atmosphere reminiscent of a park. Designed with manicured fairways, tree-lined holes, and water features, these courses are the reverse of links courses and provide a regulated and beautiful golfing experience.

Since the surroundings are plants and trees, these courses offer a peaceful and beautiful scene. Usually, parkland courses are well-maintained and incorporate man-made elements such as dug bunkers, ponds, and built-up rough, therefore establishing a more structured and visually appealing layout. Unlike links courses, parkland courses receive protection from severe winds due to their sheltered nature. This type of course nevertheless tests players with carefully designed water features like lakes and streams, even if the temperature has no impact.

Parkland courses are a wonderful choice if you enjoy a calm and orderly golfing experience. While the well-maintained greens and constant conditions make the fairways accessible to golfers of all ability levels, the tree-lined fairways demand accuracy. Furthermore, their natural beauty and usually peaceful surroundings provide gamers with both tough and soothing surroundings.

Here are some world-class parkland courses renowned for their beauty and playability: Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia, USA), Wentworth Club (England), Mission Hill Shenzhen (China), and Le Golf National (France).

3. Desert Courses

Desert courses are a unique and unforgettable blend of nature and design, carved into the dramatic landscapes of arid regions. These courses are all about contrast; the lush greens of the fairways stand out against the golden sands, rugged rocks, and native desert plants like cacti and shrubs. It’s not just golf; it’s an experience where, as the saying goes, “the desert whispers a story, and every shot is a part of the narrative.”.

Desert courses blend seamlessly with their surroundings, giving the impression of being part of the desert rather than constructed on top of it. The narrow fairways and sand rocks just beyond the rough mean golfers must be exact with every shot. For golfers of all levels, this is a fantastic way to test your accuracy. Desert courses provide much more than just a game with their dramatic settings and usually amazing views. Notably, desert courses remain playable almost all year in their sunny environment. Especially in hotter months, early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to play.

Desert courses present something rather special. The combination of vivid greens and rough deserts produces a golfing environment seldom seen elsewhere. They test your accuracy and bestow upon you breathtaking views everywhere. A round of golf on a desert course is an event you’ll remember long after the last putt, whether you’re navigating a narrow course or pausing to enjoy the surroundings.

Among the famous desert courses, these are must-visit: TPC Scottsdale (Arizona, USA), Shadow Creek (Nevada, USA), Emirates Golf Club-Majilis Course (Dubai, UAE), and Quivira Golf Club (Los Cabos, Mexico).

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4. Heathland Courses

Heathland courses are a charming and distinct type of golf course, often described as the inland cousin of links courses. Typically located in rolling countryside, heathland courses feature open landscapes, natural vegetation like heather, gorse, and ferns, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels connected to nature. Many of the world’s best examples still exist today, having originated in the UK.

The design of heathland courses aligns with the land’s natural contours, resulting in an organic and authentic layout. With the heather and gorse acting as natural hazards, this type of course provides both beauty and challenge. When the heather blooms in vibrant purples and pinks during their season, the courses turn into an excellent, unique aesthetic layout. Unlike link courses, heathland courses often feature trees, but they are spaced out to maintain the open feeling.

Heathland courses, unlike link courses, frequently incorporate trees, yet they evenly distribute them to preserve the open atmosphere.They challenge your precision with narrow fairways, natural hazards, and firm greens while immersing you in breathtaking surroundings.

Some heathland courses we suggest you visit include Sunningdale Golf Club (England), Walton Heath Golf Club (England), Berkshire Golf Club (Red and Blue Courses—England), and Royal Melbourne Golf Club (East Course—Australia).

5. Mountain Courses

Mountain golf courses are designed to take full advantage of dramatic elevation changes, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views. Often nestled in or near mountainous regions, these courses offer a unique golfing experience that makes every shot feel like an adventure. It would be an incredible experience to tee off from a high-altitude perch that offers stunning vistas of rolling valleys, forests, and peaks.

Playing at mountain courses is quite demanding since they often feature steep slopes, elevated tee boxes, and downhill or uphill fairways. Moreover, the natural topography adds unique challenges, such as uneven lies, narrow fairways, and strategically placed hazards, which also add the challenge to the game. This combination of elevation and terrain requires thoughtful planning, adding an exciting layer of strategy to the game.

Playing on mountain golf courses allows you to combine your love for golf with an appreciation for nature’s grandeur. Many golfers describe the experience as “elevating your game in every sense of the word”. Mountain courses offer a unique sense of adventure, from the thrill of hitting downhill shots with precision to the sheer joy of standing on an elevated tee box with panoramic views.

Here are some famous mountain courses that promise an unforgettable golf experience: Whistling Rock Country Club (South Korea), The Links at Fancourt (South Africa), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club (Lijiang, China), and Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club (Switzerland).

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How to Choose the Right Type of Golf Course

After knowing five different types of golf courses, you might have your pick now. If you are still unsure of your preference or which one suits your level, we can help. To choose the right type of golf course, please consider the factors below:

Consider your skill level

For beginners, parkland courses offer forgiving layouts, while heathland courses add a slight challenge with natural hazards. Intermediate and advanced players will enjoy the strategic demands of links, desert, and mountain courses, though mountain courses can be the most demanding due to elevation changes.

Think about the atmosphere

If you prefer traditional and open coastal views, go for links courses. For a serene and polished environment, parkland courses are perfect. Desert courses offer dramatic, vibrant landscapes, while heathland courses provide countryside charm. Adventurous golfers will love the breathtaking vistas of mountain courses.

Match the terrain to your preferences

Links courses feature natural, unmanicured terrain with sandy dunes, while parkland courses offer lush fairways and tree-lined holes. Desert courses contrast greens with rocky, sandy terrain. Heathland courses blend rolling landscapes with heather and gorse, and mountain courses add dramatic elevation changes for an exciting challenge.

Consider the Climate

Link courses are windy and cool, while parkland courses provide consistent, temperate conditions. Desert courses thrive in sunny climates, best enjoyed in the morning or evening. Heathland courses perform well in wet weather, and mountain courses offer cooler climates but can be unpredictable.

Accessibility and Budget

Parkland courses are the most accessible and budget-friendly. Links courses may require travel, with both public and premium options. Desert and mountain courses are destination-worthy but often pricier. Heathland courses, mostly in Europe, are mid-range, though historic ones can be costly.

In short, each course offers a unique experience. Beginners will enjoy parkland or heathland courses, while seasoned players can explore the challenges of links, desert, or mountain courses. Think about what motivates you the most and follow your instincts! If you need any further information, please contact us for dedicated assistance.

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