Tips/Advice for playing on a links golf coursr

[ashjamben]

Thanks for reading! My society is taking some inspiration from The Open and had booked us in for an evening round at a links course (Hartlepool Golf Club, north east of England) and I was wondering what advice and tips you guys might give? I've only been playing just over a year. My club has given me a 19 handicap but I rarely play to it, normally shooting in the 90s. So, not the best of players. Not the most accurate of players but normally do well at staying out of trouble. I've looked online and found some good tips, but was wondering what advice you guys could give? Thanks in advance!

[SavvySwede]

Though a links course provides opportunities for different types of shots, my advice is that you don't try any shots you haven't thoroughly practiced. The best shot is the one you know you can execute reliably.

[Gunther]

Gosh, yeah, really tough to give general advice because so much depends on the particular shots and the weather. Generally speaking: keep it on the fairway, out of bunkers (when you do get in bunkers, take your medicine and just get out, no heroics), low into the wind, high downwind, practice your long range putting. Kinda the same stuff I'd advise for any course, really. Obviously most important: have fun!

[Hatchman]

I play mostly in windy conditions and open courses with trouble that protects the course. I try and hit to an open area if it's new to me. Even if it's short. 3 to get up, 2 to get in if it looks like a tough hole. Hit to a fairway if I'm familiar with the course. My shafts are a little stiff so I usually hit a low flighted ball which helps. Off the greens up to say 20 yards I use a less lofted club from a 7i to a 3i. Been doing this for about 4 years. Helps get the up off the grasses but still close to the ground when the shot calls for it. If you get in trouble, pitch out to a good spot if you can, otherwise add a few strokes may occur. Good luck.

[MEfree]

Though a links course provides opportunities for different types of shots, my advice is that you don't try any shots you haven't thoroughly practiced. The best shot is the one you know you can execute reliably.

This is great advice. With that said, it the course is firm look for areas that you can safely land the ball short so that it can roll onto the middle of the green (or somewhere within shouting distance of the pin). Take plenty of club when playing into the wind. I wouldn't try changing your swing on the fly, but choking down on a longer club and making a normal smooth swing might help you to hit it lower. Try practicing this beforehand to see if you are comfortable with it. Enjoy!

[ashjamben]

Thanks for the advice guys! It's really appreciated. I read some advice online about teeing the driver lower and taking a three quarter swing. Tried it on the range and went terribly. Glad to hear some people advising not to change too much! Thanks!