Best Links Golf Courses
0 links courses across the UK & Ireland
Links golf is the original form of the game — played on natural seaside terrain, shaped by wind, rain and time rather than architects. The UK and Ireland are home to the greatest concentration of links courses anywhere in the world: from the Old Course at St Andrews to Royal County Down, Ballybunion to Royal Birkdale.
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What is Links Golf?
The Origins of Golf
Links courses occupy the strip of land 'linking' the sea to the farmland — undulating, sandy terrain that drains quickly, is dominated by natural grasses, gorse and heather, and is shaped entirely by the elements. The Old Course at St Andrews, in use for over 600 years, is the archetype. Wind is a permanent playing partner; rain a frequent one.
Playing Characteristics
Links courses reward creativity and low, running shots over the high-carry approach play common on parkland. Greens are firmer, fairways faster, rough wilder and pot bunkers more penal. The ball bounces unpredictably. Club selection changes every day as wind direction shifts. Most golfers find links golf both more challenging and more addictive than any other form of the game.
The UK's Links Heritage
Of the world's roughly 250 true links courses, approximately 200 are in the UK and Ireland. Scotland has the most — Ayrshire, Fife, East Lothian, the Highlands and Angus are all links heartlands. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way links are among the world's most dramatic. England's Open rota — Birkdale, Lytham, Sandwich, Hoylake — represents the game's elite.
Planning a Links Trip
Most links are open to visitors without the restrictions of private parkland clubs. Booking in advance is recommended for championship venues; many smaller links welcome walk-ons. Green fees range from £15 at remote Scottish links to £300+ at St Andrews Old Course. A 3–5 day links tour of Scotland, Ireland or the Causeway Coast is one of golf's great experiences.
Find links courses near you
Use the interactive map to explore all links courses filtered by location, green fee and rating.
Open Links Golf Map