
Full Answer
What are the different types of golf courses?
1 Links course. First up is the most famous type of golf course, the links course. The term derives from the Old English word hlinc meaning rising ... 2 Parkland course. 3 Heathland course. 4 Sandbelt course. 5 Stadium/Championship course. More items
What is a golf course?
Aerial view of a golf course (Golfplatz Wittenbeck at the Baltic Sea, Germany) A golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played. It consists of a series of holes, each consisting of a tee box, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a cylindrical hole in the ground, known as a "cup".
What is the most famous type of golf course?
First up is the most famous type of golf course, the links course. The term derives from the Old English word hlinc meaning rising ground or ridge and refers to sandy area along coast.
What are the parts of a golf course?
A golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played. It consists of a series of holes, each consisting of a tee box, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a cylindrical hole in the ground, known as a "cup". The cup holds a flagstick, known as a "pin".

What type of field is golf played on?
A golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played.
How acres is a golf course?
At the individual level, an average 18-hole golf course covers 150 acres, approximately 100 (67 percent) of which is maintained turfgrass. This area is predominantly comprised of rough (51 acres) and fairways (30 acres).
What are the types of a golf course?
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.
What are the three main classifications or types of golf courses?
Most American courses fall into one of three main types.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.More items...•
How many acres do you need for a golf resort?
Based on a report from the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, an 18-hole golf facility, which includes bodies of water, hard structures and out-of-play areas, averages about 150 to 200 acres. Typical urban golf courses are about 110 to 120 acres, while courses in resort areas may be 170 to 190 acres.
Are golf courses profitable?
Profitable golf courses are generally selling for six to eight times EBITDA, while courses that aren't profitable tend to sell at 0.8 to 1.4 times revenue.
What else is a golf course called?
What is another word for golf course?fairwayback ninefront ninegreenlinks
Are golf courses built on sand?
Traditional links courses are generally constructed with local windblown sands, which, Kidd says, “are more often than not utilized in future top dressing programs,” provided their salt content isn't too high.
What is a golf course?
Definition of golf course : an area of land laid out for golf with a series of 9 or 18 holes each including tee, fairway, and putting green and often one or more natural or artificial hazards. — called also golf links.
What is a golf course without trees called?
When most people think of links-style golf, they are picturing golf that can be played along the ground with lots of undulation, plenty of dunes and little to no trees. These courses also usually feature pot bunkers as opposed to the larger sprawling American-style bunkers.
What is a small golf course called?
Approach course: An approach course is one that is even shorter than a par-3 course, one designed primarily to allow experienced golfers to practice pitching and chipping, or intended for use by beginners.
What does TPC stand for?
Tournament Players ClubTPC — which stands for Tournament Players Club — means that a golf course is part of a prestigious network of golf courses around the world.
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.
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.
Where are desert golf courses located?
The only grass found on this type of course is on the tee box, fairways and putting greens. These courses are mostly found in the American southwest and in the Middle East.
Why are links courses so difficult to play?
There is also a lack of water hazards. It is often said that links courses are far more difficult for golfers to play due to the layout of the course. There is also a wind element that blows the ball around and can cause scores to climb during a golf tournament.
What is the difference between a parkland and a links golf course?
In addition, players may hit shots uphill or downhill toward the green. Another major difference between links and parkland is the openness of the course.
What is links golf?
According to the BBC: “links courses are all about being one with nature”. It is this attempt to be one with nature that gives the look and feel of the course. The links’ look is very natural and golfers play to the contours of the land.
What is the most famous parkland course in the world?
Perhaps the most famous parkland course in the world is Augusta National. Augusta is a perfect example of the style and golf fans can see the parkland course type at every Masters tournament.
Is a link course harder than a parkland course?
Once a golfer gets the ball near the cup, they can expect a very fast playing green. Many claim that links courses are the true test of a golfer’s ability. They are difficult to play, are unforgiving and have elements that make playing far tougher than parkland.
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.
Where are desert golf courses built?
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. This often comes at the price of environmental concern, however.
What is natural clay underlay?
Natural clay underlay means weather can make the ground unplayable more easily than links courses – if the rain has affected the ground you’re about to play on, ensure you’re informed on tips to maintaining a good game! There may be potentially less roll, especially in bad weather conditions. 3. Desert Courses.
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’.
What are the natural hazards of golf?
Natural hazards – the golf courses are created around natural hazards of a coast, although bunkers are deepened to prevent sand blowing away. Natural course contours which make each hole unique, and often classifies the terrain as ‘rolling’ . Sand-based terrain drains rainwater well, so is rarely unplayable due to weather conditions.
What is the purpose of tall trees in golf?
