
Here are the 6 different types of golf courses, explained
- Links course. First up is the most famous type of golf course, the links course. ...
- Parkland course. Parkland courses are built inland, away from the ocean. ...
- Heathland course. ...
- Sandbelt course. ...
- Stadium/Championship course. ...
- Par-3 course. ...
What are the best golf courses?
May 31, 2020 · Here are the 6 different types of golf courses, explained Links course. First up is the most famous type of golf course, the links course. The term derives from the Old English... Parkland course. Parkland courses are built inland, away from the ocean. These courses often feature lots of trees ...
What are the different styles of golf courses?
Mar 12, 2021 · Types of Golf Courses by Access Public Courses. Public courses are those where anyone is allowed to play. There are two sub courses within the public... Resort Courses. Our second type of access golf course is the resort course. This type of golf course is just what it... Semi-Private Courses. ...
What are some examples for golf courses?
There are three main types of golf courses found around the world. Links, parkland and desert golf courses are commonly found, but each is very different. While links golf courses, parkland and desert golf courses are commonly played on, and the two names are thrown around, some golfers may not be aware of...
What is the most prestigious golf course?
A Complete Guide to All the Different Types of Golf Courses Landscape Style. Golf course architecture is an art form. Many courses incorporate elements of the natural setting into... Length of Play. Unlike many sports, golf does not have a regulation field size. Differing hole lengths and challenges ...

What kinds of golf courses are there?
- Links Course. Golf originated in Scotland, and links golf, too, has its roots in Scotland. ...
- Parkland Course. ...
- Desert Course. ...
- Executive Course. ...
- Regulation Course. ...
- Municipal Course. ...
- Daily-fee Course. ...
- Semi-private Course.
What are the 5 different areas of a golf course?
What is the difference between a links golf course and a regular golf course?
What else is a golf course called?
fairway | back nine |
---|---|
front nine | green |
links |
What is the golden rule of golf?
What is the difference between a 4 and 7 iron golf?
What is a golf course with no trees called?
What is the toughest hole in golf?
- Ninth hole, TPC Harding Park, 515 yards, par 4.
- Sixth hole, PGA National (Champions Course), 479 yards, par 4. ...
- 16th hole, El Camaleón Golf Club, 515 yards, par 4. ...
- Ninth hole, Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course), 223 yards, par 3. ...
What is a lynx style golf course?
Why do golf courses have 18 holes?
What is the hole called in golf?
What is a hole in one called?
1. Links Course
One of the most common golf course types is a links course. But, if you find yourself asking “what is a links golf course?”, you’re hardly alone. A links golf course is one of the oldest styles you’ll find. These originated in England and Scotland, where the game was first played.
2. Heathland Course
Heathland golf course aren’t all that different from links courses. These are also most common in Europe. For the most part, they embody a lot of the same characteristics such as sandy soil and bunkers that won’t quit. Again, a lot of what defines these types of courses is where they lay on a map.
3. Parkland Course
Parkland golf courses are what most Americans usually play. This type of course carves its way through a natural landscape and is surrounded with trees, which serve as the biggest hazard. Parkland courses use what is available to them. If the area is hilly, you have a hilly course.
4. Desert Course
Desert golf courses are, you guessed it, found in the desert. This doesn’t mean they are all sand, but that the land surrounding it is. Depending on the course, the desert terrain can be 5 yards or 50 from your intended tee-to-green path.
5. Championship Course
A championship golf course comes less from design features and more of what the course is all about. While it’s not easy to define, a championship golf course is almost something you know when you see it—or someone tells you about it.
6. Par-3 Course
When a course has only par-3 holes, it is a par-3 course. These courses can also be referred to as pitch and putt courses. Most golf course types have names that aren’t as descriptive. A par-3 course is all par-3’s (with the rare exception).
7. Executive Course
Want to play a shorter course with some hole variety? Then you want to play an executive golf course. An executive course is like a par-3 course in that many of the holes are par-3’s, but this option lets you take the driver out of your bag a couple times. Additionally, an executive course with 18 holes is also fairly common.
1. Par 3
A par 3 golf course is made up of nine or eighteen holes of short par 3s.
2. Links
If you have ever watched a British Open Championship, you will have an excellent idea of what a links-style golf course is.
4. Executive
An executive golf course is longer than a par 3 course but not quite a regulation golf course.
7. Heathland
A heathland course gets its styling and design from the concept of a links course.
11. Private Course
A private golf course is one that only allows members to play the course.
12. Semi-Private Course
A semi-private club is private for part of the time and public the rest of the time.
14. Municipal
A municipal course is owned by the town or local government where you live.
What are the characteristics of a golf course?
Apart from the obvious temperature issues, characteristics of these golf course types include: 1 Snow blindness and movement constrictions due to thermal clothing. 2 Rough surfaces due to a layer of snow lying over the course – graphite clubs are discouraged as they may shatter! 3 The danger of seal dens and crevasses.
What is a link golf course?
Built on sandy soil between the coast and farmlands of Scotland, links are the most popular types of golf courses. They’re mostly known for their large, slow greens and fast fairways. Its wide use has rendered the links course to be recognised as any course that is relatively treeless, or as a synonym for ‘golf course’.
