Golf: Know the types of fields, their classification and differences
Golf has spread worldwide and is played in more than 200 countries on 5 continents. The leading countries in this sport are the United States, Canada, Japan, England, Australia, Germany, France, Scotland, Sweden and South Africa, which are home to more than 70% of golf courses around the world.
Despite having common rules in the game, golf courses can vary greatly from one another. In this article we will address the different types of golf courses according to their environment and nature.
We will also describe the classification of courses based on their size and number of holes. In addition, the differences between the fields in terms of their access conditions will be highlighted.
Parkland Type Golf Courses
Parkland courses are located in inland wooded areas, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The name comes from the feeling of playing in a well-kept park. These fields are usually flat and well maintained, resulting in a well-kept, green lawn.
The parkland golf courses fairways are well defined and pleasant to play. Some strategically placed trees and lakes make the game more difficult, while the bunkers are less complicated. The greens can be fast and sloping, but in general, the parkland courses are suitable for players of all levels.
These courses are the most common in many countries, including Spain, and a famous example is the Augusta National course in the United States, where the Augusta Masters is held annually.
Links Type Golf Courses
The links golf courses are the most natural, with minimal human intervention. They are located on the coast and are subject to a changeable climate with frequent winds.
These fields have few trees and the grass on the fairways is a golden green. They are located on sandy terrain and the dunes are present in a large part of the route.
Links-type courses have hard fairways and greens, which make the ball run more than on other types of courses. The bunkers are deep and some shots to the green are blind, which is a challenge for all types of players.
The British Open tournaments on golf courses links are legendary due to the weather and the difficulties of the course that can change the classification drastically from one day to the next.
Although not as common as parkland courses, links golf courses are found in many golfing countries. Some famous examples include the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland and the Old Course at St. Andrew
Desert Golf Courses
Desert golf courses are found in desert areas and use particularly resistant grasses adapted to adverse terrain and weather conditions. These fields may have landscapes with cacti, rocks, dry rivers, and very little trees. The infrastructure of desert golf courses is more complex than that of other types of courses and they are found in countries such as the Middle East, Australia and some regions of the United States.
Golf Courses in Mountain Areas
Although less common, there are also golf courses located at high altitudes, between mountains. These courses often have uneven holes, sloping fairways, abundant out-of-bounds, and difficult greens. Play golf on a mountain course it can also require more physical effort than on a flat course.
the fields of golf in mountain areas are a unique option for those looking for an additional challenge in their game golf. With impressive mountain landscapes and panoramic views, these courses offer an unforgettable experience. Uneven holes and sloping fairways make playing these courses an exciting adventure.
In addition to the natural beauty, golf courses in mountain areas also offer a technical challenge. Difficult greens and abundant out of bounds require careful skill and strategy. Playing golf at high altitudes can also be physically challenging, as the height can affect the distance of your shots and require more effort to walk through the holes.
If you are looking for a unique and challenging experience, a golf course in mountain areas is the perfect option. With impressive landscapes and a technical and physical challenge, you will have an unforgettable golf experience.
Do not miss the opportunity to play in one of these beautiful golf courses surrounded by mountains such as Águilas- Isla del Fraile located in Murcia!
Aguilas Golf Course, Murcia
The Águilas GOLF CLUB, located in Murcia, is a unique golf course that combines the natural beauty of the Mediterranean Sea with a spectacular design. This course is located on the beautiful Costa Cálida of Spain, surrounded by golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
This golf club has 9 holes and is ideal for those who want to improve their game short and technical.
The natural environment of the course is impressive, with endless views of the beautiful town of Águilas and mountainous landscapes, which offer a relaxing and serene environment to play golf. In addition, the warm and sunny climate of the area makes it an ideal place to play throughout the year as it has an average temperature of 23ºC.
In short, the Águilas, Murcia Par 3 Golf Course, located on Isla del Fraile, is an impressive destination for golfers looking for a unique and exciting experience. With its combination of natural beauty, challenging design, and relaxing surroundings, it's a place not to be missed. Come visit us and BOOKING ALREADY!
Heathland Golf Courses
Heathland golf courses are found mainly in the British Isles and are noted for their beautiful scenery, with pink or purple heather and gorse, a type of shrub.
