Oustøen

As in most European countries, nearly all Norwegian courses – over one hundred 9-hole and fifty 18-hole layouts – are accessible to visiting golfers in return for a green fee. The solitary exception is Oustøen, the only private golf club in the country, located a few miles west of the capital on land jutting out into the Oslo fjord.

Formed in 1965, Oustøen Country Club marked its fortieth year by embarking on a programme of course redevelopment with the Niblick Design Company, resulting in the reconstruction of 18 bunkers around the course in 2007. Further proposals to revamp the 14th and 17th holes are being considered.

With a length of just under 6,200 yards, Oustøen is not long by modern day standards. There may be five par fives on the card but they are matched by five, relatively short par threes. Of the remaining holes, no fewer than four are good, old-fashioned short par fours – nicely spaced out at holes 3, 8, 11 and 15 – which add charm to a fine parkland layout.