A Complete Guide to Links Golf Courses You May Not Know
In the world of golf, links golf courses hold a special and almost mythical status. They represent the purest form of the game, shaped not by heavy landscaping but by nature itself. Unlike parkland or resort courses, links courses challenge golfers with wind, firm ground, and strategic shot making rather than visual spectacle alone.
So, what exactly is a links golf course, what makes it unique, and where can you experience true links golf in Vietnam? Let’s explore.
1. What Is a Links Golf Course? Meaning and Historical Origins
The term “links” comes from Scotland and originally referred to areas of sandy, coastal land formed by dunes and low lying vegetation. These lands were generally unsuitable for farming or construction due to their thin topsoil and sandy subsoil, but they drained exceptionally well.
In medieval Scottish coastal towns, these links lands were used for grazing livestock and communal activities such as archery practice, drying clothes, and social gatherings. Around the 15th century, when stick and ball games began to grow in popularity, these open coastal areas naturally became ideal places to play what would eventually evolve into golf.
In fact, it is often said that links courses invented golf, not the other way around. Natural fairways were created by closely grazed grass, rough areas by native heather and gorse, and bunkers by wind erosion and human or animal activity. Every modern golf course, in some way, is a tribute to these original Scottish links.
As golf spread in the 19th century from Scotland to the rest of the British Isles, the British Empire, and eventually the United States, links style courses followed particularly along coastlines where similar sandy terrain existed.
2. Defining Characteristics of a Links Golf Course
While there is still debate among golf historians and designers about what truly defines a links course, several key characteristics are widely accepted:
A true links golf course is defined primarily by its natural environment rather than artificial design. Built on sandy soil with exceptional drainage, links courses remain firm and playable year round, even after heavy rain. The terrain is naturally undulating, shaped by coastal dunes over centuries, which creates blind shots, uneven lies, and fairways that are not always fully visible from the tee. Unlike parkland or resort courses, trees are almost entirely absent, leaving the course exposed to the elements and placing a strong emphasis on weather conditions particularly wind.
Wind is one of the most influential factors in links golf, often changing direction and intensity throughout a single round. As a result, golfers must rely more on creativity and shot control, favoring low, running approaches rather than high aerial shots. Fairways are typically firm and fast, allowing the ball to roll significant distances, while the rough is left in a more natural state, dense and unforgiving, making recovery shots especially challenging. Bunkers on links courses are deep, steep faced, and strategically positioned, designed to penalize poor decision making rather than simply frame the hole visually.
Together, these elements create a style of golf that is strategic, unpredictable, and mentally demanding one that rewards thoughtful play and adaptability over raw power.
3. The Most Beautiful Links Golf Courses in Vietnam
Legend Danang Golf Resort (Nicklaus Course) – Da Nang
One of the most famous links courses in Asia, delivering classic seaside golf with firm fairways, open sightlines, and ever-changing wind conditions.
BRG Kings Island Lakeside (Links style holes) – Hanoi
Although not coastal, certain holes are designed in a links inspired style, featuring open layouts, wind exposure, and strategic ground play.
The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram – Ba Ria–Vung Tau
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip is a dramatic links style golf course shaped by towering sand dunes, rolling coastal terrain, and strong sea breezes that challenge every aspect of a golfer’s game. Designed by Greg Norman, the course sits on a rare stretch of pristine coastline, with Norman himself comparing it to his iconic Doonbeg Golf Links in Ireland.
Located just under two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Bluffs is consistently rated by Golftrip Asia golfers as the top links course in Southern Vietnam and a must play stop on any Ho Chi Minh golf trip. Its exposed layout, elevation changes, and signature holes especially the par 3 15th overlooking the sea deliver a true championship level experience.
Blending untouched coastal nature with world class resort facilities, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip offers an unforgettable and demanding links golf experience that no serious golfer should miss.
KN Golf Links Cam Ranh – Khanh Hoa
KN Golf Links Cam Ranh is a world class 27 hole coastal golf destination set along the pristine white sands of Bai Dai Beach. Designed by Greg Norman, the course is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful links courses in Vietnam and enjoys a strategic location with easy access from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Da Nang making it a highly convenient stop on any Vietnam golf trip.
The 18 hole Links Course delivers an authentic seaside links experience with rolling dunes, firm fairways, deep bunkers, and ever present coastal winds that demand precision and smart shot making. Meanwhile, the 9 hole Oasis Course offers a contrasting parkland style layout with water features and lush greenery, providing a more relaxed yet engaging round. With its dramatic coastal scenery and thoughtful design, KN Golf Links Cam Ranh perfectly balances challenge, accessibility, and resort style comfort.
Links golf courses are not designed for comfort or predictability. They are raw, natural, and deeply connected to the origins of the game. For golfers who value strategy, creativity, and the challenge of playing against nature, links golf offers an experience unlike any other.
In Vietnam, the rise of world class links and links style courses has significantly enhanced the country’s reputation as a premier Vietnam golf destination, attracting golfers from around the world. If you are looking to experience authentic links golf in Vietnam, Golftrip is here to help you choose the right course, tee time, and travel plan for an unforgettable golf journey.
여행 양식 만들기 지금 5% 할인받기Tailor-make Your Own Trip Get 5% discount now
