The Value of Variety in Golf Course Design

As the spice of both life and golf (many readers will consider them one and the same thing), the importance of variety cannot be overstated. Imagine a course without any; where every nondescript hole looks and plays much the same as the others—how uninspiring and utterly forgettable. Alister MacKenzie spelled out how fundamental variety was to […]
What is the Best Time of Year to Play Golf?

10 Great Risk/Reward Holes

The label “risk/reward” is applied liberally to golf holes these days. Probably too liberally. Look at any course’s hole descriptions and you’re likely to see it appear at least a handful of times. In reality, there’s risk involved in every swing, and reward to be earned anytime a shot is successfully executed. Strategy comes into […]
Modern Classics: SentryWorld

Wisconsin’s U.S. Senior Open venue earned early fame for its flower hole, but it took a renovation to truly make it blossom When Robert Trent Jones Jr. crafted SentryWorld in 1982, he called the design, “very possibly my Mona Lisa.” After Jones performed a significant redesign in 2014 and a nip-and-tuck in 2021, the smile […]
Must-Play Mountain Golf Courses – LINKS Golf Podcast Ep. 146

With summer in full swing, the hosts provide suggestions for fantastic public mountain golf courses on both sides of the U.S.—and up into Canada—on this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This episode is presented by Tourism Ireland. You can subscribe to the LINKS Golf Podcast in iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. _______________ What did […]
Q&A: Golf Course Architect Kyle Franz

He won’t qualify as early 40s for very much longer and has been a part of the golf design business for more than 20 years now. So, it’s fair to say Kyle Franz probably isn’t the new/young kid on the block anymore. Actually, thanks to an extensive resume that includes working for the world’s best […]
Hoodies on the Golf Course—Yay or Nay?

Golf’s Greatest Walks

Sunningdale (Old) is golf’s best walk in the park Golf’s greatest walks should stretch the legs, stimulate the senses, and test your physical skills, yet envelop you in serenity. Striding seaside is a singular pleasure, but a tranquil walk in the woods can be equally compelling. For sheer joy, Sunningdale Golf Club’s Old course, west […]
Top 10 Connecticut Courses You Can Play

The third week of June brings the annual renewal of the Travelers Championship in suburban Hartford, Conn., the most raucous, best-attended PGA Tour event east of the Mississippi. Unlike that other rowdy tournament in Scottsdale, however, the host TPC River Highlands course in Cromwell is private. Fortunately, however, if you’re visiting the Nutmeg State, there […]
6 Golf Design Terms Explained – LINKS Golf Podcast Ep. 145

Co-hosts Joe Passov and Al Lunsford break down six familiar golf course design phrases, teaching the listeners their meaning and offering a wealth of course examples, in this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast. This episode is presented by Tourism Ireland. You can subscribe to the LINKS Golf Podcast in iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. […]