The Beginners Guide to Golf Course Design

Don’t know your Links from your Parklands? No, problem, read on and we’ll share some basic terminology with you. Golf courses around the world can all look quite different. Let me explain why that is the case in my beginner’s guide to golf course design. 

Parkland Golf Courses

These golf courses have a green, tree lined, and lushness look to them. Parkland golf courses are built in land and tend to have similarities to a park, hence the name “Parklands”. The course is well-manicured however the grass is more expensive and harder to upkeep because the conditions of the natural land are not ideal for golf. Parkland courses are renowned for their beauty and are in the style of the most famous golf tournament, The Masters at Augusta National. 

Links Golf Courses

This is the most famous type of golf course because of golf’s origination in Scotland in the 15^th Century.  You find this style of course in the UK, Ireland & Scotland and are situated close to the coastline on naturally sandy conditions. Links courses have drier and firmer grass and drains water easily, perfect for harsh weather conditions. It has wide and open fairways, deep pot bunkers and not as lush looking as the parkland course. The most famous Links course is “The Old Course at St Andrews Beach”, the home of golf.

Sandbelt Courses

Sandbelt courses are situated just outside Melbourne, Victoria. This is home of some of the most popular courses in the world. The course is built on sandy, undulating, and firm terrain. The grass is firm and tight (low cut, not lush) which helps the ball get more run.  The most popular sandbelt course in Melbourne would be “Royal Melbourne Golf Club”.

Championship Course

 A championship course means that it consists of 18 holes, is long and tough to play, and tends to host tournaments. The word ‘championship’ can also distinguish the better course if a golf club has more than one.

Par 3 Course

 A Par 3 course is made up of shorter length holes and is suitable for beginners, juniors, and the elderly to learn to play golf or enjoy a faster game of golf. This course is great for fine-tuning and improving your short game. We like teeing off at Shortees in Sydney, a fun 18-hole, Par 3 pitch and putt style course, open 7 days a week from 8am to 10pm.

 Words by Paige Stubbs