Discovering the type of golf course that best suits your playing style can help you to tailor your perfect golfing getaway. Regardless of your handicap, the type of golf course you play can really impact your game and improve your overall enjoyment of the game.
In this guide, we offer an overview of the different types of golf courses, what makes them distinct from one another, and where you will be able to find each of them.
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged coastlines of a Links golf course, or the beautifully manicured greens of a Parkland golf course, our guide is here to help you plan the ultimate golfing retreat.
Parkland Golf Courses
The Belfry Hotel & Golf Resort
Parkland golf courses are among the most common types of golf courses and are a popular choice among mang golfers, especially in the UK. These courses are typically located inland, away from coastal elements, and rely on man-made features such as bunkers, water hazards and well-defined roughs to create interesting terrain.
Some of the most renowned Parkland golf courses in the UK include the Brabazon at The Belfy Hotel & Golf Resort in Sutton Coldfield, and the TwentyTen golf course at Celtic Manor Golf Resort.
Heathland Golf Courses
Gleneagles, Scotland
Heathland Golf Courses are characterised by their open, sandy terrain and natural vegetation such as heather, gorse, and other shrubbery. While not as exposed as Links courses, Heathland courses often feature more open fairways than Parkland courses, fewer trees and greater focus on the natural heathland landscape.
Britain is home to lots of fantastic Heathland courses including Kings course at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland and Alwoodly Golf Club in Leeds.
Links Golf Courses
Dunstanburgh Golf Club, Northumberland
Originally developed around the time golf was first introduced in Scotland, Links golf courses remain a major attraction for those seeking to experience the sport’s true heritage north of the border. Links courses are defined by sandy dunes, numerous bunkers, and their proximity to the coastline that often create challenging sea breezes for golfers to contend with.
England also boasts plenty of Links golf courses, including those in Northumberland, and Southport. Dunstanburgh Golf Club near Alnwick and Goswick Golf Club in Berwick-Upon-Tweed are firm favourites of ours, whilst Royal Birkdale in Southport is likely on most golfer’s bucket lists.
West Cliffs at Praia D’El Rey, Portugal
Links golf courses have now spread across the globe, offering the perfect option for those who love the challenge of rugged coastlines but also want to enjoy some sunshine (not always possible in Scotland.) The Silver Coast region near Lisbon, Portugal, offers some exceptional Links courses. Oitavos Dunes, near the charming coastal town of Cascais, West Cliffs and Praia D’El Rey, located slightly further north near Obidos, are stand out choices. The latter beautifully blends Parkland and Links elements as the course transitions from the coast to inland terrain.
Desert Golf Courses
El Valle Golf Course, Murcia
Given the description of this golf course, it’s clear you won’t find any in the UK. While desert-style courses are incredibly popular in U.S. states like Nevada, California and Arizona, you can still experience them in Europe.
Given the description of this type of golf course, it is clear you won’t find any examples of these in the UK sadly! However, despite being incredibly popular in some states in the USA like Las Vegas, California, and Arizona, you can experience desert style golf courses in Europe. Characteristics of these golf courses include lots of sand, generally flat terrain, and far fewer trees than a typical parkland course.
In the Murcia region of Spain, there are a number of desert-designed golf courses which form part of the ‘Jack Nicklaus Trail’. Three of the six courses which make up this trail – Saurines de La Torre, El Valle, and Alhama – all offer a fantastic desert-style experience.
Other Types Of Golf Courses
There are other categories of golf courses not listed in the above – including sandbelt golf courses, particularly prominent in the Melbourne region of Australia. What sets these courses apart is their sandy soil terrain that allows course designers the flexibility to place bunkers wherever they like while also ensuring excellent drainage.
If a golfing break to Australia seems too costly, rest assured – you can still enjoy sandbelt-style courses right here in the UK thanks to Surrey’s very own sandbelt region. Sunningdale Golf Club is arguably the top choice, but we can help you craft the perfect sandbelt getaway regardless of your preference.
Another category is par 3 – typically shorter, more affordable, beginner-friendly and quicker to play. These courses emphasise short-game skills rather than long drives from the tee. Many golf resorts across Europe feature a par 3 course alongside their traditional 18-hole courses, often referred to as their Academy course. Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve is one such example, offering a unique experience with its 9-hole, floodlit par 3 course.
About Glencor Golf Holidays
No matter what type of golf course you prefer, our expert team at Glencor Golf Holidays can advise you on the best locations to suit you needs.
Call 01904 406550 or email info@glencorgolf.com for more information today.
