Scottish Golf Courses vs American Golf Courses

The look and play of a golf course can relate to branding very closely. The look of a golf course is everything; just like a product. There are significant differences between golf courses in America and The Home of Golf: Scotland. Not only is the appearance of the golf course different but the goal of the establishments are different.

1) American courses are run more like a business

Many American courses have designed their courses in a way to make as much money as possible. For example, the 9th Hole finishes at the clubhouse so that it gives players the opportunity to get refreshments halfway or it gives some players the option of play only nine holes. A bag drop will be present at most golf courses in the US, forcing players to tip staff to help them with their clubs. 

2) Golf Carts

In Scotland, you walk round. In the US, a cart is normally included if it is not mandatory to have a caddie. By having golf carts, it speeds up plays, allowing golf courses in the US to add more tee times and therefore, increase revenue. 

3) The Bunkers

The bunkers in the US give players almost the same chance of hitting the same shot as they would if they were not in the bunker. Bunkers in Scotland are a real hazard from their and will normally cost the golfer.

4) When American courses are private, they mean private

In Scotland, private just means that it is not run by the government. Private in the US means that there is no way that an individual can play the course if they have not been invited to play it. 

5) A true links experience vs target golf

What does a true links experience mean you may wonder? Using your imagination in every shot: in the trajectory, the shape, having more than one shot in the bag. American golf courses are arguably target golf: it is simply using one swing and one shot around the golf course with very limited course management needed.