The beauty of golf is undoubtedly the variety of courses available to play. No two courses are the same and every course has its own style, however, most courses can be categorised into a number of different styles. Each style course presents different challenges and golfers will usually have their favourite style or preference. Golf courses can vary significantly in design, layout, and features, catering to different skill levels and preferences of golfers. Here are some of the most common types of golf courses found around the world:
Links Courses.
These traditional links courses are typically found in coastal areas with sandy soil and rank amongst some of the oldest established courses. They are characterised by open, undulating all grass terrain, few or no trees, and firm, fast fairways. Links courses often have a very low number of deep pocket bunkers, tall grasses if you venture off the fairway, and unpredictable weather conditions which make them amongst the most challenging to play.
Parkland Courses.
Parkland courses are the most common type of golf course and are often found inland. They are characterized by lush, tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, and manicured greens. Parkland courses typically offer a more traditional and picturesque setting compared to links courses.
Desert Courses.
Desert courses came about to provide golf course facilities in arid dry regions where natural grass is noticeably absent and feature desert landscapes with sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, and native desert plants. These courses often have wide fairways, large waste areas, and many strategically placed bunkers to challenge golfers. Desert courses may also have elevated tee boxes and greens to provide scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Mountain Courses.
Mountain courses are built in hilly or mountainous regions and feature dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. These courses often incorporate natural features such as creeks, lakes, and rock formations into their design, providing unique challenges and stunning scenery.
Resort Courses.
Resort courses are typically part of a larger resort or hotel complex and are designed to cater to recreational golfers of all skill levels. These courses will usually resemble a parkland style courses with the benefits of wide fairways, forgiving rough, and multiple tee boxes to accommodate different playing abilities. Resort courses may also offer amenities such as on-course refreshment stations, GPS-equipped golf carts, and professional instruction.
Municipal Courses.
Municipal courses are owned and operated by local government authorities and are open to the public. These courses vary widely in design and difficulty but are generally more affordable and accessible than private or resort courses. Due to cost constraints the course itself will be less well maintained with questionable green quality and very few facilities. Municipal courses often serve as community hubs for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
Whatever your preference most golfers would like to experience these different style courses at some point. This helps them determine the style of course they prefer. Desert courses can be impossibly difficult for some amateurs and links courses can be boring, for these reasons the parkland format probably remains the most popular option.
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