Talk:List of links golf courses

General Page Improvement
Hi all.

Just wanted to say hello.

Since this page first came to my attention a few years ago, being an avid links golfer, I’ve spent considerable time adding new links & links-like courses which weren’t included, plus I’ve improved the organisational structure, breaking down the lists for the UK & Ireland especially into more manageable and legible sections, which would aid reader comprehension and thus enjoyment - for example if they’re coming to this page as a reference for courses to play in a particular region.

Of the courses I have added, some of that info was based on personal knowledge and experience playing these courses, as well as industry standard knowledge on links.

Next, to improve the page, many of the listed courses will need to be referenced. Some can come from reviews from Top 100 GCs, National Club Golfer, Today’s Golfer, Golf World, Golf Monthly etc, others from articles and the remainder from club websites. This will be a time-consuming project, but I’m happy to do as much as I can. Of course if anyone wants to help that would be great.

FYI I actually made many additions to the original list, which was created a few years ago and based on the Peper & Campbell 246 True Links book. It’s a useful starting point, but missed out many genuine links, plus some links/heathland/parkland hybrids, which are a common form of seaside golf.

I have to this end included clifftop and coastal heathland courses which have links characteristics - sandy, bouncy turf, undulations and sea breezes, coastal grasses such as fine fescues, bents & marram, coastal plantlife such as gorse, broom, heather etc, and also well-drained courses close to the sea which have strong links characteristics. Aldeburgh and (previously) Thorpeness are in this category.

Together with leaving in some entries others have made, this has lead to an eclectic mix, which showcases the true diversity of styles of links and links-like golf. Indeed the Peper & Campbell book included examples of clifftop links (Sheringham) and coastal heathland (Formby, Carnoustie, Panmure). It was from such precedent that I included Thorpeness, which could be reinstated.

This list is not however exhaustive; it’s a true work in progress!

So going forward, there will be more courses to be added, both new builds, and existing courses which have either been omitted so far, or may perhaps be reclassified.

Finally, it could be this page may benefit from tabulation, perhaps including columns for: course name; location; information on exact type of links; references and, ideally; a notes column explaining any thinking re inclusion of less obvious courses.

All in all, much to discuss and I’d welcome your views. Ross-shire (talk) 12:32, 7 May 2021 (UTC)