In addition to these types of fields, we can also classify golf courses according to their size or dimensions. 18-hole golf courses, also known as standard courses or Regulation Courses, are the most common. A standard course normally consists of 4 holes par 3, 4 holes par 5 and 10 holes par 4, with an overall par of 72. The total length of a standard course is usually around 6,000 metres, with variations depending on the distance of each hole and their length for different groups (men, women, children). Many golf courses are of this type and are the setting for amateur and professional level competitions on specially prepared courses.
9-Hole Golf Courses (standard)
A standard 9-hole golf course is made up of 2 par 3 holes, 2 par 5 holes and 5 par 4 holes. Its total par is 36 and its approximate length is 3,000 meters. These courses are ideal for those who want to play a quick round of golf and may be expanded to 18 holes in the future if their popularity increases.
A standard 9-hole golf course is a perfect option for those players looking for a faster and more compact playing experience. These courses feature 2 par 3 holes, 2 par 5 holes and 5 par 4 holes, which means they offer a variety of challenges to players. With a total par of 36, these courses are ideal for players of all levels, from beginners to more experienced players.
The course of a standard 9-hole course is approximately 3,000 meters, which makes it ideal for those who want to play a round of golf on a weekday or for those who only have an hour or two to devote to their game. In addition, these courses are ideal for those who want to improve their game or work on their technique, as it allows them to focus on the most essential aspects of the game and practice more frequently.
It is important to note that, over time, a standard 9-hole course can be expanded to 18 holes if its popularity increases. This means that players can enjoy a more complete and challenging gaming experience, and it also means that the course can appeal to a wider audience.
In summary, a standard 9-hole golf course is an excellent option for those looking for a fast and compact game, or for those who want to improve their game or work on their technique. With its par total of 36, these courses are accessible to players of all levels, and may be expanded to 18 holes in the future.
Executive Golf Courses
The executive golf courses are shorter than the standard ones and are made up of short par 4 holes, par 3 holes and some short par 5 holes. Its total par for 9 holes is around 33 and for 18 holes it is 66. The total playing distance on a 9-hole course is approximately 2,100 meters and on 18 holes it is 4,200 meters.
These executive golf courses are perfect for golfers looking for a faster and less demanding experience than the standard courses offer. With a shorter length, the holes are more accessible and can be played more quickly, making them ideal for those who do not have as much time to play.
In addition, the short par 4 holes and par 3 holes offer a variety of challenges for golfers, making for a more fun and exciting experience. The short par 5 holes also offer an added challenge for those who want to improve their game and work on their skills.
In general, executive golf courses are an excellent option for those looking for a more accessible and enjoyable golf experience, without compromising the quality and challenge of the game. With its total par of 9 holes of around 33 and its length of 2,100 meters, it is an excellent option for those who want to play a shorter round, while with its total par of 18 holes of 66 and its length of 4,200 meters, it is also a good option for those who want to play a longer round.
Pitch and Putt Golf Courses
Pitch and putt is a sport derived from golf and is governed by an international federation. These courses are made up exclusively of short par 3 holes and the total playing distance on an 18-hole course cannot exceed 1,200 metres. The par for a 9-hole course is 27 and for 18 holes it is 54. Some regional federations promote the game with slightly longer distances, up to 1,600 meters for 18 holes.
Pitch and putt is a shortened and more accessible version of traditional golf, designed for those looking for a faster and easier game. Rather than an 18-hole golf course, pitch and putt courses consist of a limited number of short par 3 holes, usually 9 or 18, completed in a fraction of the time of a standard round of golf.
The rule governing pitch and putt establishes that the total playing distance on an 18-hole course cannot exceed 1,200 metres, making it an ideal sport for those looking for a shorter alternative to traditional golf. However, some regional federations allow slightly greater distances, up to 1,600 meters, to accommodate more experienced players.
The par for a 9-hole course is 27 and for an 18-hole course it is 54. Unlike standard golf courses, pitch and putt courses focus on the players' ability to put the ball in the hole rather than strength and distance. This makes pitch and putt a fun and accessible sport for players of all ages and abilities.
In conclusion, pitch and putt courses are a fun and accessible alternative to traditional golf that appeal to a wide variety of players, from beginners to experienced players. With a focus on precision and skill, pitch and putt is a rapidly growing sport that offers a unique and exciting playing experience.
Par 3 Golf Courses
A par 3 golf course is made up exclusively of par 3 holes with distances similar to those found on standard golf courses. The maximum distance for a par 3 hole is 225 meters and the par for a 9 hole course is 27 and for an 18 hole course it is 54. Many of these courses have been converted into pitch and putt courses or can be played in both options.
