An open golf course, contrary to its closed counterparts, is characterized by its openness and expansive layout. These golf courses lack obstacles such as trees or forests, creating a more generous field of play and often presenting sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Their design is inspired by traditional links-style courses found in Scotland, where golf originated. These courses are usually built along a coastline, and their design incorporates the natural landscape, establishing an integral relationship between the land and the game. Akin to these timeless courses, an open golf course lays claim to similar open skies, and rolling terrains, but usually without the coastal wind.
It’s important to note that ‘openness’ doesn’t necessarily make the course easier. It offers its own unique set of challenges. With winds often having a more significant impact and fewer physical barriers, precision, and strategic planning become critical to handle the unpredictability these open courses present.
Discovering a Different Swing: Open Golf Courses vs. Other Type Of Courses?
Open golf courses, often the chosen venues for glamorous ‘open championship’ venues, are expansive expanses with few obstructions like trees, buildings, etc., and they offer a generous field of play. They take inspiration from the archetypal ‘old course’ design found in Scotland—the birthplace of golf, incorporating an interplay of open skies, sweeping landscapes, and minimal obstacles. What’s the twist, you ask? Their distinct lack of barricades doesn’t mean the game’s a cinch! The wide-open spaces mean that the winds whisper a stronger influence on the golf ball’s trajectory. Where’s Tiger Woods when you need him, right?
On the flip side, we have other types of golf courses, like the ones often found in country clubs. Now, these are much more formal, built to precision, exhibiting a variety of distinct landscapes. The courses are meticulously designed with specific challenges, laden with a strategic combination of trenches, water bodies, and forested areas, making each hole unique.
While an open golf course leverages the natural beauty and terrain, traditional country club courses are more planned, and orderly, and hold an array of planned challenges. They are like a suspense novel, each hole revealing a new turn and demanding distinctive strategies.
Type of Terrain
Step into an open golf course like the internationally acclaimed ‘Royal St George’s’ and you’re in for one charming rollercoaster ride! With a layout as large and sprawling as your excitement, an open golf course offers an interactive playfield, where nature’s whims become part of the game. Imagine a terrain sculpted by history itself, with features molded from its ‘World War’ days when the land was farmland.
This adds to the distinctive bumps and undulations that make every hole a fresh challenge. With fewer trees and more natural formations, an open golf course is more than just a venue—it’s a significant player in the exciting game of golf!
Famous Open Golf Courses
Let’s take an exciting journey through the iconic open golf courses nestled right here in the United States. Each one, a renowned ‘golf club,’ holds its unique charm, we listed these just for you.
Oakmont Country Club, Pennsylvania
It holds a prestigious position among America’s open golf courses. Known for its challenging greens and complex layout, this celebrated course has been a favorite choice for numerous U.S. Opens since its establishment in 1903. From its notorious Church Pews bunker to the fast, undulating greens, Oakmont continues to test the skills of the world’s best golfers. To play at Oakmont is to engage in a thrilling game of golf, irresistibly intertwined with the course’s rich history and enticing charm.
Pebble Beach Golf Links, California
With a layout that presents a delightful challenge and the backdrop of mesmerizing coastal views, this course is a dream destination for avid golfers, as reported by Golf Monthly. Known for hosting numerous U.S. Opens, the course’s striking beauty has earned it recognition as one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses.
Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
As the home of the annual Master’s Tournament, this iconic South Course has played a significant role in golf history. With its immaculate fairways and perfectly manicured greens, every golfer dreams of stepping foot on this hallowed ground. The South Course, enthralling and challenging, beckons players from across the world to be part of its storied legacy.
Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina
This legendary course has hosted several major championships, including U.S. Opens and PGA Championships. Its classic design by Donald Ross has tested the skills of the world’s best golfers and remains a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
Bethpage Black, New York
Known for its challenging layout and stern warning sign at the first tee, Bethpage Black has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and the PGA Championship. The course’s difficult approach shots and treacherous greens make it a true test of a golfer’s skill.
Prestwick Golf Club, Scotland
As an emblematic beacon of golf’s illustrious past, St. Andrews stands tall and proud. This esteemed open golf course is celebrated globally as the birthplace of ‘The Open Championship,’ unfolding its first chapter here back in 1860.
The undulating contours and open layout inherent to St. Andrews echo time-honored characteristics of early golf, curating an authentic and enthralling golfing journey. Every round at South Ayrshire Coast traverses beyond being just a golf course—it turns into a nostalgic stroll through golf’s rich timeline.
Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland
It stands as a shining testament to the region’s rich golfing tradition. Embodying decades of history, this celebrated open golf course is one of the few outside mainland Britain to have had the prestige of hosting the open championship. With its intricately challenging layout and iconic Dunluce Links, Royal Portrush offers a magnificent blend of beauty and competitive golf. Engaging in a round here is not just about the game, but also about savoring the picturesque coastal views and embracing the deep-rooted heritage of Irish golf.
Categories of Golfers Who Prefer Open Golf Courses
When you think about the categories of golfers who prefer open golf courses, it’s often those who relish the grand stages! Open courses, like the one in St. Annes, are loved by golfers who adore having their skills tested by the varied natural terrains and strategic challenges that these courses uphold. Regularly in the open championship rotation, these golfers are ones who crave the compelling thrill of the final round, where the stakes are high and every swing counts.
Whether they are seasoned pros, aspiring amateurs, or weekend warriors, all these golf lovers share a deep appreciation for the tradition, heritage, and high-level competition offered by open golf courses. So, no matter where you fit in this spectrum, if a challenging game foretells your idea of golfing fun, open courses may be your perfect playing field!
Essential Equipment to Pack for This Kind of Course
Callaway Rogue Max ST Max LS
Known for its exceptional distance and performance, this driver is versatile and can help golfers of various skill levels to improve their game on challenging open courses, including those that play host to prestigious tournaments. Its innovatively designed face curvature lowers off-center hit spin, providing straighter shots and optimized roll and carry. Whether you are battling the breeze on a coastal link or navigating the expansive landscapes of an inland course, this driver is a trusty companion, providing distance, forgiveness, and accuracy.
Titleist Player’s Golf Gloves
When speaking of top-notch golf gloves, the Titleist player’s golf glove is a sought-after choice, often seen in high-stake events like the open championships. Crafted with ultra-thin, soft Cabretta leather, it delivers the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and great grip. Its consistent fit, comfortable feel and superior performance make it a favorite amongst golfers grappling with the challenging conditions of an open golf course.
The Pride Professional Tee System (PTS)
Golf Tees are indeed a classic choice in the world of golf. These tees are designed with a color-coded bar indicating depth for consistent tee height. They are made of solid hardwood, ensuring durability even in the toughest conditions. This, coupled with its reputation for reducing friction and promoting longer and more accurate drives, earns it a spot in many pro golfer’s bags during Open Championship tournaments on expansive open venues.
ECCO Men’s Biom Hybrid 3 Gore-Tex Golf Shoe
One popular golf shoe choice for tackling the unique challenges of various open golf courses, including venues with three courses, is the ECCO men’s Biom hybrid 3 gore-tex golf shoe This shoe combines a hi-tech, waterproof Gore-Tex construction with a sleek design and a spikeless sole for outstanding grip on all types of terrain. It’s renowned for its comfort and stability, making it a trusted footwear choice among golfers who need to adapt to different course conditions.
