Bandon Dunes presents a true links experience.

WW

Look no further than last year's TTI... Bandon Dunes!!

Id say the courses at Bandon Dunes. Even though Bandon Trails is off the water and inland, it still has the link'sy feel of the others on property.. Id toss in Chambers Bay as well!

I've never played on the "other side" of the Atlantic so I'm not the best to provide a comparison. I've played the Bandon Dunes courses multiple times and for me, they are unlike any course I've played. I've played Pebble Beach Golf Links and IMO Pebble Beach Golf Links and Bandon Dunes are vastly different. I would imagine a true "links" course would resemble Bandon rather than Pebble even though Pebble has "Links" in their name.

I've been fortunate to have played some of the great Links courses in Scotland and Ireland. They are most definitely unique in my mind for many of the reasons you stated. The Ocean Course at Kiawah could be considered a Links style, but to me it is not Links golf when compared to places like Lahinch, Ballybunion, Waterville, Royal County Down, Royal Troon, and of course, The Old Course. I've played all of those mentioned ad they are distinctly different from anything I've played here in the U.S. that's advertised as Links golf. Links golf is my favorite and nothing is quite like real Links Land. Just my opinion.

the only two that I have seen come close are in the northeast. One is a 9 holer on cape cod called Highland Links and the other is newport CC in Rhode Island. Other than that we don't really have the type of grass and sandy soil in the USA.

www.highlandlinkscapecod.com/

Rob, Jump up to Bandon. Sandy soil, fescue grass, and gorse. Wind, rain, and single-malt at the bar. Pretty close to what I experienced over there.

Rob, I have played Highland Links quite a bit and it does have a special feel to it, overlooking the cliffs of Truro. Sounds like the consensus is Bandon Dunes, though. I'll be adding that to my bucket list (along with several dozen courses in GB and Ireland).

Thanks for the great thoughts, everybody!

Hi
I have been lucky to play a little on both sides of the Atlantic normally squeezing in a round when on holiday in the US
Living in North East England near to the North Sea coast, Links golf is always pretty close for me and I have played Turnberry, Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham , Carnoustie and Troon on the Open circuit
In the US I have played at courses in Scottsdale, New York, Boston, New Orleans, San Francisco, South Carolina, Las Vegas none of which were links
Links golf in the UK is often played in strong winds and changeable weather, four seasons in one day springs to mind! In winter the temperature falls below zero as well so you need plenty of clothing
Having said that every golfer should try true links golf in their lifetime
I can honestly say the golf courses I have played in the US have been beautiful both in condition and visually and playing the desert courses at Scottsdale and Las Vegas will always be fond memories for me and South Carolina is paradise for the keen golfer
I hope I get to spend many more rounds in you amazing country and if I do find a links course I will let you all know
Enjoy your golf and hopefully you will sample Links golf in the UK
Play well
Geoff

As much as I love The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, the experts would not classify it as a true links course. The following 4 are the only four true links courses in the US:

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Oregon)
Highland Links (9) (Massachussets)
Old Macdonald at Bandon Dunes (Oregon)
Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes (Oregon)

Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links in Nova Scotia

https://cabotlinks.com/

I MUST play there while I still have a little game left. Spectacular IMO.

My reservation for October is looking pretty sketchy unless they open the border to travelers soon. :)

In the news this am - anticipating fully vax'd Americans allowed into Canada by early to mid Aug and others by mid Sept. Lot's of pressure on the Gov't here from both sides of the border to get things opened back up. You should be good for Cabot Dale unless the world craps out again with some new variant!

Thanks Jason. The minute it’s official I will be booking my flight.

Dale, what airport do you fly into? Just curious if it's US or Canada, and do you need a passport now? Mine's expired and been putting off getting a new one.

I'm wondering how long it might take to drive there from MD. I'm guessing 16 or 17 hours, maybe even more. But I'm okay with that. I drive to and from FL a couple times a year, yet hate the northern part of that drive. I bet the drive to Nova Scotia is beautiful once into NH and Maine. One of these days.

Doug, Not sure how Canada will handle an expired passport. I think the US is accepting them through the end of this year. I will do LAX to Toronto to Halifax and then 3 - 4 hour drive from there. It would be a full day's drive from Maine. You might use Google Map or MapQuest to check routes and times.

You definitely will need an up to date passport.

You gotta go.... Its truly Bandon Dunes on the other side of the coast! Only downside is the 3-4 hours drive from the airport!

If I can just get to the dang airport. Hoping the July 21st border review will open to tourists with approved vaccinations. If not, I will have to reschedule again, for the second time into 2022.

