Get to Know the Different Types of Golf Courses – A Golfer's Guide

Links courses, also sometimes called 'seaside links' are considered to be the most time-honoured type when discussing golf courses. Often found in nations such as Scotland, England and Ireland these courses are typically situated in coastal regions. Links courses often feature sandy soils, out of which the seas have receded comparatively recently in geological terms. These courses frequently feature rolling dunes, with few trees and typically not many water hazards. Often links courses are challenging to play, with the long wispy grasses providing a stern test for golfers. These courses are known for their thick rough areas, irregular fairways and bunkers which are deep and hidden out of view. Another challenge of links courses is the fact that they are often windy because of their coastal locations. On the other hand links courses provide a firm surface for golf play throughout the year, making them the favoured choice of many proficient golfers. If you are a golf enthusiast interested in golf in Malaysia, an option that you could consider would be The Els Club Malaysia

Another well-known variety of golf courses is parkland courses. These courses are often situated inland and resemble traditional parks in Britain, with comparatively narrow fairways resembling lawns and plenty of trees. Another popular category is heathland courses. 'Heath' is typically regarded as an extensive area of land that contains scrub-like vegetation and sandy soils. Accordingly a heathland course will differ from a parkland course by featuring an open layout containing heather and gorse with fewer trees and less manicured features. On the other hand many British courses such as Liphook and Sunningdale are categorized as being heathland courses despite having many trees. This is in fact because these were originally heathland courses, with the numerous trees added later for aesthetic reasons or to provide shelter from the sun or winds.

A comparatively recent innovation in the world of golf is the category known as desert courses which have become popular in areas like the Middle East and some regions of the USA. These courses require extensive irrigation in order to maintain the turf, which has been sometimes criticized due to the possible ecological effects of excessive consumption of water. You will often find features such as trees and elevated greens on desert courses. Typically desert courses are created with due care so as to integrate the course well into the desert surroundings so that both the environment and the golfer are benefited. Even so, there are those who claim that these courses diverge from the usual school of thought which holds that golf courses should not greatly alter the existing environment.

Another variety of golf course that will attract the attention of the enthusiast would be sand courses. Courses consisting of sand are regarded as providing a distinctive experience for golfers, with many holding the view that the long game is made more difficult, but the short game actually easier on these courses. Usually the putting area consists of a substance referred to as 'browns' which is a combination of sand with oil; this substance is rolled after being blended. It is generally thought that browns provides for slower yet truer putting. Another modern innovation is snow or ice courses, which as its name suggests features these elements in a cold climate. Naturally the entire course will look white rather than green, with balls of an orange, or other bright colour being used.