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The 7 Most Iconic National Golf Links Of America Photos And The Architectural Secrets They Hide

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The National Golf Links of America (NGLA), often simply referred to as "The National," is not just a golf course; it is a living museum of golf course architecture, a masterclass in strategic design, and one of the most exclusive and photographed clubs in the world. As of late 2025, the course is continuing its tradition of meticulous maintenance, with planned improvements to cart paths, drainage, and fairways, ensuring its century-old design remains pristine and challenging for the next generation of golfers.

Opened in 1911, this private links-style course in Southampton, New York, offers a rare glimpse into the golden age of American golf. Every photograph of NGLA tells a story of its founder's vision—a grand experiment to bring the best holes from the great links of Scotland and England to the shores of Long Island. The true magic, often missed by a casual viewer, lies in the "template holes," which are the subject of the most iconic and sought-after photos of the property.

The Founders and The Blueprint: Charles Blair Macdonald’s Vision

The foundation of the National Golf Links of America is inextricably linked to the ambition of one man: Charles Blair Macdonald. Macdonald, widely regarded as the "Father of American golf course architecture," conceived of NGLA after years of studying the classic courses of the British Isles.

  • Full Name: Charles Blair Macdonald
  • Born: November 14, 1855, in Niagara Falls, Canada
  • Died: April 21, 1939, in Southampton, New York
  • Key Accomplishment: Founder and Architect of National Golf Links of America; first U.S. Amateur Champion (1895).
  • Architectural Philosophy: Replication and interpretation of classic European template holes.
  • Key Assistant: Seth Raynor, a civil engineer who worked closely with Macdonald and went on to become a celebrated architect in his own right.
  • Founding Year: 1908 (Course opened in 1911)
  • Location: Southampton, Long Island, New York (adjacent to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club).

Macdonald's goal was not merely to copy, but to recreate the strategic principles of the world's best holes. He utilized the natural, windswept terrain of the Southampton coastline to design a course that challenges both the mind and the swing. The resulting 18 holes are a collection of architectural masterpieces, each named after the classic hole it emulates, making NGLA a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts.

The 7 Most Photographed Template Holes at NGLA

The most famous photographs of National Golf Links of America invariably feature its celebrated template holes. These designs, which Macdonald and Raynor perfected, have since been copied and adapted across countless other courses globally. Understanding the origin of these holes is key to appreciating the course's genius.

1. The Redan (Hole 4)

The Redan is perhaps the most famous template in golf, and NGLA's version is considered one of the finest American interpretations. This iconic par-3 is a copy of the 15th hole at North Berwick in Scotland.

  • Architectural Feature: The green is a large, oblique, parallelogram-shaped surface that slopes severely from front-right to back-left.
  • Strategic Intent: The tee shot must land on the high-side (right) and use the slope to funnel the ball toward the pin. A shot that misses left will find a deep bunker.
  • Photo Appeal: The dramatic banking of the green, often framed by deep, rugged bunkers, makes for a stunning landscape shot.

2. The Sahara (Hole 2)

This short par-4 is modeled after a hole at Royal St George's Golf Club. The name perfectly describes the dominant feature of the hole.

  • Architectural Feature: A massive, intimidating bunker complex that dominates the tee shot landing area.
  • Strategic Intent: Golfers must decide whether to lay up short of the bunker or attempt to carry it for a clear approach to the green.
  • Photo Appeal: The sheer scale of the bunker, often captured with a golfer contemplating the carry, is a classic NGLA image.

3. The Alps (Hole 3)

The Alps is a long, uphill par-4 that takes its inspiration from the 17th hole at Prestwick Golf Club.

  • Architectural Feature: A huge, blind mound or hill that must be carried to reach the green.
  • Strategic Intent: The approach shot is blind, demanding complete faith in the line and distance.
  • Photo Appeal: The dramatic rise of the terrain, often with only the top of the flag visible, captures the rugged, links-style feel of the course.

4. The Narrows (Hole 15)

Inspired by a hole at Muirfield, The Narrows is a true test of driving accuracy and strategic placement.

  • Architectural Feature: The fairway is pinched by hazards on both sides, typically large bunkers or rough, making the landing area extremely tight.
  • Strategic Intent: Forces the golfer to choose a precise line off the tee, prioritizing accuracy over distance.
  • Photo Appeal: The contrasting textures of the manicured fairway against the wild, native rough and bunkers create a visually striking corridor.

5. The Punchbowl (Hole 16)

The Punchbowl is a par-4 featuring a green that is essentially a large, natural depression, a design element common on early British links courses.

  • Architectural Feature: A wide, deep, bowl-shaped green that collects balls hit near the center.
  • Strategic Intent: The approach shot is designed to be played high and into the center of the bowl, allowing the slopes to feed the ball toward the hole.
  • Photo Appeal: The aerial view of the perfectly circular or oval depression, surrounded by dunes, is a signature NGLA shot.

6. The Road (Hole 17)

Another template derived from the Old Course at St Andrews, The Road hole is a terrifying par-4 that demands a perfect approach.

  • Architectural Feature: The green is guarded by the infamous "Road Bunker" in the front and a paved "Road" behind it.
  • Strategic Intent: The approach is one of the most perilous in golf, requiring a shot that stops precisely between the bunker and the road.
  • Photo Appeal: The close-up of the deep, vertical-faced Road Bunker, symbolizing the ultimate risk/reward, is a favorite among photographers.

7. The Short (Hole 10)

This is Macdonald's take on the classic short par-3, typically inspired by the 5th hole at Royal Worlington & Newmarket.

  • Architectural Feature: A short, yet heavily guarded par-3, often featuring a small green surrounded by deep bunkers.
  • Strategic Intent: Demands nothing less than a perfect tee shot; there is no room for error.
  • Photo Appeal: The stark contrast between the tiny green target and the surrounding sand and rough creates a powerful visual of isolation and precision.

The Enduring Legacy and 2025 Course Updates

The National Golf Links of America has consistently been ranked among the top golf courses in the United States and the world for the 2024-2025 period, a testament to the timeless nature of Macdonald’s design. Its influence on American golf course architecture is immeasurable, as the principles of strategic design and template holes were carried forward by Seth Raynor and other disciples.

In a commitment to preserving its historical integrity and world-class playability, the club continues to invest heavily in its grounds. The 2025 course improvements are focused on essential infrastructure, ensuring the course remains playable year-round and maintains its challenging characteristics. These updates include significant drainage work to manage water runoff, maintenance on the cart paths, and detailed upkeep of the fairways and tee areas.

Furthermore, the iconic windmill, a frequently photographed landmark on the property, stands as a symbol of the course's links heritage and its dedication to the traditions of the game. For the few who are lucky enough to walk these hallowed grounds, NGLA is more than a round of golf; it is a journey through architectural history, perfectly preserved on the windswept eastern end of Long Island.

The photos of NGLA are beloved because they capture not just beautiful scenery, but the strategic challenge inherent in every shot. From the intimidating carry over the Sahara Bunker to the demanding precision required on the Redan green, NGLA remains the gold standard against which all American links courses are measured. The constant, meticulous maintenance and planned 2025 updates ensure that this architectural gem will continue to inspire and challenge golfers for another century.

The 7 Most Iconic National Golf Links of America Photos and The Architectural Secrets They Hide
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