One of the best parts of taking a golf trip is experiencing courses that look, feel, and play differently than what you’re used to at home. The U.S. is packed with variety of course types—lush parkland tracks in the Northeast, desert layouts in Arizona, links-style layouts along the coasts, and even mountain courses where every hole feels like a postcard. You will even see courses the blend a combination of course styles.
If you’re thinking about your next golf getaway, it helps to understand the major course styles, and more importantly, how they might suit your game to help maximize your playing enjoyment. Here’s a breakdown of six common course styles, with pros and cons for the “average” golfer.
Parkland Courses
Parkland courses are the most common in the U.S., especially in the Midwest and East. They feature tree-lined fairways, lush grass, water hazards, and well-manicured conditions. Think Bethpage and August National, though few of us will ever play this one.
Pros:
- Usually fair off the tee with extended areas of rough before the trees.
- Greens are consistent and receptive to approach shots.
- Easier to judge yardages with clearly defined fairways and targets.
Cons:
- Wayward drives can be punished by trees, forcing low punch-outs.
- Thick rough can make recovery shots difficult.
- Courses often play longer due to softer, wetter conditions.
Links Courses
Born in Scotland, links courses are coastal layouts with sandy soil, few trees, deep bunkers, and wind as a constant companion. Famous examples in the U.S. include Bandon Dunes (Oregon) and Whistling Straits (Wisconsin).
Pros:
- Firm fairways provide extra roll, adding yards to tee shots.
- Creative short game opportunities with bump-and-run shots.
- With little to no trees, most wayward shots are still playable.
Cons:
- Wind can turn manageable holes into survival tests.
- Deep pot bunkers can add a full stroke if you get trapped.
- Firm greens require adjusting your approach—shots don’t always stick.
Desert Courses
Prominent in Arizona, Nevada, and Palm Springs, desert courses feature emerald fairways surrounded by sand, cacti, and rugged natural terrain. Often visually stunning but tight.
Pros:
- Great weather almost year-round—perfect for winter golf trips.
- Target golf makes you focus—can sharpen accuracy.
- Fast fairways and greens provide a “pro tournament” feel.
Cons:
- Miss the fairway, and your ball can easily find desert scrub or unplayable lies.
- Can be intimidating visually, especially for players uncomfortable from the sand.
- Heat can be draining, especially in summer months.
Mountain / Hillside Courses
Built into hillsides or mountainous terrain, these layouts feature dramatic elevation changes, sidehill lies, and jaw-dropping views. Examples include courses in Colorado, North Carolina, and Lake Tahoe.
Pros:
- Scenic, memorable golf with exciting elevation drops.
- At elevation, drives can fly farther and be confidence boosters.
- Unique shot-making challenges keep things fun.
Cons:
- Uneven lies add difficulty—ball above or below your feet.
- Blind shots and forced carries add challenges for golfers of all levels.
- Walkability is often poor; carts are usually required.
Coastal / Resort Courses
These aren’t true links, but many U.S. coastal resorts (Kiawah Island, Pebble Beach) combine ocean views with lush parkland-style design. They’re designed for both challenge and visual appeal.
Pros:
- Stunning scenery makes the round unforgettable—who doesn’t love ocean views.
- Typically well-maintained with consistent greens.
- Designed to be playable for guests of all levels.
Cons:
- Exposed to wind off the water, which can change conditions daily.
- Premium pricing—these are often the most competitive tee times and most expensive rounds.
- Can play long and demanding, especially from back tees.
Heathland / Prairie Courses
Less common in the U.S., but worth noting. These are open, inland courses with wide fairways, native grasses, and strategic bunkering—something between parkland and links. Streamsong in Florida offers heathland-inspired design.
Pros:
- Wide landing areas are forgiving off the tee.
- Strategic design rewards smart play without forcing perfect shots.
- Usually walkable and enjoyable without extreme difficulty.
Cons:
- Native grasses can lead to a lot of unexpected lost balls.
- Exposure to wind adds unpredictability.
- Visual openness can be intimidating for players who prefer tree-lined targets.
Which Style Is Right for You?
For the average golfer, each style has a different appeal:
- Parkland are most defined and most familiar for many.
- Links is a bucket-list experience, but expect to be tested.
- Desert sharpens your accuracy but punishes misses.
- Mountain provides thrills and views, with quirky lies.
- Coastal/Resort blends challenge and scenery but at a premium price.
- Heathland gives room off the tee but requires strategy.
When planning a golf trip, knowing your group’s skill level and tolerance for difficulty can help you pick a destination that’s fun for everyone. After all, the best golf trips balance challenge with enjoyment—nobody wants a week of frustration, but everyone wants a few “wow” moments they’ll talk about for years.