Different Types Of Golf Courses

Golf is a sport that offers a wide variety of playing experiences, thanks in part to the diverse types of golf courses available around the world. Each type of golf course has its unique characteristics, challenges, and appeal. In this article, we will explore the different types of golf courses, highlighting their features and what makes them distinct.

1. Links Courses:

   • Definition: Links courses are often found in coastal regions with sandy soil and natural dunes. They are known for their open, windswept landscapes and minimal trees.
   • Characteristics:
     • Firm, fast fairways.
     • Natural hazards like tall grasses, sand dunes, and pot bunkers.
     • Wind is a significant factor, making strategy and shot selection crucial.
   • Famous Examples: St. Andrews in Scotland, Ballybunion in Ireland.

2. Parkland Courses:

   • Definition: Parkland courses are typically located inland and are characterized by lush, tree-lined fairways.
   • Characteristics:
     • Manicured fairways with dense grass and trees.
     • Water hazards, such as ponds and creeks, are common.
     • Generally less affected by strong winds.
   • Famous Examples: Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament.

3. Desert Courses:

   • Definition: Desert courses are built in arid regions and often incorporate the natural desert landscape into their design.
   • Characteristics:
     • Unique desert flora and rock formations.
     • Elevated tees and greens to provide scenic views.
     • Bunkers filled with sand and native materials.
   • Famous Examples: The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.

4. Mountain Courses:

   • Definition: Mountain courses are situated in hilly or mountainous regions, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
   • Characteristics:
     • Elevated tee boxes and undulating fairways.
     • Frequently changing elevation, which affects ball flight.
     • Natural hazards like streams and rocky outcrops.
   • Famous Examples: Banff Springs Golf Course in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

5. Resort Courses:

   • Definition: Resort courses are often part of golf resorts and are designed to cater to vacationing golfers.
   • Characteristics:
     • Varied layouts to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
     • Scenic views and well-maintained surroundings.
     • On-site amenities like spas, restaurants, and accommodations.
   • Famous Examples: Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

6. Executive Courses:

   • Definition: Executive courses are shorter than traditional 18-hole courses and are ideal for a quicker round or beginners.
   • Characteristics:
     • Typically feature 9 or 12 holes.
     • Less challenging in terms of distance.
     • Great for practicing short-game skills.
   • Famous Examples: Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco.

7. Municipal Courses:

   • Definition: Municipal courses are publicly owned and offer affordable access to the game.
   • Characteristics:
     • Open to the general public.
     • Varying degrees of course quality.
     • Promote inclusivity and accessibility.
   • Famous Examples: Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego.

8. Heathland Courses:

   • Definition: Heathland courses are typically found in areas with heath or moorland terrain, characterized by sandy soil and heather vegetation.
   • Characteristics:
     • Wide fairways with heather roughs.
     • Bunkers and gorse bushes as natural hazards.
     • Often require strategic play and accuracy.
   • Famous Examples: Sunningdale Golf Club in England.

9. Oceanfront Courses:

   • Definition: Oceanfront courses are located along coastlines, offering stunning views of the sea and challenging coastal winds.
   • Characteristics:
     • Spectacular coastal scenery.
     • Wind and changing weather conditions.
     • Coastal dunes and sandy areas.
   • Famous Examples: Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula.

10. Links-Style Courses (Inland):

    • Definition: Inland links-style courses attempt to replicate the features of traditional links courses but are located away from the coast.
    • Characteristics:
      • Rolling fairways and fescue grasses.
      • Bunkers and pot bunkers.
      • Strategic design to mimic links challenges.
    • Famous Examples: Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

11. Island Courses:

    • Definition: Island courses are situated on islands, often providing a unique golfing experience surrounded by water.
    • Characteristics:
      • Water hazards come into play frequently.
      • Limited space may lead to creative layouts.
      • Transportation to and from the island.
    • Famous Examples: Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina.

12. Historical Courses:

    • Definition: Historical courses are renowned for their rich golfing traditions and heritage.
    • Characteristics:
      • Classic, timeless designs.
      • Historic landmarks and memorabilia.
      • Host to significant tournaments over the years.
    • Famous Examples: The Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.

13. Eco-Friendly Courses:

    • Definition: Eco-friendly courses prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation.
    • Characteristics:
      • Natural landscaping and wildlife conservation efforts.
      • Organic maintenance practices.
      • Use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials.
    • Famous Examples: The Quarry at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida.

14. Championship Courses:

    • Definition: Championship courses are renowned for hosting major golf tournaments and are designed to challenge the world’s top golfers.
    • Characteristics:
      • Lengthy and demanding layouts.
      • Fast greens and deep bunkers.
      • Strict course conditions.
    • Famous Examples: Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York.

