The British Golf Museum defines a links course as "a stretch of land near the coast characterized by undulating terrain, often associated with dunes, infertile sandy soil, and indigenous grasses such as marram, sea lyme, and the fescues and bents which, when properly managed, produce the fine-textured, tight turf for which links are famed."
The Links Diary states "Links land is characterized by fast running, hard turf, undulations and sand dunes....This is the purest form of golf where the running game is the key to good play. The elements are part of the defense of these seemingly living and breathing courses. The sand under the soil creates the links magic that we all love."
To me the joy and exhilaration of playing a Links course comes from the proximity to the ocean, where the weather is always unpredictable and its firm and fast playing conditions. I love the challenge of a stiff, cool breeze making me focus on all the variables it brings to shotmaking. The worse the weather, the more focused I become, and the more enjoyment I get out of a good shot.
The most severe wind and elements I can recall playing in was 2011 at Narin and Portnoo on the west coast of Ireland. 45 MPH of sustained wind with intermittent showers. The par 5, #14 which is uphill and was playing directly into the wind was the highlight of my day when I parred it. I hit a driving iron three times, a wedge on the green, and dropped the putt. It felt like an eagle!
To see all the pictures of True Links courses I have played around the world, please go to the header on the main page.
