Types of golf courses: know where you play
Not all golf courses are created equal. If you've ever teed it up at a seaside links and then played an inland parkland course the following week, you'll already know the difference can be dramatic. From turf conditions to wind exposure, layout to maintenance, the type of golf course you're playing changes everything, from your club selection to your strategy.
In this article, we break down the different types of golf courses, explain their unique challenges, and help you adjust your game accordingly. Whether you're planning a golf break or entering a new competition, knowing the course style can give you the upper hand.
What are the main types of golf courses?
1. Links courses
• Location: Coastal areas, usually in the UK and Ireland
• Terrain: Natural, sandy soil with few trees, lots of undulation, and firm turf
• Challenges: Wind exposure, deep pot bunkers, unpredictable bounces
Links golf is the original form of the game. Courses like St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Troon are perfect examples. Expect firm fairways, fast-running shots, and the need for low ball flights to combat wind. Creativity and course management are crucial.
2. Parkland courses
• Location: Inland, often surrounded by trees and greenery
• Terrain: Lush grass, tree-lined fairways, manicured layouts
• Challenges: Narrow tee shots, softer ground, tree trouble
The majority of UK club courses fall into this category. Parkland golf courses are usually more forgiving in terms of turf bounce but demand precise tee shots and accurate approaches. Think of courses like The Belfry or Wentworth—strategy and shaping shots come into play.
3. Heathland courses
• Location: Inland, often on sandy soil with heath and gorse
• Terrain: Open fairways, but framed by natural grasses, gorse, and heather
• Challenges: Visual deception, tough lies in rough, strategic hazards
These are often considered a hybrid of parkland and links. Classic heathland layouts like Sunningdale or Walton Heath offer variety and demand good decision-making.
4. Desert courses
• Location: Arid climates (Middle East, southwestern U.S.)
• Terrain: Lush fairways surrounded by desert waste areas, cacti, or scrubland
• Challenges: Dry heat, firm turf, accuracy under pressure
Popular in golf holiday destinations like Dubai or Scottsdale, desert courses combine luxury with challenge. Conditions are often immaculate, but a stray shot is punished severely.
5. Resort courses
• Location: Holiday destinations or leisure resorts
• Terrain: Wide fairways, generous greens, aesthetically beautiful
• Challenges: Water hazards, bunkering, pace of play
These are designed to be enjoyed, but don't be fooled, resort courses can still pack a punch, especially from the back tees.
How to adjust your game for different course types
• Play low shots under the wind (punch shots, bump-and-run chips)
• Use the ground—plan for roll-out
• Club down when the fairways are firm and fast
• Prioritise accuracy off the tee
• Use soft landings and more carry over hazards
• Be prepared for slower, receptive greens
• Club selection is key to avoid natural rough
• Use visual landmarks to pick your lines
• Play strategic golf—don’t always aim straight at the flag
• Embrace clean ball striking—there’s little forgiveness for mis-hits
• Watch your hydration and heat management
• Be conscious of pace of play and group etiquette
Why it matters
Understanding golf course types isn't just about labels, it shapes your preparation. Are you packing waterproofs and wind balls for a links round? Or checking for soft spikes and layered clothing for a lush parkland layout?
It also affects how you approach your practice sessions. If you're preparing for a competition on a tree-lined parkland course, focus on shaping shots and finding fairways. Heading to a links course? Spend time on bump-and-runs, putting from off the green, and visualising different flight paths.
Want to learn how to play different course styles like a pro?
Book a 45-minute TrackMan session or on-course playing lesson with a PGA coach at one of our resorts and master every environment.