WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED FOR A LINKS ROUND LIKE THE PROS 

Published: 16/07/2026 | By: Alex Courbat

Open week always does the same thing – suddenly everyone wants to know what's in Scottie Scheffler's bag, whether that waterproof jacket on TV is worth the money, and why the pros are wearing three layers in July while spectators stand there in shorts wondering if they've completely misjudged the forecast. Here's the reality of what actually matters if you're heading out onto a links course this summer, whether that's a bucket-list trip to the coast or just your local municipal on a windy afternoon.

The biggest difference between links golf and almost anywhere else is the weather. It changes constantly and couldn't care less what the forecast said that morning. Waterproofs aren't optional on a coastal course – they're the difference between an enjoyable four hours and a miserable slog. A genuinely breathable waterproof jacket is worth spending money on because there's nothing worse than staying dry from the rain only to end up soaked from sweat after a couple of uphill walks into the wind. Waterproof trousers deserve the same attention. Plenty of golfers assume a jacket is enough. On an exposed links course, it usually isn't.

The other habit worth stealing from the pros is layering. You'll rarely see an experienced links golfer wearing just a polo shirt, even in the middle of summer, because the wind off the sea can knock several degrees off the temperature in minutes. A lightweight base layer, a mid-layer that can disappear into your bag, and a windproof or waterproof shell give you the flexibility to adjust as the conditions change instead of committing to one outfit for the next four hours. 

Don't overlook your hands, either. Most golfers carry one glove and call it a day, but a spare for wet weather is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make. If the conditions are particularly cold or wet, wearing rain gloves on both hands is common among golfers who regularly play links courses because they maintain grip even when everything else is soaked. 
Footwear is another area where casual golfers often get caught out. Traditional spikes still offer extra grip on firm, uneven links turf, particularly after rain, while waterproof shoes are worth every penny when you're walking through damp rough, low-lying ground between dunes and patches of standing water. Throw a dry pair of socks into your bag as well. It sounds excessive until you need them.

Equipment matters too, although probably not in the way the marketing suggests. Links golf rewards a controlled, penetrating ball flight more than towering carry distances, and firm fairways mean you'll often get more roll than you're used to. Some golfers even opt for a ball designed to launch a little lower and spin a little less in windy conditions, although most of the gains still come from adjusting your trajectory and club selection rather than changing your golf ball altogether. Tour players occasionally tweak their setups for Open week, but wholesale equipment changes are rare. 

A rangefinder or GPS watch can also earn its keep. Links courses are full of blind approaches, hidden bunkers, false fronts and awkward lay-up distances where knowing the yardage is often more useful than simply seeing the flag. 

Finally, pack more golf balls than you think you'll need. Deep fescue has an annoying habit of swallowing shots that looked perfectly safe from the tee, and pot bunkers have ended many promising scorecards before they've properly started. 

None of this has to cost a fortune, and it's worth resisting the temptation to buy an entirely new wardrobe just because The Open is on. The real lesson from watching the pros isn't that they own expensive gear. It's that they prepare for changing conditions. Dress for the wind and the wet rather than the temperature on your phone, give yourself options throughout the round, and look after your feet and hands before worrying about what's in your bag. 

Get those things right and you'll be far better prepared for a links round than someone carrying the latest driver but no waterproof trousers.