5 Different Types of Golf Courses Explained
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and one of the reasons it is so unique is the variety of courses it is played on. Unlike other sports that are played on standardized fields, every golf course has its own design, layout, and natural challenges. Golf courses are shaped by geography, climate, and architectural creativity, which means no two courses are ever truly the same. If you have ever wondered why some courses are called links, parkland, or heathland, or what makes a championship course different from a par-3 course, this guide is for you. In this article, we will break down 5 different types of golf courses explained in detail so you can better understand the game and appreciate its diversity.
1. Chinar Golf Club
Chinar Golf Club, located in Bhurban near Murree, is a hillside retreat that blends natural beauty with timeless charm. Established in 1932 and sitting 6,350 feet above sea level, the club is surrounded by pine and chinar trees that paint the landscape with seasonal colors. Known for its cool winds, scenic fairways, and peaceful atmosphere, it offers much more than just golf—it’s a place for nature walks, photography, family outings, and quiet escapes.
The 9-hole course, Army-supervised lodges, and resort facilities make it both safe and comfortable for visitors. Whether you’re here to play, hike, or simply enjoy the panoramic views, Chinar Golf Club provides an unforgettable experience of serenity and recreation in the hills.
2. Links Course
The links course is the oldest type of golf course and is considered the traditional home of golf. The word “links” comes from the Old English word hlinc, meaning rising ground or ridge, and it refers to the coastal land between the sea and farmland. Most links courses are found in Scotland, Ireland, and England, which is where the game of golf first began.
A links course is typically built on sandy, seaside soil that drains well and allows the ground to stay firm. This firmness creates fast fairways and rolling terrain, which forces golfers to think creatively. Unlike lush parkland courses, links layouts are usually treeless or have very few trees, and instead rely on natural dunes, pot bunkers, and coastal winds to provide challenges. The unpredictable weather, especially strong winds off the sea, can make links golf very tough.
3. Parkland Course
A parkland course is often the opposite of a links course. These courses are built inland rather than along the coast and are named “parkland” because they resemble landscaped parks. The fairways are typically lush, green, and well-maintained with lots of trees, water hazards, and manicured roughs. Unlike the fast and bumpy fairways of links, parkland courses have softer ground conditions, which means shots do not roll out as far.
Parkland courses are often what people imagine when they think of golf in the United States. Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters, is perhaps the most famous example. Parkland courses require golfers to hit more accurate shots to navigate tree-lined fairways and avoid water hazards. They may not be as exposed to wind as links courses, but they test precision and strategy in other ways.
4. Heathland Course
The heathland course is closely related to the links course but is located inland. Heathland courses are common in Britain, particularly in areas with sandy soil. The name comes from “heath,” which refers to uncultivated land covered with heather, gorse, and coarse grasses.
Heathland layouts are generally more open than parkland courses but still include patches of pine trees and shrubs. They usually have undulating terrain similar to links courses, but with more vegetation. These courses often provide a natural, wild look because they are not always as tightly manicured as parkland layouts.
5. Tobacco Road Golf Course
Tobacco Road Golf Course, located in Sanford, North Carolina, is one of the most unique and visually striking golf destinations in the United States. Designed by the late Mike Strantz and opened in 1998, the course is built on former tobacco farmland and sand quarry land, blending natural rugged terrain with bold architectural creativity. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, massive waste bunkers, rolling fairways, and optical illusions, it offers golfers a true test of strategy, patience, and precision.
More than just a round of golf, Tobacco Road Golf Course delivers an unforgettable experience that combines challenge, beauty, and artistry, making it a must-visit spot for golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Final Thoughts
Golf is a game defined by variety, and nowhere is that more evident than in the courses themselves. From the windswept dunes of a links course to the tree-lined beauty of parkland, the wild charm of heathland, the sandy precision of the Australian sandbelt, the spectacle of a stadium course, or the fun of a par-3 layout, each type of course offers something different. By understanding the 5 different types of golf courses explained here, golfers can appreciate not only the challenges of the game but also the artistry of course design.
Whether you are an experienced player or just starting, exploring different types of golf courses will deepen your love for the sport and help you see why golf is truly one of the most diverse games in the world.
