Barsebäck Resort (Ocean)

Situated on the west coast of Sweden lies the world renowned Barsebäck Golf resort. With two championship courses, there’s no shortage of great golf to be had at Barsebäck.

The Ocean course (previously called the Masters course) itself is a bit of a brute but the 2003 European Solheim Cup team led by Swede Catrin Nilsmark tamed it. Catrin (who was the youngest ever European Solheim Cup captain) led Europe to a dramatic victory over the USA (17½ 10½). No doubt Catrin will always have fond memories of Barsebäck.

It’s a varied and interesting layout which starts off by meandering through well-cleared undulating woodland. At the par three 8th there is a dramatic topography change with its elevated tee providing a clear view of the task at hand. Your tee shot must reach the sanctuary of the small green, but first you must carry the lake and secondly you must not let the sea view backdrop disturb your concentration. From here on in it’s fun with a capital “F”. The next three holes are played hard alongside the Öresund and you’ll need your best seaside game intact to score well before heading into the deep pine forest for the closing holes.

Undeniably the Ocean course at the Barsebäck Golf resort, which was originally laid out by Ture Bruce in 1969, is tough. The greens are fast and true and the test is varied and immensely challenging, especially when stretched to an eye-watering 7,729 yards from the tips.

The club has hosted the Scandinavian Masters (now called the Nordea Masters) on multiple occasions, with winners including Colin Montgomerie, Adam Scott and Luke Donald. Additionally, Barsebäck is the home club of 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, who was made an Honorary Member in 2007.