Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Sweden: The Ultimate Player Guide

Although Sweden experiences long winters, it boasts a plethora of more than 650 remarkable golf courses throughout the country, some of which rank among the best in Continental Europe. The nation has given rise to some of the world’s most iconic golfers, such as former Open Champion Henrik Stenson and the legendary Annika Sorenstam, often considered the best female golfer ever. In the following article, let’s delve into the most exceptional golf courses in Sweden that are open to the public.

Sweden Golfing Scene

The Swedish golf landscape stands out for its accessibility and environmental integration. Whether playing alongside freshwater lakes or along the rugged Kattegat coastline, courses are sculpted into the natural terrain with minimal artificial disruption.

World-Class Golf Clubs around Stockholm and Mälaren region

The area around Stockholm features premier parkland and lakeside venues within a 20 to 45-minute drive from the city center. Top layouts like Bro Hof Slott Stadium Course and Ullna Golf Club offer PGA European Tour-tested challenges, pristine bentgrass surfaces, and scenic water hazards along Lake Mälaren and Lake Ullna.

Bro Hof Slott Stadium Course (Bro)

Bro Hof Slott Stadium Course

• Location: Bro (35 mins northwest of Central Stockholm)
• Course Specs: Par 72 / 7,543 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $220 to $350 USD (approx. 2,300 to 3,700 SEK)
• Access: Open to visitor play with advance reservation

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. along the shores of Lake Mälaren, the Stadium Course at Bro Hof Slott is widely considered the top layout in Sweden. Having hosted the Scandinavian Masters multiple times, this venue demands distance and precision around sprawling water hazards and sculpted bunkers. The restored 19th-century castle clubhouse provides a striking backdrop after a round on these pristine fairways, making it a must-visit for anyone researching golf courses in Stockholm.

Ullna Golf Club (Åkersberga) 

Ullna Golf Club

• Location: Åkersberga (20 mins north of Central Stockholm)
• Course Specs: Par 72 / 6,785 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $180 to $280 USD (approx. 1,900 to 2,950 SEK)
• Access: Visitor tee times available weekdays and select weekend slots

Ullna Golf Club is situated a mere 12km from Stockholm and is graced with a stunning lakeside location. Here, water isn’t just a feature, it’s an integral part of the course’s charm. As the course winds along the lake’s edge, which serves as an ice skating rink during winter, water hazards come into play almost continuously.

Established in 1981, Ullna Golf Club boasts a series of remarkable holes, especially those nestled closely to the shoreline. Given its intricate and demanding layout, golfers are advised to come well-prepared with an ample supply of balls. Chances are, they’ll be put to good use!

Best Championship Links and Coastal Venues in Southern Sweden

Falsterbo Golf Club (Falsterbo)

Falsterbo Golf Club

• Location: Fyrvägen
• Course Specs: Par 71 / 6,688 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $155 (Approx. 1506 SEK)
• Access: Visitor tee times available weekdays and select weekend slots

Established in 1909, Falsterbo Golf Club stands as the third oldest golf establishment in Sweden. Nestled in the scenic expanse of the Falsterbo peninsula, this course offers one of Scandinavia’s most genuine links golf experiences.

It is surrounded by the Baltic Sea on three sides, ensuring that the wind remains an ever-present challenge for golfers. These consistent breezes accentuate the difficulties posed by the unforgiving rough and pristine sandy shores. Remarkably, these sands are not just a visual treat but also a strategic hazard, coming into play on several holes. This is particularly evident on the par-5 18th hole, where golfers are tasked with navigating alongside the brilliant stretch of white sand spanning the hole’s entirety.

PGA of Sweden National (Bara,Malmö)

PGA of Sweden National

• Location: Bara (15 mins east of Malmö)
• Course Specs: Lakes Course: Par 72 / 7,415 yards | Links Course: Par 72 / 7,380 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $110 to $200 USD (approx. 1,150 to 2,100 SEK)
• Access: Full public resort access

When Kyle Phillips lends his expertise to a course, it often guarantees excellence. Such is the case with the PGA of Sweden National. After a decade of meticulous planning, it opened its doors in 2009 to widespread praise. Positioned just outside of Malmo, this 45-hole Phillips masterpiece marks the PGA of Sweden as one of the nation’s elite golfing destinations.

