How different is golfing on links compared to inland courses in America and Europe?
Quite different. The sandy soil on the Scottish coast is often fast and firm. Greens are usually very quick and very large (in the case of the Old Course at St. Andrews, massive). If you watch the pros on TV in Scotland, you’ll see they seldom use backspin. You have to run shots up from 20 to 30 years in front of the green. Wind can also significantly affect your putts, so be cautious. On this Sweet Spots podcast, TravelGolf.com staff writer Kiel Christianson offers his tips on golfing abroad.
