Is there a links course that is not a good course?

[Sean_A]

I don't know of any 18-hole course with a greater degree of variability than Port Stewart in Northern Ireland.  Love 9 and hate 9.  I'm not sure I'd really classify the "bad" 9 as a links.  But so, be it.

Agree, thought the front 9 was great. Back 9 could have been anywhere.


Played Sandy Hills in 2013. Wasn’t bad but boy was it hard that day.

You boys are wayyyy too hard on the back nine. If it is average golf the Doak Scale should go to 12. I have played more than a few links which aren’t as good. For me the issue is about poor value.

Ciao

[Matt Schoolfield]

Two thoughts:

1. Links golf is primarily defined by the elements, so -- and I say this cautiously -- there is less need for strategic architecture to create the same interest, as the same course can play five different ways depending on the way the wind blows and the rain falls.

2. We can't even agree on which courses we think are great. Why would we be able to agree on which courses we think are no good?

[Mark Pearce]

I'm with The Yank on Portstewart.  The back 9 may not have the grandeur of some of the front 9 but it's very strong golf and way above "average".  I'm also with him on the price, though.

[Tommy Williamsen]

I think some links courses get a pass because they are links. Ashburnam and Nefyn and District in Wales are two courses that are okay, but after the rounds, I was left wanting more.

[Ben Sims]

1. Links golf is primarily defined by the elements, so --

Not to be pedantic, but isn’t links golf primarily defined by the land on which the course sits?

[Matt Schoolfield]

1. Links golf is primarily defined by the elements, so --

Monty he pedantic, but isn’t links golf primarily defined by the land on which the course sits?

If we're going to be really pedantic, I'd suggest that we’re just not going to ever agree on what "links golf" means.

[Ben Sims]

Matt,


Okay sure. I am aware of your opinion on the matter. Thanks for the link.


Your initial statement (point 1) seemed pretty definitive on what links is and I disagree. I’d venture most people that have an opinion on that matter do as well. The point I’m making is that the reason most links courses are considered at least good is because of location and turf. Not wind/rain.


Edit—I don’t wish to be obtuse or combative Matt. I do understand your point.

[Niall C]

Sorry for interruption. Is the Murvagh discussed above Donegal? Thanks.

Correct

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