Tall trees are an integral part of the challenge of a Parkland golf course,and the intention to imitate beautiful gardens means they’re often well-manicured and taken care of. However, players should be wary of certain pitfalls in this type of golf terrain:
Where is the Ice Golf Tournament held?
The town of Uumannaq in Greenland holds an annual 36-hole ice golf competition. The Drambuie World Ice Golf Tournament is notoriously difficult, but incredibly interesting and unlike any other golf course or tournament. Apart from the obvious temperature issues, characteristics of these golf course types include:
What are the characteristics of Downland Golf Course?
The main characteristic of downland golf courses are the hills involved. The terrain’s big changes in elevation will definitely give your legs a workout and test your distance control skills.
What is Parkland Golf Course?
Parkland golf courses are one of the most common types of courses. They are built inland, away from the city and often feature lots of trees and lush grass, making the scenery very park-like (you can see where the name comes from now can’t you?).
How many holes are there in a par 3 golf course?
These types of courses are shorter, usually having only 9 holes, although some may have 18.
Where are links tracks built?
These are built by the sea, on sandy-based terrains, between the coast and farmlands and are most common in Ireland, Scotland and England.
What type of golf course is in the USA?
Chances are, any famous golf course that you have heard of in the United States is most likely a parkland golf course . They seem to be the most common type of golf course in the USA, unlike European golf courses.
What is the most famous parkland golf course in the world?
The most famous parkland golf course in the world is probably Augusta National. The course is very historic and obviously hosts one of the most important golf tournaments every year. The fast greens and abundance of trees to deal with make it a very challenging parkland golf course and is just as tough as the toughest desert ...
What obstacles do parkland golfers face?
The main obstacle that parkland golfers have to deal with is fairway bunkers, greenside bunkers, and of course trees in tough spots .
What is the difference between a links and a parkland golf course?
The main difference between the two is that a links golf course has a few and sometimes no trees whatsoever. It is usually very windy and has rolling terrain. A parkland golf course is usually heavily wooded and can be pretty flat in some cases. Some of the most elite parkland golf courses have a lot of trees and rolling fairways ...
What is the main style of golf?
Golf courses come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The main style of golf courses are desert, parkland, and links. Parkland golf courses are lushly manicured with verdant fairways and fast greens, with plenty of trees, and typically located inland. Links golf courses normally are located along the coastlines, desert golf courses are the deserts, ...
What is a desert golf course?
A desert golf course only has grass on the tee box, fairway, and green. It is placed in a natural desert, so it normally has no trees. The elements of a desert make this very tough for golfers. The sand dunes can greatly affect a golfer’s round.
Why are parkland golf courses so popular?
Parkland golf courses are so popular because they are more suitable for most climates and geographical locations across the world. Most areas can grow trees, so it is easy to imagine a golf course there. Other types of courses require a specific location or type of land.
What is a golf course?
Aerial view of a golf course ( Golfplatz Wittenbeck at the Baltic Sea, Germany) A golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played. It consists of a series of holes, each consisting of a tee box, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a cylindrical hole in the ground, known as a "cup".
How many holes are there in a golf round?
The cup holds a flagstick, known as a "pin". A standard round of golf consists of 18 holes. Most courses contain 18 holes; some share fairways or greens, and a subset has nine holes, played twice per round. Par-3 courses consist of nine or 18 holes all of which have a par of three strokes.
How many markers are there in a golf tee box?
Each tee box has two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area. The teeing area spans the distance between the markers, and extends two-club lengths behind the markers. A golfer may play the ball standing outside the teeing area, but the ball itself must be placed and struck from within the area.
What is the first section of a golf hole?
The first section of every hole consists of the teeing ground, or tee-box. There is typically more than one available box where a player places his ball, each one a different distance from the hole (and possibly with a different angle of approach to the green or fairway) to provide differing difficulty.
What is the farthest tee in golf?
White – Farther still, typically used by low-to-average-handicap men and low-handicap teenage boys. Black or Blue – The farthest tee from the hole and with the most exposure to any major hazards; typically used only during tournaments or by zero-handicap ("scratch") male players.
What is a dogleg left?
The hole is called a "dogleg left" if the hole angles leftwards, and a "dogleg right" if the hole angles rightwards. A hole's direction may bend twice, which is called a "double dogleg". Fairway and rough, Spur Valley Golf Course, Radium Hot Springs, Canada.
How deep is a hole in a golf green?
The hole, or cup, is always found within the green and must have a diameter of 108 millimeters (4.25 in) and a depth of at least 10 centimeters (3.94 in). Its position on the green is not fixed and typically is changed daily by a greenskeeper in order to prevent excessive localized wear and damage to the turf.

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 consider the design ancient. Yet, links golf …
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 th...
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…