the purest form of golf

First topic message reminder :

I often read that many people consider that links golf is superior to parkland... but that clearly isn't the case.

Links golf is a form of the game that encourages and rewards thin and topped shots under the guise of playing a 'bump and run'. That clearly isn't part of the game... but a way in which the lesser player can get away with his lack of ability.

It is also an excuse for the laziest of greenstaff to maintain a level of employment whilst not doing any work as they have to leave the environment in a natural state. Which usually just means a bit scruffy and bare in a lot of places.

Now parkland golf is all about accuracy. With their testing layouts demanding long carries over hazards to tight flags hidden behind deep rough right up to the edge of the green. Those test a players skill and mettle by providing almost impossible to play shots which are required to stop on a sixpence from 220 with a long iron. Truly the purest form of the game.

In addition it would appear that the course designers have realised that parkland is by far the better part of the game as they have virtually deserted the design of the lesser links courses in favour of producing more and more fine parkland layouts.

Only if it's set out in the style of those Konica Swing Vision slow motion clips they have on CBS

Who knew this was LJ's thing,

[link removed by Davie]

This somes up my reaction.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdqDBG9QjuE&feature=related

I'll not be following that link...

Should i change it to tiny url link?

either way it ain't happening!

You should watch it, for education if nothing else.

I think not. I have a very delicate nature and I feel that might upset me.

Nice WUM LJ. Not had many of them here so far .

McLaren wrote:LJ

A question, the course you describe in the original post is probably only suitable for 5% of golfers (if that). A links could be just as tough but still allow all levels of player to play it. I think that is an important factor of any course, why do you not?

Lj

any chance at answering this question?

Mac - is that link what it looks like?
not sure it'll go down well with the employers!

McLaren wrote:

McLaren wrote:LJ

A question, the course you describe in the original post is probably only suitable for 5% of golfers (if that). A links could be just as tough but still allow all levels of player to play it. I think that is an important factor of any course, why do you not?

Lj

any chance at answering this question?

Which course? I only described a particular shot. As it happens it's one I've played lots as it does actually exist. But there is always a place to play like a tart and lay it up. You can even play a links shots and bump it into a safe spot and then bump it into the green if you're not man enough for the challenge.

edited link.

LJ

I would almost argue that the ideal golf hole could be completed with a putter, what do you think?

Mac - i'm not sure that changes where the link goes, and it looks like it goes somewhere dodgy!
Think i'll give it a miss

McLaren wrote:LJ

I would almost argue that the ideal golf hole could be completed with a putter, what do you think?

It would make the bag a bit lighter I reckon.

So LJ would i be correct in predicting that the belfry is your dream course?

McLaren wrote:So LJ would i be correct in predicting that the belfry is your dream course?

Nope. Can't stand the place. But I don't say that because I think it's poorly designed... I just don't like the setup there.

Then what would you say is your ideal course, or what course would you be a member of if you could pick any club?

This one perhaps?

http://www.thefaldolegacycourse.com/Nick-Faldo-Design-Golf-Course_44.html

I cant help but notice you pick a seaside course that is not a true links, why not choose somewhere like NGLA, pebble, kingsbarnes or castle stuart?

McLaren wrote:I cant help but notice you pick a seaside course that is not a true links, why not choose somewhere like NGLA, pebble, kingsbarnes or castle stuart?

Because Links golf is the mickey mouse version of the game. A nice lush course with trees, water, excessive bunkering and the sea to look at along with all the rest. Plus designed by the giant that is Sir Nick... And it's going to have nice weather and not be grey. How can you go wrong?!

So I take it you are also and old head fan?

I have never been near old head. young head is acceptable though.

LJ

http://oldhead.com/

This place, personally think it looks terrible.

I don't buy into the theory there is a pure form! Whether its links or parkland, its just golf, the games evolved from hickory and feathery to what it is today so the purest form is all golf, you can only play what's in front of you whether that's target golf or bump and run its still just golf

..........Has to be links scratch foursomes

Mac - I reviewed your earlier link and decided to remove it.

I think we'd rather not have any links to sites like that especially as lots of people read this forum from work.

If in future you decide you MUST post something like that, at least give a warning that it's not work safe

Davie wrote:Mac - I reviewed your earlier link and decided to remove it.

I think we'd rather not have any links to sites like that especially as lots of people read this forum from work.

If in future you decide you MUST post something like that, at least give a warning that it's not work safe

I did make the link clear but people seemed to be complaining, so I changed it. It was just some good clean fun.

Mac, I think most golfers couldn't care less if the course is suitable for all levels. Only that it is suitable to the them and the people they play with.

super_realist wrote:Mac, I think most golfers couldn't care less if the course is suitable for all levels. Only that it is suitable to the them and the people they play with.

Would you agree TOC is suitable for all levels?

For beginners who are a little short on carry the links can provide some real joy compared to a parkland layout.

I would say that it is, but probably more accident than design. No matter what, it will always be an easy course because it's quite outdated. It isn't long, the greens aren't especially difficult and the hazards are very easily avoided by all levels of golfer.
It's a silly argument though because loads of parkland courses are equally accessible to all levels.
The Dukes for example has something like 5 different tees making it playable for everyone.
You'll find every course would be limiting to someone if you look hard enough. Rather than continually criticise a course simply because you don't like that particular type of course I'd rather you actually suggested a solution such as to let those people play off the reds. There shouldn't be a stigma.
One of my clubs even has green tees half way up the fairway for pure beginners. Surely that's inclusive enough for you?

Most golf courses cater for most abillities in one way or another (eg The Bronze Tees on The Jubilee) , despite your protestations.
On the other hand, courses which force good players to play off the yellows are just as guilty as those who don't privide enough teeing options.