10 things to change when playing links golf
Links golf is different - in a good way - and you therefore need to play it differently.
Links courses are different beasts from inland courses. Approach them like you would any other layout and you could be in for a rough round.
In order to avoid a beating there are some simple things to ponder before heading out. And like always, GolfMagic has your back.
We’ve got 10 suggestions that will hopefully aid your day on the links.
Links courses are often a lot shorter than your average layout. Lightening fast fairways and adverse weather conditions are frequent, so keeping the ball on the deck is often your best chance for max distance.
It’s often a good idea, therefore, to sheath the driver and take out a driving iron from the tee. This will also give you a better chance of hitting the fairway - you don’t want to be missing too many of them around links.
This isn't a rule, but something to think about. Areas around greens are often baked hard, so landing on them and running the ball onto the green is sometimes a decent shot.
If you’re playing in windy conditions and hitting a shot below the wind, you’ll probably need to use the area in front of the green in order to allow the ball to stop on the green rather than landing on and shooting through.
Throwing the ball up in the air isn’t always the best idea on a links course - you could see it coming back at you if it’s blowing in your face.
Punch shots are crucial to success on links courses, taking the weather out of contention. Get the ball back in your stance and trap it. It's often the only way to play.
It’s time to have a ponder about the bounce on your wedges. Low bounce wedges are usually suited to firm ground and tight lies, which is probably what you’ll be seeing a lot of. Take out high bounce wedges onto a baked links and you could be thinning it all over the place.
Play the percentage shot around the greens and opt for the bump and run. Again, throwing the ball in the air can cause issues due to weather. It’s time to unearth your magical short game!
Putting from the fairway is common in links golf as the grass is often short and hard. Rather than try and chip from a tight lie and risk thinning it through the back, grab the short stick and test your reading skills.
When lining up putts make sure you factor in the wind direction, as this can greatly impact on the roll of the ball. It's tragic to see a straight putt move off line in a howling gale, but not as bad when it pushes the ball into the hole.
As mentioned earlier, on links courses you can often get more distance getting the ball rolling on the fairways rather than in the air, so think about adjusting your metal woods in order to have a lower flight.
Does your ball perform in the wind? Do some research into the product you’re using and its characteristics - some cut through the wind better than others.
Don’t just stand there and go at the ball 100% all the time. The saying goes “when it’s breezy, swing it easy”, so take heed. If you’re not great at playing low shots, cheat by taking a longer iron and just take some heat off it.
Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
