SWEDEN

Golf in Sweden: Where Nordic Nature Meets Championship Fairways

Golf in Sweden is a celebration of the country’s vast natural landscapes, with courses seamlessly integrated into forests, coastlines, and archipelagos, offering a unique blend of wilderness and precision.

The sport’s roots date back to 1891 when the first course, Örgryte Golf Club, was established in Gothenburg, inspired by British golfing traditions.

The early 20th century saw a steady growth of golf clubs, but it was in the 1980s and 1990s that Sweden’s golf boom took off, fueled by the success of players like Annika Sörenstam and a national passion for outdoor sports.

Today, Sweden boasts over 500 courses, one of the highest per capita rates in the world, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and sustainability.

Key regions showcase Sweden’s golfing diversity.

Stockholm’s archipelago, with courses like Bro-Bålsta Golf Club, combines coastal winds with dense woodlands, while Skåne in the south offers a milder climate and parkland layouts such as Barsebäck Golf & Country Club, a two-time host of the Solheim Cup.

In the north, the Arctic Circle’s midnight sun provides a surreal golfing experience at courses like Luleå Golf Club, where summer rounds can extend past midnight.

Signature courses highlight Sweden’s architectural ingenuity.

Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., features the longest course in Scandinavia at 7,800 yards, with dramatic water hazards and undulating greens.

Falsterbo Golf Club, one of Sweden’s oldest, is a coastal links course where dunes and sea breezes challenge even seasoned players.

Barsebäck’s Masters Course, designed by Donald Steel, has hosted numerous European Tour events, cementing Sweden’s place in competitive golf.

Player development is a national priority, with the Swedish Golf Federation’s junior programs producing stars like Ludvig Åberg, who rose rapidly to PGA Tour prominence.

Academies such as the Annika Sörenstam Golf School nurture young talent, while public courses ensure the sport remains inclusive.

Golf tourism thrives in summer (June-August), with packages combining rounds with cultural experiences like Stockholm’s Vasa Museum or Gothenburg’s archipelago cruises.

Sustainability is central to Swedish golf, with courses like Ullna Golf Club using organic fertilizers and solar-powered maintenance equipment.

Many clubs are certified by the Golf Environment Organization (GEO), emphasizing biodiversity and minimal water use.

Future projects include the expansion of urban golf facilities in Malmö and a bid to host the Ryder Cup by 2035, leveraging Sweden’s reputation for innovation and environmental stewardship.

With golf participation growing at 5% annually, Sweden continues to set a global standard for sustainable, nature-driven golf..