Where did golf originate?
The origin of golf is widely disputed, and to an extent we will never know the truth of where it began. However, we can be sure of where link style golf courses originated. Built on sandy soil between the coast and farmlands of Scotland, links are the most popular types of golf courses.
What is desert golf?
(Copyright Brocreative/shutterstock.com) Popular in parts of the USA and the Middle East , desert golf courses are as they sound: built in the desert. Greenery from this range of golf courses is sometimes the only green seen for miles, and they require heavy irrigation as a result of their location.
Can all golfers play all golf courses?
Not all golf courses are available to be played by all golfers. Some are private clubs, some restrict access in other ways or give preferential treatment to certain golfers over others. When grouping golf courses by access, here are how those groups are labeled:
What is a public golf course?
Public courses: A public golf course is one that is open to the general public. Everyone who plays golf is welcome at a public golf course. Within the public category, there are two main sub-types - the municipal course and the daily fee course. Municipal courses are those owned by cities or counties and run for the benefit of the local citizens ...
What is resort golf?
Resort courses: A resort course is a golf course that is part of a resort property, typically including a large, luxurious hotel, perhaps a spa and multiple restaurants. Some resort courses are open to the public in the same way a daily fee course is, with guests of the resort receiving preferential tee times and discounted green fees.
Is a golf course open to the public?
Most resorts are technically public, but many restrict public access by requiring that you stay at the resort in order to play its golf course (s).
What is a semi private golf course?
Semi-private courses: A semi-private course is one that both sells memberships and allows non-members to play. Those purchasing memberships might receive preferential tees times and discounted green fees, or access to other club amenities or perks.
What is a link course?
There are three main types of courses when grouping by setting and/or design: Links course: A links course is one built on a sandy coastline that is open to the wind with few or no trees, but with plenty of tall coastal grasses.
Where did golf originate?
Golf first developed on the links of Scotland. Parkland course: A parkland course is one that is lushly manicured with verdant fairways and fast greens, with plenty of trees, and typically located inland. So named because of the park-like setting. Most PGA Tour courses are good examples of parkland courses.
What is the shortest course in golf?
The approach course is the shortest course there is, even shorter than the par-three, and is designed for experienced golfers to get in practice. It is also the perfect type of course for beginners to the golf game, as it’s short and allows them to practice without getting frustrated or tired. These are perfect courses to practice and play a very quick round of golf. These are also called pitch-and-putt courses because of this, as well.
What is municipal golf course?
A municipal course is a course that is run by the county or the city so that the town’s residents have a place to go play. These types of golf courses are open to local residents and out-of-towners alike.
Is golf a sport?
Golf is a sport that many people enjoy. It’s relaxing, fun to play, and the perfect way to while away the hours on a Saturday morning and afternoon. The one mistake that new golfers make, however, is thinking that all golf courses are the same. In reality, there are a few different types of golf courses and even a few different types ...
Is a golf course open to the public?
This type of golf course is just what it sounds like, a course that is on the property of a resort. These are usually open to the public, but the best tee times and greens are reserved for guests of the resort. While these are technically public courses, many times, the resort will make staying at the resort’s hotel a requirement in order ...
How many holes are there in a 9 hole golf course?
A 9-hole course is just what it sounds like, a course with nine holes, most of them being par four holes. It also features a few pars three and par-five holes, but not as many, and is nine holes, so it is shorter in length.
What is an executive golf course?
An executive course is one where the course will always be shorter but will feature 9 to 18 holes. It will include more par three holes, than par four and par 5. The purpose of an executive course is to be able to finish the course in less time, which makes it perfect for a short game on a busy day.
What is a par 3 golf course?
Par 3 courses are designed where all of the holes on the course are par three holes. This type, of course, will be shorter than an executive course and will be even faster to play.
Where are links golf courses?
Links golf course. Links golf courses were first found in Scotland. The country is regarded as the ‘home of golf’, and the first courses were all links style courses. Links courses are seen all over Scotland and there are many more around the world. In the United States, Pebble Beach is classed as a links course.
What is a desert golf course?
A desert golf course is built in an area with a natural desert. It is constructed amongst the sand dunes and natural desert features. The only grass found on this type of course is on the tee box, fairways and putting greens.
Is Pebble Beach a links course?
In the United States, Pebble Beach is classed as a links course. It is possibly the most famous links course in the US and hosts PGA Tour events each year. Of course, St. Andrews in Scotland is the most famous links course of them all. The links style golf course is far older than its counterpart, the parkland.
What is a parkland golf course?
While a links course is very natural, a parkland course is one that has been manicured and heavily constructed by a course architect. A parkland course will have flat fairways compared to the rolling ones on a links. The flat, well-manicured fairways make for gentle bounces. The fairways are also very forgiving.
Where is Pebble Beach?
Pebble Beach, which is located in California, overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The coastal location helps to create the hills, ridges and fairways. Golfers on a links course will play on sandy terrain that receives plenty of wind blowing off of the ocean.
What is golf course architecture?
