golf links: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized term)Formal, historical, sporting
Quick answer
What does “golf links” mean?
A golf course, especially one situated on coastal sandy land.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A golf course, especially one situated on coastal sandy land.
A term historically used for seaside golf courses built on sandy, undulating terrain; sometimes used more generally for any golf course, particularly in traditional contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and historically accurate in British English, as the birthplace of golf on linksland. In American English, it is a recognized but less frequent term, often used for marketing or to evoke tradition.
Connotations
In British English, it connotes authenticity, history, and the classic form of the game. In American English, it can sound somewhat formal or imported, used to add prestige.
Frequency
High frequency in UK golfing contexts; low-to-medium in US golfing contexts, where 'golf course' is standard.
Grammar
How to Use “golf links” in a Sentence
to play at/on the [golf links]the [golf links] is/are located...a round on the [golf links]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golf links” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Open Championship is often held on a classic golf links like Royal Birkdale.
- We're members of a private golf links near the coast.
American English
- The resort features a stunning golf links designed by a famous architect.
- He prefers the challenge of a true golf links to a typical parkland course.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in tourism, hospitality, and real estate marketing for premium properties.
Academic
Used in historical or geographical studies of sport and land use.
Everyday
Rare in general conversation; used by golf enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in golf architecture, course design, and golf history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “golf links”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “golf links”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golf links”
- Using 'golf links' as a plural countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'two golf links' is awkward; prefer 'two links courses'). Treating it as singular when referring to a specific course (e.g., 'St Andrews is a famous golf links' is acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually treated as singular when referring to a single course (e.g., 'This golf links is challenging'). The word 'links' itself is plural in form but can be used with a singular verb when naming a specific course.
No, traditionally it refers specifically to courses built on coastal sandy soil (linksland). However, marketing sometimes uses the term more loosely for any course, which purists consider incorrect.
In golfing contexts, they are often synonymous. 'Links' is the shorter, more traditional term. 'Golf links' can be slightly more explicit for general audiences.
It originated in Scotland, referring to the 'links' land—the sandy, grassy area linking the beach to more fertile inland farmland—where the game was first played.
A golf course, especially one situated on coastal sandy land.
Golf links is usually formal, historical, sporting in register.
Golf links: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒlf ˌlɪŋks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːlf ˌlɪŋks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As rare as a quiet day on the Old Course links.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GOLF LINKS = Golf played on land that LINKS the sea to the farms.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAND AS A BATTLEFIELD (e.g., 'conquering the links'), NATURE AS OPPONENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a true 'golf links'?