It’s time to answer the ultimate question: links or parkland?
We’ve handpicked the top 14 links and top 14 parkland courses for you to explore and book your next tee time. Check out our curated list, grab your clubs, and book your next round with Costa del Golf—before the best tee times are gone!
Parkland Golf Course
Location & Terrain: These courses are usually inland, surrounded by trees, with lush green grass and softer soil.
Zagaleta New Course
Marbella, Spain
Alhaurín Golf
Mijas, Spain
Calmer Conditions: Parkland courses are sheltered by trees, so wind is less of a factor. The surroundings feel more like a park, with well-manicured lawns and water features.
La Quinta Golf Club
Marbella, Spain
Los Naranjos Golf Club
Marbella, Spain
Soft Ground: The ground is softer, and the ball tends to stop more quickly after it lands, which means shots are easier to control.
La Torre Golf
Murcia, Spain
Valle Romano Golf & Resort
Estepona, Spain
Flat Fairways: The fairways are flatter and more predictable, which helps players plan their shots with more precision.
El Plantio Golf
Alicante, Spain
Finca Cortesín
Estepona, Spain
Water Hazards: Parkland courses often feature lakes, ponds, or streams that act as hazards.
Hacienda Riquelme Golf
Murcia, Spain
Villa Padierna Flamingos
Marbella, Spain
Example: Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is played, is a classic parkland course.
Font del Llop Golf Course
Alicante, Spain
Oliva Nova Golf
Valencia, Spain
Playing Style: On a parkland course, players focus more on flying the ball high and landing it softly on the greens, with less concern about the wind or unpredictable bounces.
Gloria Golf Old Course
Belek, Turkey
Aphrodite Hills Golf Club
Paphos, Cyprus
Links Golf Course
Location & Terrain: Links courses are typically located along coastlines, often with sandy soil, dunes, and very few trees. The land is naturally shaped by wind and weather.
La Hacienda Links
Sotogrande, Spain
Royal Troon Golf Club – Old Course
Troon, Scotland
Wind: These courses are often exposed to strong winds coming from the sea, making it harder to control the ball.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Lykia Links Antalya
Belek, Turkey
Firm Ground: The ground on a links course is usually firmer and faster. The ball can roll far after landing, so shots need to be more precise.
Albarella Golf Links
Venice, Italy
Corballis Links Golf Club
Dublin, Ireland
Bumpy Fairways: The fairways are uneven and bumpy due to the natural landscape, meaning the ball can take unpredictable bounces.
Old Head Golf Links
Old Head, Ireland
West Cliffs
Óbidos, Portugal
Minimal Water: Links courses tend to have fewer water hazards, focusing instead on bunkers and the natural contours of the land.
Trump Turnberry – Ailsa Course
Turnberry, Scotland
Kingsbarns Golf Links
St. Andrews, Scotland
