3-Club Wind - Issue #3

The Allure of the Links

Given our name, 3-Club Wind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we love links golf. But what is links golf? What makes it different? I constantly run into golfers who say things like, “Oh, I know that course (located in the middle of Texas, or Kansas, or Ohio) - that’s a links course” Yeah…..not so much. There was a course-building stretch there for years where every developer called their creation a “Links” course…but calling myself Brad Pitt doesn’t make it so. There are some particular characteristics that make a course a true links style. We dig in a little deeper in this week’s offering.

Unveiling the Mystique of Links Golf: A Timeless Golfing Tradition

In the realm of golf, few landscapes evoke as much allure and challenge as the ancient and storied links courses. What exactly sets them apart? What defines the elusive beauty of links golf, and how does it differ from the more familiar parkland style or American golf?

Understanding Links Golf

Links golf is a celebration of raw nature meeting the game of golf. It originates from the windswept coastal areas of Scotland, where the sport found its roots centuries ago. Unlike parkland or American courses, which are often crafted within more inland settings and showcase meticulously manicured fairways and trees, links courses boast an untamed, rugged terrain hugging the coastline.

Comparing Links Golf to Parkland or American Golf

Parkland courses, commonly found in the US, present a stark contrast to links. They feature lush, tree-lined fairways, manicured greens, and a more controlled, landscaped environment. American courses often incorporate water hazards and strategic bunkering to test golfers’ skills.

Links golf, on the other hand, embraces the elements—sea breezes, unpredictable weather, undulating fairways, and deep pot bunkers. The primary challenge lies in navigating the natural hazards and adapting to the ever-changing conditions.

The Finest Links Courses Around the World

While Scotland birthed the concept, exceptional links courses are scattered worldwide. Iconic venues like St. Andrews Old Course, Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, and Ballybunion in Ireland stand as quintessential examples. The United States boasts its own gems, including Shinnecock Hills and Bandon Dunes, which pay homage to the traditional links style. Of these, I’ve played all but Shinnecock - and Royal County Down stands atop my favorite courses ever played list. They are truly magical places that evoke thoughts of “Golf in the Kingdom”.

Defining a True Links Course

What distinguishes a true links course? The key ingredients lie in the terrain and location. A genuine links course must reside on a coastal strip of land, possessing sandy soil that encourages firm, fast-playing surfaces. The terrain typically features natural dunes, heather, gorse, and unpredictable winds that significantly influence the game.

Key Differences between Links Courses and Others

The differences extend beyond aesthetics. Links golf demands adaptability, creativity, and a strategic mindset due to the ever-changing conditions. Playing on firm, fast fairways and contending with strong coastal winds necessitates a unique skill set not often required on parkland courses.

In essence, the distinction lies in the connection with nature—a round of golf on a links course is a dance with the elements, an experience that demands respect for the land and adaptability to its challenges.

Playing the ball on the ground is often paramount. Between the fierce wind, and the firmness of the fairways and greens, using a low trajectory often delivers a better outcome. Whether that’s mastering the Tiger stinger, or simply going up two clubs, choking down, playing the ball back a bit, and swinging at ¾ speed to remove spin - links courses embrace the ground game.

My first links experience was over 20 years ago in Scotland - and cemented my love for that creative style of golf. While playing the Old Course at St. Andrews, I stepped up to my approach shot on the 2nd hole. With 110 yards left to the flag, I reached into the bag for one of my wedges. As I pulled it out, my caddie suddenly grabbed my wrist to stop me. In the thickest of Scottish brogues he said, “Aye….you’ll nae hold the grrrrrreen with that!”. And he handed me….putter. After an explanation of where to actually aim that strike, I gave it a good whack. The ball disappeared and re-appeared several times over bumps and nodes - to the left, then right, then left again….and finally emerged. It came to rest on the green leaving me a 10-footer for birdie (which I missed). It was at that moment I truly fell in love with links golf and the variety and creativity it allowed in shot selection. Unlike golf in the States where you often have one ideal way to play a hole and carry a shot onto the green - true links courses offer a myriad of approach options - carry it, roll it, bump and run it, come in from the right, come in from the left - there were often multiple ways to end up in the same location. Rather than a paint by numbers picture, it was a blank canvas that allowed the golfer freedom to be your own Bob Ross.

Embracing the Links Experience

While parkland and American-style golf courses offer their own charms, the allure of links golf endures as a testament to the ancient roots of the game. For those seeking an authentic and challenging golfing escapade, teeing off on the undulating fairways of a true links course promises an unforgettable journey through golf’s timeless traditions.

Whether it's the historic courses of Scotland or the windswept shores of the United States, the lure of links golf lies in its ability to connect players to the essence of the sport—to challenge, inspire, and celebrate the purest form of golf in harmony with nature.

As the saying goes, "To play links golf is to experience golf in its truest form."

Warm regards on the fairways.

Iron 🐐

There is nothing like getting a window into the mind of some of the best ball strikers in the world and how they approach iron play….this stuff is gold. Plus we love Trottie’s accent…

Kudos to Taylor Made Golf for putting out this content.

“Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots.”

Dr. Bob Rotella

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

A Good Follow

With so much to consume these days, it’s hard to weed out where to spend your time. We thought we’d share a few of our favorite follows:

  • “X” - The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter:

    • Lou Stagner golf for nerding out on data

    • For golf history The Society of Golf Historians shows you how to swing in a tweed jacket and tie

    • For golf strategy and getting better at the game - Jon Sherman at Practical Golf is excellent

    • To understand the grind that is professional golf Monday Q Info

    • Rick Golfs if you want to live vicariously through someone playing all the great courses you are not…

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