Links golf asks for a different short game. On firm, fast, sandy turf by the sea, the high lob shots that work on soft parkland courses become risky, and the ball reacts to every slope and hollow. The best links golfers keep the ball low, use the ground and putt from surprising distances. Whether you're planning a trip to the coast or your home course plays firm in summer, these skills will save you strokes.
Why links golf is different
Links courses are built on sandy coastal land with fine grasses such as fescue. The turf is firm, the ball bounces and rolls, and the greens often blend into the surrounding fairways without long rough. Wind is almost always a factor. Read links vs parkland courses and golf grass types.
Putt from off the green
On links courses, putting from off the green is often the best option, even from 20 or 30 yards away.
- Check the ground: tight, firm fairway turf rolls almost like a green.
- Hit firmer than the distance on the green suggests, because the approach is usually slower than the green.
- Watch for hollows and ridges that change the roll.
- Read the whole route, not just the putting surface.
Read chip or putt: how to decide.
The bump and run
When putting isn't possible, the bump and run is the links golfer's main shot. Use a 7, 8 or 9 iron, land the ball short of or just onto the green, and let it run. Read the bump and run and chipping with hybrids and fairway woods.
Using slopes and contours
Links greens often have run-offs, banks and hollows. Instead of attacking the hole directly, use these features:
- Play into a bank to slow the ball.
- Use a slope to feed the ball towards a tucked hole.
- Avoid run-offs that will carry the ball away from the green.
Visualise the ball rolling along the ground, like a putt with a long first bounce.
Playing in the wind
- Keep the ball low: high pitches drift and balloon.
- Downwind: the ball runs further; land it shorter.
- Into the wind: the ball stops faster; be more aggressive.
- Crosswind: aim off and expect the ball to drift and run with the wind.
- Putting in wind: widen your stance for balance; strong wind can move the ball on fast greens.
Read how to play golf in the wind.
Pot bunkers
Links bunkers are often small and deep with steep, revetted faces.
- Get out first: sometimes the best play is sideways or backwards.
- Open the face for height when the face is close.
- Commit to the shot with speed through the sand.
Read difficult bunker shots and golf bunker sand.
Equipment for links golf
- Lower-bounce wedges suit firm, tight turf. Read wedge grinds explained.
- A hybrid for chipping from the fringe.
- A putter you trust for long approach putts.
Practising for links conditions
- Practise putts from 10–30 yards off the green on firm fairways.
- Play bump and runs with different clubs.
- Practise in wind whenever possible.
- Play "ground game" practice: you're not allowed to fly a chip more than halfway to the hole.
Read short-game practice plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use a lob wedge on links courses?
Sometimes, from bunkers or when you must carry an obstacle, but low, running shots are usually safer.
Why do links greens feel faster?
Firm, fine grasses and wind dry the surface, and the ball runs further on firm approaches.
Is it rude to putt from far off the green?
Not at all. It's a traditional links skill.
The bottom line
Links golf rewards imagination and the ground game: putt from off the green, play bump and runs, use slopes and keep the ball low in the wind. Practise these shots before your trip and you'll enjoy links golf far more. For trip ideas, read golf in Scotland and golf in Ireland.