# What Is a Links Course? Golf Course Types Explained

By Fayrway Pros · Published 25 September 2026

**The short version**

A links course is a coastal course built on sandy dunes, with firm turf, few trees and plenty of wind, the original form of golf. The main other types are parkland, heathland and resort courses, each playing very differently.

- Links: coastal, firm, windy, bunkers and dunes
- Parkland: inland, tree-lined, softer and greener
- Heathland: sandy inland with heather and gorse

Golfers throw around terms like links and parkland as if everyone knows them. **A links course is a coastal course built on sandy, dune land, with firm ground, few trees and constant wind. It is the oldest and most traditional form of golf.** Here are the main course types and how they play.

### Links courses

Found on the coast, on the sandy land that links the beach to the farmland inland, hence the name. Links courses are firm and fast running, treeless and exposed to the wind, with deep pot bunkers and undulating ground. You play low, running shots and manage the wind. Most of the world's great Open Championship venues, and much of the UK and Irish coastline, are links.

### Parkland courses

The most common inland type, and what most club golfers play week to week. Parkland courses are lush and green, tree-lined, with softer turf that holds the ball, so you play a more aerial, target-style game. They tend to be more sheltered than links.

### Heathland courses

Inland but on sandy soil, heathland courses sit between links and parkland. They are firmer than parkland, framed by heather, gorse and pockets of trees, and drain well, so they play beautifully year round. Surrey and Berkshire have some of the finest.

### Resort and other types

Resort courses are designed to be scenic and playable for visitors, often with water features and generous fairways. You may also hear of moorland courses (high, exposed, on peaty upland) and executive or par-3 courses (shorter, great for beginners).

| Type | Ground | Feel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Links | Firm, sandy, windy | Low, running shots |
| Parkland | Soft, green, tree-lined | Aerial, target golf |
| Heathland | Firm, sandy, heather | All-round, drains well |

### What to pack for each

On an exposed links, layers and a good waterproof matter more than anywhere, because the wind and weather are relentless. See our [best golf waterproofs](https://fayrway.co.uk/blogs/journal/best-golf-waterproofs-2026) and browse [waterproofs](https://fayrway.co.uk/collections/apparel-waterproofs) before a coastal trip.

### Frequently asked questions

#### What is a links golf course?

A coastal course built on sandy dune land, with firm, fast-running turf, few or no trees, deep bunkers and constant wind. It is the oldest form of golf and hosts most Open Championships.

#### What is the difference between links and parkland golf?

Links courses are coastal, firm, treeless and windy, favouring low running shots. Parkland courses are inland, green, tree-lined and softer, favouring an aerial, target-style game. They play very differently.

#### What is a heathland golf course?

An inland course on sandy soil, framed by heather and gorse with some trees. It sits between links and parkland, drains well and plays firm, so it is enjoyable all year. Surrey and Berkshire are famous for it.

#### Which type of course is best for beginners?

Parkland and shorter executive or par-3 courses are usually kindest to beginners, as they are more sheltered and forgiving than a windy, firm links, where the ball runs into trouble more easily.

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