Links Course

Question
The British Open begins this week on a "links" course.  What is a links course?

Answer
Hello Rick:
Good question.  A Links course is void of trees and usually is near a body of water such as an ocean or a sea or bay.  The seaside links type golf course is made out of the natural terrain that has taken form from years of Mother Nature hammering it with the elements.  Wind and rain and sleet and hail and sun and whatever else over the years changes the landscape.  A links course has tons of little hills and dales, moguls if you will, that are all natural because of the elements.  You will find no trees, too harsh to survive.  In Scotland and along the coasts in the UK you'll find many Links type courses.  This week at Carnoustie, you'll see one of the all time classic links golf courses.  Despite looking out from the tee box and thinking you just landed on the moon, there are actually fairways and greens.  The weather is always the biggest factor.  If the winds are light and the sun is out, the players will eat it up.  If the wind is up and the weather turns bad, the golf course will eat up the players.  Should be a great week.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member