Captain Golf is a HUGE fan of links golf and strongly recommends it.
Links Golf Fast Facts
1. You are often right next to the coast, making great views.
2. The wind can range from nothing, to a breeze to a full on strong force gale.
3. The mix of wind can vary by day, time of day, golf hole played and the general direction of the front nine and back nine.
4. The golfer needs to assess every golf shot, tussle a 'tuff' of grass in the air to establish the wind direction.
5. Instead of the 7 iron, you may well need a 4 iron. Instead of a 4 Iron you may well need a driver on a Par 3.....yes a driver on a Par 3! (If the wind stops, not good).
6. The 'chip and run' shot vs the air shot is often needed to cut through the wind, the 'Sally Gunnel' run and run shot can get the ball to green safely in windy conditions.
7. The dynamic of the Links course adds so many variables, it is a true test for the golfer and challenges your ability to adapt and pivot to the conditions.
8. If you play the day with clear blue skies, little wind, you can reward yourself with a pint at the 19th hole and watch the golfers come in.
9. If you play the day with grey skies and strong winds, by the time you finish, you will feel like you have been in the boxing ring with Tyson.
However as you climb into bed that evening, you can sigh and smile that you had a great day and battled the elements, perhaps even winning your round.
What is a Links Course?
A Links course is a specific type of golf course/fauna natural and entwined with the landscape, most commonly adjacent to the coast.
The land is often 'sandy' in texture and known to drain well. The conditions are mainly found on the UK coastal edges and also Ireland.
Conditions as outlined above are very different to a parkland course.
Where are the Best Links Golf Courses?
Scotland really is the Disneyland of Golf. It is blessed with golf courses, world class golf courses to test your ability.
Captain Golf annually has a golf tournament with his golfing buddies and try to play only the Open venues in the UK.
Fantastic Open Links courses played by Captain Golf include: Hoylake (near Liverpool), Royal Birkdale (near Liverpool), St Andrews (Fife), Turnberry (West Coast Scotland), Troon (West coast Scotland), Carnoustie.
Royal Birkdale: www.royalbirkdale.com
Additional Links Courses played by Captain Golf and Recommended:
Although these are Not on the Open rosta, it is worthy to mention their merits...
The Castle Course
If you play there on a Sunny day, it is a gem of a course. Near to St Andrews a lot of golfers bolt it onto their Scotland Golf Tour.
www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/The-Castle-Course The website alone has fantastic views of the course and scenery.
Kilspindie
Although quite small in yardage, the Kilspindie course makes a good practice round prior to your golf tour in Scotland: www.kilspindiegolfclub.co.uk. I had a shocking round but enjoyed the views....
Gullane
Gullane is also worth a cheeky mention, great fun and challenging: www.gullanegolfclub.co.uk. On this occasion I rented a new Taylor Made M3 wood, which worked well on its first outing. My playing partner somehow got stung by a wasp before the round on his hand....yet still managed to finish the round! Good courses at Gullane.
*Credit/source for Castle Course/Kilspindie/Gullane images from the respective golf club websites/public galleries.
Links Open Golf Courses- How to Make it Happen....
Why not look to play a Open Course with your golf buddies. Usually you will have had to book in advance (circa 6 months- 1 year), and often pay circa £250 per round. However these are simply great great courses and a great golf experience.
How do you make it happen? Contact the golf clubs directly or go through a golf booking platform such as: www.yourgolftravel.com and www.golf breaks.com
Thanks for reading, tune in for the next update.
Take good care,
Captain Golf
www.captaingolf.golf
captaingolf.blogspot.com
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