The term “links” was used before golf was invented to describe the dune-filled area of land that literally linked the land to the sea.  P G Wodehouse popularised the term in his excellent golf stories, and since then it has become absorbed into golfing language.

Although links golf is not exclusively found on the coast, the close proximity of waves, sudden squalls and breath-taking vistas are closely associated with this form of the game. It is the often unforgiving nature of the weather that puts some golfers off leaving their inland, tree-lined havens.

 

However, to the enlightened player, links golf becomes a life-long love affair. My personal affinity for seaside golf began on family holidays to St. Enodoc in North Cornwall. For those lucky enough to have played, you will know what I mean - I wouldn’t say it was the fairest golf course, but it offers some truly splendid holes and a collection of some of the most breathtaking views of any British course. St. Enodoc introduced me to some of the challenges intrinsic to all links golf, and those faced by Open Championship competitors each year. Having found out the hard way, I’d like to share three tips for playing this wonderful form of the game.

 

Links courses generally throw up a much larger variety of shots than their inland brothers. The sight of a head-scratching golfer, neck-deep in a cavernous pot bunker or half way up a mountainous dune, is a common one. You can almost see the thought “I was never taught this one” written on their face!

 

You can be presented with the longest rough and the shortest, tightest fairway you ever played on the same course with a severity of slopes that seem more indigenous to St Moritz than St. Georges.

As a result, good links golf requires as much imagination as clubhead control.  The most important question to ask yourself is “What does the clubhead have to do to the ball to hit this?”.  Good golfers develop an instinctive feel for it, and you can see them plotting it out and rehearsing the required swing.  However they don’t always get it right and ultimately it’s a learning process, requiring trial and error.

 

The biggest enemy playing links golf is yourself. The unpredictability of the elements and the bounce and roll of the ball can really grate on players.  As a result, it often does not seem as fair as “target” golf courses.  Successful links players figure out that they have to respond positively to bad shots and bad luck.  This essentially boils down to “Get over it and focus on the next shot”.

 

Another side to the mental game for links is to be able to adjust your expectations with the conditions.  Wind, rain, roll and pin position can make the same course play completely differently from one day to the next. Holes that were birdie opportunities on the Thursday can be a graveyard of the double bogies on Friday. The trick is to recognise when a bogey is ok and not to press.

 

I was fortunate to play a lot of golf at St Andrews in my youth and soon discovered through the medium of numb toes, hail-whipped face and regular drenchings, that although I had a great set of golf clubs I was completely unequipped for the elements. Rapid changes in temperature, wind speed and rain mean that you need clothing that is up to the task. Goretex waterproofs are a great benefit as they keep you dry but stop you from overheating - a hat and a warm top that is easy to swing in is key (see Windproof and Insula technologies).  Performance clothing has made huge advances recently and it always amuses me to see golfers put themselves through needless pain wearing the wrong stuff. The player who stays comfortable, despite what the weather throws at them, has a valuable advantage.

 

Links golf is invigorating, challenging and, quite simply, a different test of your ability. In my experience, a 4 handicapper from a links course will beat a 4 handicapper from an inland one more often than not. So get yourself to the coast and stretch yourself and your game.

 

Visit www.premiumgolf.co.uk for further golf advice.
 
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