Ireland Golf Links

The word "links" has Scottish origins and is most aptly characterized by sand dunes that are along the coastline. During the genesis stages of golf in both Ireland and Scotland, only very limited tools were available to course architects; as such, the now typical land altering techniques applied by American course architects were not available to them. They utilized the natural topography to create what many still consider to be the truest form of the sport.

Though there are several links golf courses in North America, most 18 hole courses are defined by grand, open spaces, installed bodies of water, and of course, an abundance of troublesome trees. There are two defining features that make typical links golf courses memorable, enjoyable and all together different from what we are accustomed to in North America.

Ireland golf links are indeed challenging but, for the most part, you need not worry about the thick shrubbery or "casual water" that keep most avid golfers up at night. As most Ireland courses neighbor the sea, a links is often composed of a harder, sandier grass. As such, a golfer's best friend is often the straight, low or "knock down" shot that negates the problem of intense winds and takes advantage of the terrain to maximize distance.

If you have never played golf in Ireland, expect to be surprised more than once on your first few rounds. Firstly, the deep "pot bunkers" scattered about are often difficult to locate because they are really more like deep holes in the ground than the sandy, inlaid sand traps you are probably used to.