Going for Golf

PGA National of Sweden

Just a matter of miles away is an even more recent addition to Sweden’s canon of great courses. Ten years in the making, the PGA National of Sweden opened a couple of years ago to great fanfare and has already gained plenty of admirers from Europe and beyond. The handiwork of Kyle Phillips – the man who gifted us the stunning links of Kingsbarns and Dundonald – the Links course has a strong Scottish influence running through it. Not to mention a small burn that wouldn’t look out of place on the seaside layouts of the old country. With multiple teeing options this inland links can be stretched to a whopping 7,500 yards if necessary and is one of the most formidable challenges in the country. It’s also one of the most enjoyable and should be on every itinerary, not least for the wonderful onsite rooms and facilities that make an overnight stay a treat.

The newer Florida-style Lakes course, which was opened in 2010 by Phillips and Tour pro Peter Hanson, features a large, purpose-built lake bordering holes nine, 17 and 18. It features the same amount of bunkers as its sibling but they cover an area three times the size. Be warned.