I think Tim is correct, the descriptive adjective “Links” is over used today. However, we “did” have a links in the USA for when CB MacDonald built, The National Golf Links of America it was a links with minimal irrigation & fescue fairways and greens. Today it has irrigated lawns of rye and poa and bent grass greens. But in today’s world where, the game is played “in the air” and “green” Greens are expected, it’s not bad and still fun.

There are a number of hidden gems all along the Normandy coast in France, number one among them is in Granville www[ dot] golfdegranville [dot] com/links-of-granville-1912/

Bob--
I think Arcadia Bluffs might fall into similar territory as Whistling Straits, where the manufactured nature of the course probably keeps it from being a links in the same sense as the more natural ones in GB&I and Bandon Dunes and the like. Also, links purists would probably quibble over it being situated on a lake, rather than a sea or ocean. But again, I wouldn't let the designation take away from the merits of the course. It's a fun debate to have.
--Tim

I have played a links style course near Orangeville Ontario. It is a links course in every respect including frequent fog other than the fact that it is over 1500 miles from the Atlantic coast and is not old. It has bent grass, fescue, pot bunkers, is generally firm allowing the ball to be run up to many of the greens. I have also played Hunter's Point in Welland Ontario. It also satisfies most of the links criteria. Sadly, it has gone into receivership and is not likely to survive much longer.

I would like to remind all that Ireland has some of the greatest links courses in the world! Just to name the most famous: Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee, Waterville, Royal Portrush, The European at Brittas Bay, Ballyliffin and so on... you also asked about Shinnecock in a comment-the neighbouring golf course „Golf links of America“ is a true links course where many famous links golf holes of the British isles have been rebuilt and put into a fascinating variety of unique architectural golf holes! The only problem: it is private and you need an invite!

A list over the 246 true links courses of the world, as defined by The Links Association, is published at MigrantGolfer.com

I have played several true links courses in Scotland and consider Arcadia Bluffs on the shores of Lake Michigan to be a links course by your definition. It has sandy soil, fescue grass and sits on "coastal" land - a large lake rather than an ocean. Do you agree?

Grew up near Humewood GC where my Dad was a member for most of his life. He was a 7 handicap at 72 years old!

Wind is an integral challenge. Don't know how even the good players score well there. He had developed a way of hitting his irons that caused them to start very low and build up into the wind dropping down softly. There was a 130-140 yard par 3 there that when playing into the teeth of one of the two prevailing winds where even low handicappers needed a 3 wood or driver sometimes.

I was always under the impression that besides the Sandy soil and coastal prerequisites, there is the out on 1 and back to the clubhouse on 18 thereby "linking" the holes like a chain and thus the "links" connotation.

Highland Links on Cape Cod Massachusetts claims it is the oldest links course in America, I played it a couple of weeks ago and I would say it qualifies.