Summer 2025 

Volume 38, Number 3

Irish Ayes

There is no golf experience like Ireland, with its wonderful courses, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people. Add to that pot of gold this issue of LINKS, which is mostly about Ireland. “Mostly” because we would never ignore our own national championship; look for a few stories about U.S. Open venue Oakmont. Add to that a feature on the man who could be golf’s greatest architect, our list of the top 10 courses in Michigan, and more.

Table of Contents

Despite creating only a very few courses over here, Harry Colt was likely the most influential and innovative designer the game has known

by Tony Dear

A Gil Hanse facelift has restored old wrinkles—and old-style trouble—to Pittsburgh’s famously feared U.S. Open layout

by Joe Passov

As the Open Championship returns for the second time in six years, Northern Ireland’s best courses are shining brightly

by Mark Alexander

A half-dozen castles in Ireland offer a true taste of the royal treatment—luxurious lodging and great, green golf

by Joe Passov

The new 18 at Cabot Highlands is rich with Scottish fun and eccentricity

by Al Lunsford

Inspired by a neighboring classic, this Michigan masterpiece combines the best of worlds old and new

by David DeSmith

So what if it hasn’t held an Open Championship—this magnificent Irish links is as dramatic and beautiful as any in the world

by Nick Edmund

Inside LINKS

Irish Ayes

Irish Stews

The Art of Links Golf

Jay and the Americans

Berkeley Hall Club

Comanche Trace

In Development

World Round-up

Slieve Donard

Willie Gregg

Thailand

Henry Clay and William Clark Fownes

Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Church Pews (photo by Fred Vuich/USGA)

A Gil Hanse facelift has restored old wrinkles—and old-style trouble—to Pittsburgh’s famously feared U.S. Open layout

by Joe Passov

Despite creating only a very few courses over here, Harry Colt was likely the most influential and innovative designer the game has known

by Tony Dear

Harry Colt

Portstewart (Strand) (photo by Mark Alexander)

As the Open Championship returns for the second time in six years, Northern Ireland’s best courses are shining brightly

by Mark Alexander

A half-dozen castles in Ireland offer a true taste of the royal treatment—luxurious lodging and great, green golf

by Joe Passov

Adare Manor (photo by L.C. Lambrecht)