​A links golf course is the oldest and most traditional form of course, with origins in Scotland.Links courses are typically built on sandy coastal terrain, offering firmer playing surfaces than those found on parkland or heathland.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAcross Great Britain and Ireland, such courses are commonplace, with Scotland and Ireland holding deep historical ties to the development of links golf.The Open Championship always being contested on links courses is one of its most distinguishable features.The term ‘links’ comes from the Scots language and the old English word ‘hlinc’, meaning ‘rising ground’ or ‘ridge’.It has been used to describe coastal golf courses since at least the 18th century.Links golf courses, such as Royal Birkdale, are traditionally situated on or near the coast [Getty Images]While there are no set rules for what makes a links golf course, they are traditionally on or near the coast – often set among sand dunes.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat means links courses often lack trees or water hazards – largely due to limited resources available to early course architects.With links courses therefore more open, wind and challenging weather conditions make for particularly challenging play. Links courses typically favour controlled players, with a requirement to play low shots and use the bounce of the course to avoid the wind.Royal Birkdale – the home of the 2026 Open – is one of many famous links courses, as are previous Open hosts Royal Portrush, St Andrews and Carnoustie.In 2015, the US Open was held at Chambers Bay, near Seattle. The course is one of a few examples of where a major championship was played on a links golf course outside of Great Britain and Ireland.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.What is the prize money at The Open 2025?How does qualifying for The Open work?What is a mud ball?What is a birdie, eagle and albatross? Golf terms explained