Fjällbacka

Fjällbacka on the west coast of Sweden is a sleepy little fishing village in the winter (home to about 900 souls), but in the summer months the population swells to 20,000, as it is a highly popular holiday destination. Fjällbacka is also home to two notables, crime author Camilla Läckberg, where many of her books (among them "The Ice Princess") are set in Fjällbacka and, of course, Fjällbacka Golf Club with its splendid setting.

Erik Röhss designed the layout and the first nine holes opened 1967 followed by a second nine in 1973. In 2006 the club undertook a major renovation, converting all the greens to USGA standard. Since then, the club has continued to refine the course with incremental details such as a few bunkers, tees, and a few pretty ponds here and there.

Fjällbacka is almost a seaside course. It's not quite at the coast, but it is laid out along the mouth of Anrås River, but so close to the sea that the wind is a sure factor to consider.

The watery theme is particularly strong at the start and end of the round, as these holes are laid out on an island in the river – the river is actually in play on eleven holes. From these island holes the course works its way through parkland before it meets up with the sea at the 7th and then turns outside the first holes to the island crossing at the 16th.

A worthy mention goes to the 13th, a classic crisscross where the tee shot on this elevated par three crosses the approach of the 12th – quite pretty, but also quite tough as it plays into the prevailing wind. The home hole is a study in suspense as the tee shot needs to be as long as possible to leave a short approach that must carry the river en route to a well-guarded green. It might be prudent to consider the run out before finalising the club selection off tee.

In the summer months it is advisable to book your round well in advance as Fjällbacka Golf Club is often very busy.