Public Golf Courses

Course Name	Location	Green Fees ($)	Facilities	Year Established
Pebble Beach	California	550	Clubhouse, Pro Shop, Spa	1919
St. Andrews	Scotland	195	Clubhouse, Practice Range	1754
Torrey Pines	California	230	Restaurant, Driving Range	1957
Bethpage Black	New York	150	Pro Shop, Caddy Services	1936
Bandon Dunes	Oregon	275	Lodging, Multiple Courses	1999
TPC Sawgrass	Florida	400	Clubhouse, PGA Tour Venue	1980
Chambers Bay	Washington	175	Restaurant, Links-Style	2007
Kiawah Island	South Carolina	325	Resort, Oceanfront Views	1976
Whistling Straits	Wisconsin	395	Irish-inspired Design	1998
Royal Troon	Scotland	220	Historic, British Open	1878

Private Golf Clubs

Club Name	Location	Membership Fee ($)	Amenities	Year Founded
Augusta National	Georgia	Invite-Only	The Masters, Magnolia Lane	1933
Oakmont Country	Pennsylvania	$250,000	Historic, Championship	1903
Pine Valley	New Jersey	Exclusive Invite	No Scorecards, Difficult	1913
Cypress Point	California	Secretive	Stunning Ocean Views	1928
Merion Golf Club	Pennsylvania	Invitation-Only	Historic, US Opens	1896
Muirfield	Scotland	Membership Only	Honorable Company of Edin.	1744
Shinnecock Hills	New York	Invitation-Only	US Opens, Classic Layout	1891
Royal Melbourne	Australia	Membership Only	Sandbelt Tradition	1891
Winged Foot	New York	Membership Only	Two Courses, US Opens	1921
Quaker Ridge	New York	Invitation-Only	Challenging, Classic	1916

Resort Golf Courses

Resort Name	Location	Golf Packages ($)	Accommodations	Signature Hole
The Greenbrier	West Virginia	450 (3 days)	Luxury Hotel, Old White TPC	#18, The Bunker
Biltmore Resort	Arizona	375 (2 days)	Spa, Mountain Views	#8, Camelback
Pebble Beach Resort	California	750 (3 days)	The Lodge, Pebble Beach Golf	#7, 106 Yards
Kiawah Island Resort	South Carolina	525 (2 days)	Ocean Course, Villas	#17, The Marsh
Whistling Straits	Wisconsin	600 (2 days)	Irish Inn, Straits & Irish	#7, Shipwreck
Pinehurst Resort	North Carolina	425 (2 days)	The Carolina, No. 2 Course	#2, The Cradle
Trump Turnberry	Scotland	650 (3 days)	Luxury Hotel, Ailsa & King Robert’s Castle	#9, Bruce’s Castle
Bandon Dunes Resort	Oregon	550 (3 days)	Lodges, Multiple Courses	#16, Bandon Trails
Sea Island Resort	Georgia	500 (2 days)	The Cloister, Seaside Course	#10, Ocean Forest
Torrey Pines Lodge	California	400 (2 days)	Scenic Ocean Views, North & South Courses	#3, South Course

Links Golf Courses

Course Name	Location	Layout	Par	Notable Features
Royal County Down	Northern Ireland	Coastal Links	71	Stunning Scenery, Rugged Terrain
Ballybunion	Ireland	Dunes Links	71	Sand Dunes, Irish Beauty
Lahinch	Ireland	Wild Links	72	Devil’s Parlour, Castle Course
Machrihanish	Scotland	Seaside Links	70	Remote Location, Scottish Feel
Royal Portrush	Northern Ireland	Dunluce Links	72	Calamity Corner, British Open
Old Course St. Andrews	Scotland	Links	72	Historic, Swilcan Bridge
Muirfield	Scotland	Links	71	Honorable Company of Edinburgh
Bandon Dunes	Oregon	Coastal Links	72	Ocean Views, Bunker Challenge
Barnbougle Dunes	Australia	Dunes Links	71	Natural Beauty, Lost Farm Course
Cabot Links	Canada	Cliffs Links	72	Clifftop Holes, Panoramic Views

Desert Golf Courses

Course Name	Location	Landscape	Design Features	Signature Hole
Desert Forest	Arizona	Desert	Natural Arroyos, Cacti	#13, Desert Rose
Troon North	Arizona	Sonoran Desert	Giant Saguaros, Elevated Tees	#3, Monument
Wolf Creek	Nevada	Desert Canyons	Dramatic Elevation Changes	#8, Devil’s Throat
PGA West Stadium	California	Desert	Stadium Seating, Island Green	#17, Alcatraz
Dubai Desert Classic	UAE	Desert Oasis	Man-made Lakes, Palm Trees	#7, Majlis
FireRock Country	Arizona	Desert	Red Rock Formations, Target Golf	#16, FireRock
Desert Springs	California	Desert Oasis	Multiple Pools, Water Hazards	#7, North Course

Conclusion:

The world of golf offers an impressive array of golf course types, each with its own unique attributes and experiences. Whether you’re seeking the traditional challenge of links golf, the scenic beauty of mountain courses, or the resort-style amenities of golf vacations, there’s a course to suit every golfer’s preferences. Exploring these diverse golf course types can make your golfing journey even more exciting and fulfilling.