Stiklestad

The battle of Stiklestad in 1030 is considered the most famous battle in Norwegian history, where King Olaf Haraldson fell in the battle during his quest to convert Norway to Christianity. A play is performed every year to commemorate this historical event in Scandinavia’s largest outdoor theatre.

A battle in a different form can be found at Stiklestad Golf Club. Renowned architect Jeremy Turner designed the course which opened in 2008 as a full 18-holer. Stiklestad is considered by many to be one of the most challenging courses in Norway, as it is quite narrow and the penal rough and trees lining the fairways can quickly ruin a good score. No surprise perhaps that the course record stands at 1 below par. The opening nine is set in the forest and is the shorter of the two loops, and the back nine is mostly open country.

On the front, precision is required but there are a few length related challenges as well. The par four 6th is a slight dogleg left and measures 390 meters from club tees. With a well-placed drive, the approach will be slightly uphill, just enough to obscure the pretty little pond that guards the green to the front right. It’s a cracking two-shotter.

On the back nine there are a number of good holes; the majestic par five 12th plays downhill, but as it curves along the entire length, every shot require close consideration to ensure a clear line for the next shot. The 225-metre par three is the longest par three in Norway, requiring a mighty belt to reach the generous green in regulation. Of the closing holes, the par five 16th stands out, it can be reached in two, but with the slightly elevated green surrounded by crafty bunkering maybe a more conservative plan will be preferred.

When you enjoy a relaxing drink on the balcony of Stiklestad’s fine clubhouse, your scorecard might not be pretty, but at least there is some solace to be had from the gorgeous views of the Trondheim Fjord.