Golf is played on many different types of land, and each type produces a different kind of golf course with its own look, feel, and strategic character.

Links land is the original golf terrain — flat or gently rolling coastal ground with sandy soil, tough native grasses, and wind as a constant companion. Bunkers on links courses are deep and punishing. Fairways are firm and fast. The ball bounces and rolls in unpredictable ways.

Heathland courses are built on open moorland, typically in Britain, characterized by heather, bracken, and sandy soil. They are cousin to links courses — firm, fast, natural-looking — but set inland.

Parkland courses are built on softer, more heavily wooded land — the kind of gracious, green, tree-lined courses that many people picture when they imagine golf. Augusta National is a parkland course.

Desert courses are built in arid environments, carved from the landscape with water and engineering. They contrast lush maintained fairways against the natural desert. Las Vegas and Scottsdale are famous for them.