Links courses originated next to the ocean. They are characterized by few if any trees. Dune type undulations in the fairway and tall sea grass surrounding the course. The ground is very hard. Combine this with the terrain and you get some very difficult bounces.

Today, links courses are made inland as well. Same undulations with no sea grass but very few trees.

For an in depth article: see

http://www.ottawagolf.com/articles/golfguide/linkscourse.htm

In America we have stadium courses that have been built by the PGA tour which are specifically designed to accomodate thousands of spectators (i.e. they offer stadium type views of the golfers). American courses are typically softer which makes the bounces a little bit easier...

Jack