Rick, those you mentioned are close but personally, I think the courses at Bandon are much more equal to the ocean links courses of the UK and Ireland. Probably Old Mac specifically as it has those UK-common "quirky" holes and can truly be played "on the ground" when the wind is blowing. Sand Valley courses are also on the list. All said, and even with my love of Bandon (go every year), there is nothing like a trip to St. Andrews. I have had the opportunity to go there twice and the entire experience is almost overwhelming for a golf historian. Not just playing on courses that the greats have played on but walking in town, visiting Old and Young Tom Morris' graves. Drinking beer in the Jigger Inn. Eating the local food. Its all pretty special. So, if you cant leave the USA, go to Bandon. If you can take a trip to the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland are my recommendations. Enjoy this weeks TV broadcasts and lets get that Team Titleist trip to Northern Ireland planned soon.

To be call a "links" course, the course needs to be on links land. That is defined as the land that links the sea to the the land. I would say The Ocean Couse and Kiawah would qualify and some of the holes at Harbor Town would make some say it is a links course but it has more holes inland, so I would say it does not. Sankaty Head on Nantucket could also be a links course due to its proximity to the sea, but Nantucket Golf Club would not.

I am sure there are many others but these come quickly to mind.

Very interesting question.... I think for starters you have to establish a criteria on what exactly is a true Links course.

The courses that come to mind for me which I've played or have actually been on are National Golf Links, Prairie Dunes GC and Pacific Dunes.
Another course that could be debated on being a Links course is Sand Hills GC in Nebraska....for me this is very debatable.

I'm sure there is debate on these courses whether they constitute true Links courses, but hey, we all have opinions and that is what this forum is for.

I have been fortunate to have played Ballybunion and Dingle Bay in Ireland. Dingle Bay is the most westerly golf club in Ireland located on the windy Dingle Bay. I would say the The Ocean Course at Kiawah comes real close. The Links courses in the US are just better manicured and somewhat less difficult. Links courses over there are more naturally laid out, meaning moving less dirt, and following the natural terrain. Dingle Bay falls into that category and is a very difficult course but a must play course in Ireland.

I've been lucky enough to go to Scotland and played some nice courses out there a few years ago. To hear the history and how the courses were built is pretty impressive to learn. No machinery were used on some of the courses I got to play and it's crazy to look at the course I'm playing and think HOW?!?

The courses I played in Scotland were links courses and I looked up online on what people think are link courses in the U.S. and Bandon Dunes stands out. I've played 4 of the 5 in Bandon Dunes. I'll be honest and IMO, it's not the same. Trust me I LOVED Bandon and can't wait to go back but it's a different feeling. Maybe it's Mother Nature I don't know but it definitely didn't feel the same to me.

2022 I am going to SW Ireland so cannot wait for that trip to happen. I look forward to reading the responses!

Didn't you do all four at Bandon on the same day (Summer Solstice Challenge)? Wow! You definitely wont find that being done in the UK. I always go in December when the short days keep me from overdoing it. December also gets you a little more of the Scottish feeling weather. Interesting that Bandon is also has its share of wild gorse bushes, something that I think gives it a more common UK feel. Good that you are booked for Ireland in 2022. Only thing available now is 2023 since so many 2020 trips were rolled over. Hoping to get some of the better Ireland courses played while I still can swing a club. Cant wait to read your reviews.

Hey Dale, yeah did the summer solstice and what an experience that was. I agree Bandon is as close to links golf as there is in the U.S. but for some reason, IMO it just didn't feel the same when I compare my experience to Scotland. I don't know why. Maybe it's the culture? Weather? not sure. I definitely plan on going back to Bandon and taking my time when I go. Bandon Dunes is truly spectacular.

I am looking forward to visiting SW Ireland in 2022. We've had to postpone it 4 times due to COVID and the people over there have been very nice to us rescheduling each time. Praying there won't be a 5th time. When I visited Scotland, one of the locals told me people don't realize how good golf is in Ireland. Probably just as good and cheaper. So looking forward to find that out!

We went with a tour group a number of years ago to SW Ireland and had a blast. We stayed at a B&B in Killanery and played the Killen Course there. Also on our tour was Waterville, Ballybunion, Dooks and Dingle Bay. One evening Bushmill did whiskey/whisky tastings which was interesting and enjoyable. Jameson's 18 year old is smooth. The host was Irish and his company was based out of NY. We had a driver and Mercedes van that took us to the courses everyday. I personally like inclusive tours where everything is planned out for me and not have to worry about transportation and getting tee times. The Ring of Kerry is a beautiful area and our driver was a gracious tour guide as we drove to and from the courses. We toured the local pubs and restaurants in the evenings. It was a bucket list trip. I know you will love Ireland. Dingle Bay is a must play course. The story goes that the farmers took back the course in the 60s for the cattle to graze and then returned the course back for play a few years later. A true links course. Very little earth was moved to create the beauty.

Found this interesting article on line regarding this question: Links Style/True Links. It appears according to the article that Pacific Dunes and Highland Links are the only top two true links courses mentioned in the US.