Its initial design, dubbed the “Links,” evokes the feel of a classic Scottish coastal course, an unexpected touch in Scandinavia. Even though significant terrain was shifted during its creation, the Links maintains an organic ambiance.

Phillips’ genius doesn’t stop there; he’s also the brain behind the Lakes course, unveiled in 2010. This course is on par with the Links, challenging its standing as the resort’s pinnacle layout. Both designs, ranked among the top 100 in Europe, promise to gain even more prestige with time.

Barsebäck Golf and Country Club (Löddeköpinge)

Barsebäck Golf and Country Club

• Location: Löddeköpinge (20 mins north of Malmö)
• Course Specs: Masters Course: Par 72 / 7,130 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $120 to $220 USD (approx. 1,250 to 2,300 SEK)
• Access: Open to public guests and resort visitors

Barsebäck Golf & Country Club is renowned for its championship history, having been the stage for the Solheim Cup and multiple Scandinavian Masters events. Located on Sweden’s west coast, a mere 20km from Malmo, this club is notably the home base of the 2016 Open Champion, Henrik Stenson, and features two exceptional courses.

The Masters course, known for the memorable European triumph in 2003, offers a diverse and demanding golfing experience. The front half navigates through thick woodlands, while the back nine unveils stunning sea vistas, with sure challenging holes situated close to the Oresund.

Halmstad Golf Club (Halmstad)

Halmstad Golf Club

• Location: Tylösand, Halmstad (90 mins south of Gothenburg)
• Course Specs: North Course: Par 72 / 6,838 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $130 to $230 USD (approx. 1,350 to 2,400 SEK)
• Access: Visitor slots available with advance booking

Located in the seaside resort area of Tylösand, Halmstad offers 36 holes framed by tall coastal pines. The North Course, shaped by Frank Pennink and Donald Steel, hosted the 2007 Solheim Cup. Its springy turf and tree-lined fairways provide a peaceful atmosphere just moments from ocean beaches.

Interestingly, even with its proximity to the sea, lending a tang of salt to the air, both courses meander through corridors of mature trees. This captivating blend has attracted top-tier golfers eager to challenge the distinct offerings of Halmstad. Notably, the course played host to the Solheim Cup in 2007 and has been a battleground for many of Europe’s elite amateur players through the years.

Vasatorps Golf Club (Helsingborg)

Vasatorps Golf Club

• Location: Mörarp, Helsingborg (45 mins north of Malmö)
• Course Specs: TC Course: Par 72 / 7,320 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $100 to $190 USD (approx. 1,050 to 2,000 SEK)
• Access: Visitor tee times accessible daily

Boasting 54 remarkable holes, Vasatorps Golf Club stands out as one of the best Sweden golf courses. This venue has historically been acclaimed as one of the nation’s top courses, hosting prestigious golf championships since the 1970s. Notably, golf legends like Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman have clinched European Tour titles at this very location.

Situated just to the east of Helsingborg, the introduction of the TC course in 2008 has significantly elevated the club’s stature. Designed with competitive play in focus, this new layout comprises nine additional holes, marking it as the resort’s most prized possession.

While the TC enjoys a reputation as one of Sweden’s elite courses, the Classic offers a more conventional challenge, with water hazards taking center stage throughout its expanse.

Unique Destinations layouts: Island Links and Surrey Heathland Style

Beyond the primary urban centers, Sweden offers unique golf experiences including island links on Gotland, inland sandbelt layouts in Jönköping, and Surrey-style heathlands near Gothenburg. These venues combine distinct geology with rich local history.

