Thinking in terms of a barren links scape is apt. St Andrews was just one of the many links centres whose attempts at cultivation failed. Essentially, any layout purporting to be a links should look like one, but more importantly, it must play like one. Frequently, these two elements remain unmatched. Upon returning home to our heavily wooded inland courses, one acknowledges the terrific insulation that trees provide.
Generalisations are dangerous, however.
The average width of links fairways is appreciably narrow in comparison to its inland counterpart. A round on the links is not for the faint hearted. You must walk briskly on the links, not only to avoid 'slow play' but as a requirement to prevent your blood from icing over. When the coastal squalls start to kick in links are no place to dawdle. Put any notions about booking an electric cart right out of your mind.