Definition

1. Noun:
   • A golf course built on sandy coastal land, typically characterized by undulating terrain, few trees, and deep bunkers: A "links course" is a specific type of golf course, originally and most commonly found in Scotland, built on sandy soil near the coast. Its design features natural, rolling dunes, firm turf, and is often exposed to wind.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The famous Old Course at St Andrews is a classic links course.
  • Playing on a links course requires different strategies due to the wind and hard ground.
  • They traveled to Scotland to experience a traditional links course.

Advanced Usage

• "True links": A term used to describe a golf course that meets the strict, traditional geographical and geological criteria for a links course, typically located on a sandy coastline.
  • Only a few hundred courses in the world can be considered true links.

Variants and Related Words

• Links (noun, often used plurally): The land itself on which a links course is built; can also refer to the golf course informally.
  • We're going to play the links this weekend.
• Parkland course (noun): A contrasting type of golf course set inland, featuring more trees, softer turf, and manicured landscapes.
• Heathland course (noun): A type of course similar to links but found on sandy, inland soil covered with heather and gorse.

Synonyms

• Seaside golf course: A general term for a golf course located by the sea, which may include links courses.
• Dunes course: Emphasizes the sandy, undulating terrain characteristic of many links courses.

Related Phrases

• Links-style course: A modern golf course designed to imitate the features of a traditional links course, even if not built on coastal land.
  • The architect built a links-style course in the Midwest.

Noun

1. course consisting of a large landscaped area for playing golf