Visby Golf Club (Gotland Island)

Visby Golf Club

• Location: Kronholmen, Gotland Island
• Course Specs: Par 72 / 6,890 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $110 to $190 USD (approx. 1,150 to 2,000 SEK)
• Access: Open public access via ferry or flight to Visby

Positioned on the scenic island of Gotland, Visby Golf Club offers golfers panoramic sea views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Beyond its visual appeal, the course presents a unique blend of parkland and links-style holes that cater to both power hitters and strategic players. The sea breeze adds an unpredictable element, ensuring every round is distinct. Its location also offers a unique chance to explore Gotland’s rich history and culture.

Sand Golf Club (Bankeryd)

Sand Golf Club

• Location: Bankeryd (15 mins north of Jönköping)
• Course Specs: Par 72 / 7,230 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $90 to $160 USD (approx. 950 to 1,700 SEK)
• Access: Public player access with hotel packages

Emerging from modest beginnings, Sand Golf Club has transformed into one of the best golf course in Sweden. Initially occupying land once used for potato farming, the course was inaugurated in 2006 with aspirations of being Sweden’s top inland link. The creative minds of Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest sculpted its layout, giving prominence to extensive bunkering. The course is marked by sand challenges, from expansive off-tee traps to strategically located pot bunkers awaiting errant shots. Furthermore, water features are prominent, especially highlighted on the iconic final hole.

Vallda Golf and Country Club (Kungsbacka)

Vallda Golf and Country Club

• Location: Vallda (25 mins south of Gothenburg)
• Course Specs: Par 72 / 6,860 yards
• Estimated Green Fee: $100 to $180 USD (approx. 1,050 to 1,900 SEK)
• Access: Open visitor play weekdays and weekends

Drawing inspiration from the classic heathland courses of the Surrey/Berkshire sandbelt, Vallda Golf & Country Club turned to Martin Hawtree for its design. Unveiled in 2009, the club quickly garnered widespread praise. Situated just a stone’s throw from Gothenburg, the course’s distinctive springy and firm turf offers a playing experience in Sweden like no other. While its open and relatively flat terrain welcomes golfers of all skill levels, its audacious bunkering and rolling greens provide an exhilarating and memorable challenge. This blend of accessibility and challenge cements Vallda’s reputation as one of the best golf courses in Sweden.

Practical Tips for Golfing in Sweden

Playing a round in Scandinavia comes with unique local customs that differ from destinations in Southern Europe or Asia. Keeping these actionable tips in mind will ensure a smooth trip:

• Embrace the Walking Culture: Caddies are practically non-existed in Sweden. Players carry their own bags or rent a pull-trolley at the pro shop for roughly $8 to $12 (85 to 125SEK). Motorized carts are reserved primarily for players with mobility needs or must be requested well in advance.
• Pack layered and Windproofing Clothing: Coastal weather along the Baltic Sea or Kattegat Strait can change quickly. Carry a lightweight windbreaker, rain gear, and a thermal base layer, even when traveling during peak summer months like July.
• Capitalize on “Dagan Rätt: Lunch Specials: Most Swedish clubhouses serve a traditional daily lunch special called Dagens Ratt between 11:30 and 2:00. Prices around $12 to $18 (130 to 190 SEK), it usually includes a main hot course, a fresh salad bar, bread, coffee and a sweet treat.
• Use rental Cars for regional transfers: While Stockholm and Malmo have reliable public transit, reaching rural or coastal golf courses like Sand, Falsterbo, or Bro Hof Slott is faster and most convenient with a rental car.
• Download the Sweetpot App: Many top clubs utilize the Sweetpot platform for tee-time reservations, digital scorecards, and driving range payments. Setting up an account before your flight simplifies the check-in process.

Where Will Your Nest Golf Holiday Take You?

From lakeside championship layouts near Stockholm to Baltic links and island golf on Gotland, Sweden offers a distinctive combination of natural landscapes, accessible courses, and long summer playing days. The best choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer parkland, links, coastal scenery, or a golf trip built around several regions.

If you are also considering destinations beyond Europe, explore the best golf courses in Asia for more inspiration.

Already have a destination or a few must-play courses in mind? Create your own golf holiday around your preferred courses, travel dates, and itinerary, or contact our golf travel experts for personalized assistance.

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• Top 15 Best Golf Courses in The United States of America (USA)
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