Let’s talk about golf courses. If you’re a beginner looking to understand the different varieties, of course, you’ve come to the right place. In this short article, we will discuss the different sizes, styles, and rules of the various types of golf course to help you understand your place in the golfing world. From beginner courses to stadium greens, let’s take a look at each different course and what makes them so special.

Pitch and Putt / Beginners Courses

Since we’re all beginners here, let’s start with entry-level courses. Beginners courses, as well as pitch and putt courses, are specifically designed for shorter games. You won’t be needing your sand wedge for bunkers on many of these courses! They are for beginners but are also used by more experienced golfers to help them improve their short game. With no set rules about hole length, par, or timings, these are a perfect place to practice your swing, putt, and enjoy the game. They are also a great place to get lessons if you fancy a bit of expert help.

Par 3 Courses

Next up, let’s talk par 3. This is the next progression in course, with longer holes and potential for bunkers and water hazards, treat a par 3 as your introduction to a “real” golf course. They can be 9 or 18 holes in length and most holes range from 90-240 yards. As a beginner, a 240 yard par-3 is still a big ask, but don’t be put off. On a par 3 course, you can expect a mixed bag of players.

Some more seasoned players enjoying a leisurely game, some children and some beginners. It is a place for practice and patience. Though, if you feel you are holding up the play of those behind you, it is best to let them go ahead while you learn your swing.

Professional Courses

When we say professional courses, we really refer to any course where a full game of golf can be played. Again, this can be 18 or 9 holes in length and will have a mixture of holes of par 3, 4, and 5. On these courses, you need to be confident in your long drive and fairway play, as you will almost certainly be teeing off ahead of or behind some experienced players. There are a few main types of pro course, as detailed below:

1. Links

Links-style courses are probably the most famous in the world. Originating in the UK, where golf was invented, they are built on narrow sections of land between coast and farmland. They play along the natural landscape creating lovely – but hard to master – rolling hills, wonky greens, and water hazards. Pure links courses are found along the Irish and Scottish coasts, but many courses worldwide have been designed to follow this style.

2. Parkland

A parkland course is often built further inland with an abundance of greenery and is surrounded by forest or parks. As these courses aren’t built along with rocky coastal areas, they are often far more manicured with flat greens, wide fairways, and man-made lakes. With a parkland course, the designer and architect have far more freedom to create the course however they please which can create some nice and interesting holes.

3. Sandbelt

The sandbelt region in Australia brings its own kind of course. As the soil here is more sandy, it creates a truly unique golfing experience. The soil makes for firm terrain and long-running balls, while also providing great steep edged bunkers to throw a real challenge your way. This area surrounds Melbourne, Australia, and is now known for some of the greatest courses in the world.

4. Stadium Course

Stadium courses are those specifically designed with spectators in mind. They could well be links, parkland, or sandbelt courses, but have been designed for use in golf tournaments with many spectators. You will often see stadium seating around greens or particularly tricky tees. These courses are designed to be tough, challenging, and thoroughly entertaining.

Often, they are referred to as championship courses. There is confusion here, as any course can claim to be a ‘championship’ course. This simply means a course that is long and challenging. Any of these types of courses could be classed as championship-level.

We hope that you get to experience some of these wonderful courses one day. There is so much to learn about the game by playing on different surfaces and in different conditions. Enjoy your journey into the world of wonderful golf courses around the world.