{"id":1253266,"date":"2024-08-23T14:13:05","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T14:13:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/?p=1253266"},"modified":"2024-08-23T14:13:05","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T14:13:05","slug":"the-different-types-of-golf-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golftoday.co.uk\/the-different-types-of-golf-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"The different types of golf courses"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many different types of golf courses, each offering various challenges and experiences based on location, design, and intended use.<\/p>\n

Often, the type of course will determine the style of play required \u2014 most famously, Links courses.<\/p>\n

Links courses, as you\u2019ll read below, are found in coastal areas where the weather can be highly unpredictable, along with strong, gusty winds. This requires a lower ball flight, varying club distances and an element of creativity. You certainly wouldn\u2019t approach a Links course the same way you would a Parkland.<\/p>\n

So, below are the main types of golf courses found around the world, along with a brief description of the characteristics and example courses.<\/p>\n

Different types of golf courses<\/h3>\n

Links Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Royal
Royal Portrush – Courtesy Royal Portrush Golf Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Typically found in coastal areas, especially in Scotland and Ireland.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Built on sandy soil with natural undulations, minimal trees, and often exposed to wind. The terrain is generally firm, with fast fairways and large, undulating greens.<\/p>\n

Examples of Links courses:<\/strong>\u00a0St. Andrews<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (Scotland), Royal Portrush (Northern Ireland).<\/p>\n

Parkland Courses<\/h4>\n
\"European
Wentworth Golf Club, host of the BMW PGA Championship (John Walton\/PA)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location: <\/strong>Inland, often within parks or wooded areas.<\/p>\n

Characteristics: <\/strong>Characterised by lush, green fairways lined with trees, more manicured landscapes, and fewer natural hazards. These courses are less exposed to wind.<\/p>\n

Examples of Parkland courses:\u00a0Augusta National<\/a><\/span><\/strong> (Georgia, USA), Wentworth Club (England).<\/p>\n

Desert Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Desert
13th tee at Desert Highlands Golf Club, Scottsdale, Arizona. Courtesy of Brad White, Desert Highlands Golf Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location: <\/strong>Built in arid, desert regions, primarily in the southwestern United States and the Middle East.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong>\u00a0Feature lush fairways contrasted against the arid, sandy desert surroundings. Water conservation is a significant factor in maintenance.<\/p>\n

Examples of Desert courses: <\/strong>TPC Scottsdale (Arizona, USA), Emirates Golf Club (Dubai, UAE).<\/p>\n

Heathland Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Sunningdale
Sunningdale Golf Club \u2014 \u00a9 Kevin Diss<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Typically found inland, particularly in the UK.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Similar to links courses but with more trees and shrubs. The terrain is sandy and well-drained, often with heather, gorse, and bracken. These courses are more inland and feature fewer extreme natural elements than links courses.<\/p>\n

Examples of Heathland courses: Sunningdale Golf Club<\/a><\/span><\/strong> (England), Walton Heath<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (England).<\/p>\n

Downland Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Royal
Royal Winchester Golf Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Rolling hills and chalky soil regions, particularly in southern England.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Rolling terrain, open and windswept, sparse vegetation, fast-draining chalky soil, natural bunkers.<\/p>\n

Examples of Downland courses:<\/strong> Royal Winchester Golf Club (England), The Downs Course at Goodwood (West Sussex, England).<\/p>\n

Sandbelt Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Kingston
Kingston Heath Golf Club (Harris Kalinka)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Sandy soil with excellent drainage, large and strategic bunkers, fast fairways, and firm, undulating greens.<\/p>\n

Examples of Sandbelt courses:<\/strong> Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Australia), Kingston Heath Golf Club (Australia).<\/p>\n

Mountain Courses<\/h4>\n
\"\"
Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand. (Mandatory credit: Richard Castka\/Sportpixgolf)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Built in mountainous regions.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Often feature dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and a rugged landscape. The terrain can be challenging, with narrow fairways and sloping greens.<\/p>\n

Examples of Mountain courses:<\/strong> Banff Springs (Canada), The Broadmoor (Colorado, USA).<\/p>\n

<\/div><\/div>\n

Championship Courses<\/h4>\n
\"La
La Reserva Championship Course, Sotogrande, Spain (Jack Lumb)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Found globally, often at prestigious clubs and resorts.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Designed to meet the standards for hosting professional tournaments. These courses are typically longer, with challenging layouts that test every aspect of a player’s game. They are meticulously maintained and often feature tough rough, fast greens, and strategic hazards.<\/p>\n

Examples of Championship courses:<\/strong> Augusta National (Georgia, USA), The Old Course at St. Andrews (Scotland), Pebble Beach Golf Links<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (California, USA).<\/p>\n

Private Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Augusta
Home of the Masters, Augusta National (Curtis Compton\/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Typically located in exclusive neighbourhoods or country clubs.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Membership-based with restricted access, offering high-quality facilities and amenities. Course design is often top-tier, with careful maintenance.<\/p>\n

Examples of Private courses:<\/strong> Augusta National (Georgia, USA), Pine Valley (New Jersey, USA).<\/p>\n

Executive Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Palm
Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, Palm Beach, Florida, USA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Executive courses can be found in various settings, including residential areas and resorts.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Shorter than standard courses, with a mix of par-3 and par-4 holes, and fewer or no par-5 holes. These courses are designed for quicker play or for players focusing on their short game.<\/p>\n

Examples of Executive courses:<\/strong> Palm Beach Par 3 (Florida, USA), Cloud 9 at Angel Park (Nevada, USA).<\/p>\n

Par-3 Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Amendoeira
Amendoeira Academy Course, Algarve, Portugal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Often found as part of larger golf facilities, resorts, or standalone.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Consist solely of par-3 holes, usually between 9 and 18 holes. Ideal for beginners or those practising their short game.<\/p>\n

Examples of Par-3 courses:<\/strong> Augusta National Par-3 Course (Georgia, USA), Top of the Rock (Missouri, USA).<\/p>\n

Resort Courses<\/h4>\n
\"Pebble
9th hole at Pebble Beach (Credit Pebble Beach Company)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Part of a resort complex, often in vacation destinations.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Designed to be player-friendly, with scenic views, luxury amenities, and high-quality maintenance. They cater to a wide range of players, from beginners to experienced golfers.<\/p>\n

Examples of Resort courses:<\/strong> Pebble Beach Golf Links (California, USA), Kapalua (Hawaii, USA).<\/p>\n

Public Courses<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\"The
The Seventh hole at Torrey Pines Golf Course- The South Course (USGA\/Kirk H. Owens)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Location:<\/strong> Found in various settings, from urban to rural areas.<\/p>\n

Characteristics:<\/strong> Open to the general public, often maintained by municipalities or private companies. The quality and design can vary widely.<\/p>\n

Examples of Public courses: Bethpage State Park<\/a><\/span><\/strong> (New York, USA), Torrey Pines<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (California, USA).<\/p>\n