Golf course architecture is an art form. Many courses incorporate elements of the natural setting into their designs. How the architect uses or reshapes the natural terrain determines the landscape category of the course. Most American courses fall into one of three main types.
What is a semi private golf course?
Semi-private Course. At a semi-private course, you can pay to play each time, or you can purchase a membership. By becoming a member of a semi-private club, you may receive preferred or unlimited access to tee times.
Where did golf originate?
Golf originated in Scotland, and links golf, too, has its roots in Scotland. Links courses are built on narrow sections of sandy land between coast and farmland. Links courses work with the natural landscape of these strips of lands along the Scottish and Irish coasts. They incorporate the land's slopes and turns, ...
What is a links course?
Links courses are built on narrow sections of sandy land between coast and farmland. Links courses work with the natural landscape of these strips of lands along the Scottish and Irish coasts. They incorporate the land's slopes and turns, and the fairways often have a natural roll to them. Wind can be a major factor in the game on a links course.
What is a parkland course?
A manicured golf course with careful landscaping and an abundance of green grass and trees is usually known as a parkland course. The land is more tailored, so fairways are typically smooth. Unlike links courses, which are, by definition, found in coastal areas, parkland courses are often far from the shore.
What is a manicured golf course?
A manicured golf course with careful landscaping and an abundance of green grass and trees is usually known as a parkland course. The land is more tailored, so fairways are typically smooth.
What is a desert course?
Desert Course. Courses in the desert are often an oasis of green amidst the area's dry, sandy landscape. Although these courses work with the natural sand dunes and other features of the terrain, their abundant grass is unnatural for the area. Much irrigation is required.

Links Course
- One of the most common golf course types is a links course. But, if you find yourself asking “what is a links golf course?”, you’re hardly alone. A links golf course is one of the oldest styles you’ll find. These originated in England and Scotland, where the game was first played. Considering golf has been around since the 15th Century, some might ...
Heathland Course
- Heathland golf course aren’t all that different from links courses. These are also most common in Europe. For the most part, they embody a lot of the same characteristics such as sandy soil and bunkers that won’t quit. Again, a lot of what defines these types of courses is where they lay on a map. Heathland golf courses are inland, away from the sea. One of the biggest differences this …
Parkland Course
- Parkland golf courses are what most Americans usually play. This type of course carves its way through a natural landscape and is surrounded with trees, which serve as the biggest hazard. Parkland courses use what is available to them. If the area is hilly, you have a hilly course. If the land is flat, architects can get a bit more creative, but the course is still flat. While links and othe…
Desert Course
- Desert golf courses are, you guessed it, found in the desert. This doesn’t mean they are all sand, but that the land surrounding it is. Depending on the course, the desert terrain can be 5 yards or 50 from your intended tee-to-green path. If you’re playing a desert course, goal number one is to have fun. Just kidding, it’s to stay on the grass and off the sand. Keep yourself on the grass and …
Championship Course
- A championship golf course comes less from design features and more of what the course is all about. While it’s not easy to define, a championship golf course is almost something you know when you see it—or someone tells you about it. Championship golf courses have a variety of definitions. To help with your understanding of the basic types of golf courses, we’ll walk you thr…
Par-3 Course
- When a course has only par-3 holes, it is a par-3 course. These courses can also be referred to as pitch and putt courses. Most golf course types have names that aren’t as descriptive. A par-3 course is all par-3’s (with the rare exception). Pitch and putt courses are ones with holes so short pitch shots are all it takes to get around. If there is one distinction to make between the two, pitc…
Executive Course
- Want to play a shorter course with some hole variety? Then you want to play an executive golf course. An executive course is like a par-3 course in that many of the holes are par-3’s, but this option lets you take the driver out of your bag a couple times. Additionally, an executive course with 18 holes is also fairly common. When this type of course began popping up, it was through …
What Are Most Pro Courses?
- Nearly all professional golf tournaments are held at links or heartland courses. Besides being the oldest and most common types, these courses are tweaked to be a tougher test of player ability. With only the rarest of exceptions, any time you watch a pro tournament in Europe, it will be on a links course. Watch the players tee off in the United States and the ratio is a bit different. If it’s cl…
Golf and The Occupied Environment
- As you can see, types of golf courses are more than if it’s 9 or 18 holes. Much of what determines the type of course is the environment around it. Unlike sports with standard courts, fields, and tracks, golf has more freedom. Every time you step onto the first tee of a course, you get something different. Much like no two rounds are ever the same, no two courses are the same. F…
Golf Course Types by Access
Golf Course Types by Size
- Another way of grouping golf courses is by size, which refers both to the number of holes (18 is standard) and the types of holes (a mix of par-3, par-4, and par-5holes, with par-4s being prevalent, is the standard on a "regulation," or full-sized, course). When grouping courses by size, here are how those groups are labeled: 1. 18-hole course: The...
Golf Course Types by Setting/Design
- The third way of grouping golf courses by type is to group them according to their geographical setting and/or the architectural elements of their design (those are often the same things since courses are often designed to fit into their natural surroundings). There are three main types of courses when grouping by setting and/or design: 1. Links course: A links course is one built on …