What Makes a True Links Course

The characteristics of what makes a true links course are simple. To be considered, a links course must be set in a coastal area. The course’s design should embrace the natural landscape and hazards of its location to determine the skill-level needed to play. More importantly, man-made elements must be kept to an absolute minimum, with the exception of historical sites such as centuries-old manors or estates.

Above all, the course should have naturally-occurring sand dunes and bunkers, with few trees and an abundance of rolling hills. If you are an avid golfer, you know that this describes most courses in the UK, and most notably, Scotland. In fact, the term “links” is actually Scottish for rising ground, perfectly describing the area’s picturesque coast. While not many courses are true links, links-style courses offer a similar playing feel to the real thing and can be found in other parts of the world, not just the UK.

Top Links-Style Golf Courses, by Country

Below are the world’s top links-style golf courses — true links included.

United States

The Ocean Course – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
With jaw-dropping vantage points at every turn, The Ocean Course has made a name for itself since the day of its inception. Pete Dye designed the Course specifically for the 1991 Ryder’s Cup and included as many oceanic views as possible. This Course is known as one of the top links-style courses in the country and beloved by golfers everywhere. For a second time in its history, The Ocean Course will host the 2021 PGA Championship.

Front Nine Lane homes at The Ocean Course offer an incredible opportunity to own property adjacent to this world-famous course.

Cassique Golf Course – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
This private course pays homage to Scotland’s greatest golf courses with its man-made hills and pot bunkers. Some holes offer a bit of Lowcountry feel, thanks to the layered views of marshland and tidal waters. Kiawah Island Club Members play a round at Cassique when they’re looking for a challenging game with a unique layout.

Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California
By far the most legendary course on this list, Pebble Beach is a links-style course with narrow fairways and dramatic holes. Like The Ocean Course, Pebble Beach hosts several PGA events each year.

Pacific Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
A true links course, Pacific Dunes is just one of a handful of genuine links courses in the United States. Oregon’s cold and rocky coast lends the perfect climate and geography for a beautiful course with fantastic greens.

Highland Links – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The second true links course in the country is Highland Links, located on the Northeastern Coast in Massachusetts. It’s said that this course is the most scenic course in the area, with its sweeping views of the Atlantic that go on for miles.

Just found this article interesting as it applies to our topic of conversation.

Whistling Straits and most of the Bandon courses come to mind. Weather is part of the equation, so Sand Valley is an approximation by being inland.

Sand Hills is the closest that I've played.

I have never played the links courses in the UK, but I have heard that Bandon Dunes is about as close as it gets in the US. The Bandon courses have the firm, sandy turf as well as the seaside location and weather conditions. And the goarse (spelling?) bushes make you feel like you are in Scotland. I don't like playing in the rain in general, but I kind of enjoy playing in the rain at Bandon, almost makes the experience complete.

Old Macdonald at Bandon is probable the most comparable to true links golf IMO. You can play so many shots on the ground there (and sometimes you have no choice). I hear the head pro at Bandon has played that course with only a putter. The walk down the fairway at #4 on Old Mac is incredible. I always think that must be what its like playing the true links courses in Scotland is like.

I guess it depends on how strict one wants to be regarding the definition of "links." My understanding and also from speaking to some Scottish golf folk, the definition of a "links" course is a golf course that sits on land reclaimed from the sea. By that measure, I don't know of any true "links" courses in USA.

However, under a bit looser definition, there are probably some links type courses here in U.S.

For those considering going to Cabot on Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, absolutely worth the trip, no matter how you get there. Went there a number of years ago with FJ played the links course. We were fortunate to be able to play the Cliffs course before it was officially open to the public. A true golf destination. Great wild turkey sandwiches outside the resort. The sunsets overlooking the bay are breathtaking. The two lane highway from Nova Scotia is a long three-four hour ride and if I recall correctly, no so scenic. Bottom-line, a bucket list trip and one you will remember. The caddies up there are awesome and very knowledgeable. The one I had was retired from the Canadian tour. Good people, good beer. =)

Speedy.
I'm so glad you are going to SW Ireland. There are some fantastic courses in that region. I realize you maybe trying to get as many courses as possible but why would you leave a course that's highly ranked. I can tell you the ones I've played and would definitely go back in a heart beat again if I could. Lahinch (Old), Ballybunion (Old) and Waterville. These are true links courses and have some of the finest holes in the British Isles. On some website Ballybunion was ranked 21st in the WORLD and Lahinch was ranked 36th in the WORLD! The question you should ask yourself is "Why do I want to play another lesser golf course when I can play #21 & # 36 in the world several times. It would be like saying over here in the US. "I'm going to play Augusta National today and then go play Cobblestone Golf Club tomorrow just to say I played two courses in Georgia when you have the chance to play ANGC two days in a row!
Anyway enough of my ramblings on my experiences. BTW your local was right...how good the courses are in Ireland.
I hope you have a great trip! Let me know if you have any questions.