Furthermore, the fields of par 3 golf are ideal for those who want to improve its short game and for those looking for a more relaxed and casual gaming experience. These courses are also suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, as they are shorter and require fewer shots to complete a round.
However, being shorter, par 3 golf courses require much greater precision in your shots and short game. It is important to note that a misplaced hit can have a significant impact on the final outcome of the round.
The bottom line is that par 3 golf courses offer a more relaxed and casual playing experience, ideal for those who want to improve their short game and for those looking for a more relaxed playing experience. With its par 27 on a 9-hole course and 54 on an 18-hole course, these courses are a challenge for more experienced players and an opportunity for younger and less experienced players to learn and improve.
Differences between private, semi-private and commercial golf courses
The differences between private, semi-private, commercial and public golf courses are determined by access and ownership of the course.
Private or semi-private courses are accessed through the purchase of a share or a membership, and are financed through member payments. In these fields, the income is used for maintenance and improvements for the partners.
Commercial courses are managed by a company and their access is financed through the green fees paid by the players. These courses are a good option for players who want to practice golf without committing to an expensive membership.
Public courses are located on municipal land and are intended to offer affordable access to residents and foreign players. The income is used to finance the management and maintenance of the course.
In general, all of these types of courses aim to offer players a quality and enjoyable golf experience. The choice of the field will depend on the financial resources and personal preferences of each player.
Know the parts of a golf course
One of the most important aspects for a golfer is knowing the different parts of a golf course. Although they are few, it is essential to know them to play skillfully and effectively. If you are still not sure what they are, keep reading.
Holes:
In a round of golf, 18 holes are played. There are two types of golf courses: those with 18 holes and those with 9. In the case of 9-hole courses, it is necessary to go around the course twice to complete the 18 regulation holes. Each hole on the course is identified.
Green:
Each hole is located on a green, an area with shorter grass. The surface of the Green is approximately 550 square meters and has slight slopes to increase the difficulty of the game. The grass on the green is carefully maintained. The green is surrounded by the antegreen, an area with grass higher than the green but lower than the rest of the course.
Tee:
The Tee is a flat surface with short grass where the ball is placed when starting a new hole. It measures approximately 100 square meters and is slightly elevated compared to the rest of the field. It also refers to the small support nailed to the ground where the ball is placed to tee off each hole.
Street or Fairway:
It is the path between the Tee and the Green. The fairway can be straight or have an angle to one side (in which case it is called a "dogleg"). The grass on the fairway is well cut to make it easier to hit the ball.
Rough or Rough: It is the grass that is found on both sides of the street. Unlike the fairway, the grass in the rough is taller and is often left to grow without being mowed. Obviously, the player should try to keep his ball on the fairway and avoid falling into the rough, where it will be more difficult to hit.
Obstacles: To add more excitement to the game, obstacles are often placed in the lane. These can be of various types, such as bunkers (sand or grass holes) or water hazards. Generally, they are placed close to the green and increase the difficulty of the hole.
Do you want to experience first hand all these parts?
Now that you know the parts of a golf course, it's time to put your knowledge to use. Practicing on a real field will allow you to experiment with the different parts and understand their importance in the game. Also, in a real field you can experiment with obstacles and learn how to get around them.
In short, a good knowledge of the parts of a golf course is essential to improve your skills and enjoy this sport to the fullest.
Therefore, if you have not yet had the opportunity to practice on a real course, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible at the Águilas – Isla del Fraile golf course, located in Murcia, on the Mediterranean Sea (Costa Cálida). .
We assure you that you will not regret it!
Águilas Golf - Isla del Fraile
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Discover Águilas Golf – Isla del Fraile, an impressive 9-hole golf course just 3 minutes from the beaches of Águilas and 30 minutes from the historic city of Lorca. This course fits perfectly to the natural topography of the terrain and offers you a unique and challenging experience.
Surround yourself with mountains and nature while you play golf in Murcia and enjoy the best price guaranteed. Without a doubt, it will help you disconnect and relax while playing your favorite sport.
This golf course is unique on the Costa Cálida and has all the services necessary, including a Club House, a restaurant with impressive views, a Pro-Shop, an academy, a driving range, putting and chipping greens, among others.
Come and experience this fantastic golf course on the Costa Cálida and enjoy excellent conditions.
In addition, we have exclusive promotions waiting for you.
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