Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm Golf: Your Comprehensive Guide to Teeing Off in Sweden

Welcome to Stockholm, a city where vibrant urban life seamlessly blends with stunning natural beauty, and where a rich golf heritage awaits. This guide is designed for both the seasoned international golfer and the local enthusiast, offering a deep dive into the world of golf in Stockholm County. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended golfing adventure, you'll find the practical information, cultural insights, and insider tips you need to make the most of your time on the fairways.

Course Rankings & Reviews

Stockholm boasts a diverse range of golf courses, from classic parkland layouts to links-style courses hugging the coastline. Rankings can vary, but consistently highly-rated courses include:

• Djurgården Golf Club: Often considered the premier course in Stockholm, Djurgården is a classic parkland course with challenging greens, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking views of the city.
• Svenska Golfklubben (Svenska GK): A championship-caliber course with undulating fairways, water hazards, and a demanding layout that tests golfers of all levels.
• Storholmen Golf Club: Located on an island, Storholmen offers a unique and scenic golfing experience with challenging holes and picturesque surroundings.
• Mälarhöjden-Nockeby Golf Club: A popular choice for locals and visitors alike, Mälarhöjden-Nockeby features a well-maintained course with a variety of hole designs.
• Vallentuna Golf Club: A more links-influenced course with rolling terrain and exposed positions, offering a different challenge compared to the parkland layouts.
• Käringsjön Golf Club: Known for its beautiful lakeside setting and strategically placed hazards, Käringsjön provides a memorable golfing experience.
• Nockebybanan: A shorter, more accessible course ideal for a quick round or for golfers looking for a relaxed game.

Reviews: You can find detailed reviews and course information on platforms like GolfAdvisor, Top 100 Golf Courses, and various golf travel forums.

Top 7 Public/Semi-Private Courses:

1. Djurgården Golf Club (Semi-Private):

• Signature Hole: The 18th, a challenging par-4 with a dramatic approach to a well-guarded green overlooking the water.
• Notable Features: Historic course with a prestigious reputation, demanding greens, strategic bunkering, and stunning city views.
• Unique in Local Context: A cornerstone of Stockholm's golf history, frequented by many prominent Swedish golfers.

2. Svenska Golfklubben (Svenska GK) (Semi-Private):

• Signature Hole: The par-5 12th, a long and undulating hole requiring a precise drive and thoughtful approach.
• Notable Features: Championship course with a challenging layout, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers.
• Unique in Local Context: Hosts numerous national and international tournaments, a significant venue in the Swedish golf calendar.

3. Storholmen Golf Club (Semi-Private):

• Signature Hole: The par-4 14th, a visually stunning hole with a tee shot over the water and a demanding approach.
• Notable Features: Located on an island, offering a unique and scenic golfing experience with challenging holes.
• Unique in Local Context: Provides a tranquil escape within the city, often favored by locals seeking a peaceful round.

4. Mälarhöjden-Nockeby Golf Club (Public):

• Signature Hole: The par-3 11th, a short but tricky hole with a green surrounded by water.
• Notable Features: Well-maintained course with a variety of hole designs, popular with both locals and visitors.
• Unique in Local Context: A friendly and welcoming club with a strong community feel, often hosting beginner-friendly events.

5. Vallentuna Golf Club (Public):

• Signature Hole: The par-5 7th, a long and slightly undulating hole with a challenging approach.
• Notable Features: More links-influenced layout with rolling terrain and exposed positions, offering a different challenge.
• Unique in Local Context: Located slightly outside the city center, providing a more relaxed and spacious golfing environment.

6. Käringsjön Golf Club (Public):

• Signature Hole: The par-4 16th, a visually appealing hole with a lake on the right side of the fairway.
• Notable Features: Beautiful lakeside setting with strategically placed hazards, offering a memorable golfing experience.
• Unique in Local Context: A popular choice for those seeking a scenic and relatively affordable round.

7. Nockebybanan (Public):

• Signature Hole: The par-3 5th, a short and straightforward hole ideal for a quick round.
• Notable Features: Shorter course with a relaxed pace of play, perfect for beginners or those with limited time.
• Unique in Local Context: A convenient and accessible option for locals and visitors looking for a casual game.

Hidden Gems:

1. Saltsjöbanan Golf Club (Public): Located on the beautiful Saltsjöbanan railway line, this course offers stunning views of the water and a unique setting. It's a slightly less crowded option with good value.

2. Bro Golf Club (Public): Situated a bit further from central Stockholm, Bro Golf Club provides a peaceful and well-maintained course with a friendly atmosphere and often lower green fees.

Premium Options:

1. Djurgården Golf Club: As mentioned above, this is the ultimate premium golfing experience in Stockholm, with high green fees reflecting its prestige and history.

2. Svenska Golfklubben (Svenska GK): Another top-tier course with championship quality and a premium price tag.

Value Champions:

1. Mälarhöjden-Nockeby Golf Club: Offers a good balance of quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious golfers.

2. Nockebybanan: Provides a very accessible and reasonably priced round, ideal for those on a tighter budget.

International Golfer Essentials

Difficulty & Standards:

• Djurgården Golf Club:
• Local Handicap: 70-72
• USGA/R&A Slope: 120-125
• Svenska Golfklubben (Svenska GK):
• Local Handicap: 72-74
• USGA/R&A Slope: 125-130
• Storholmen Golf Club:
• Local Handicap: 68-70
• USGA/R&A Slope: 115-120
• Mälarhöjden-Nockeby Golf Club:
• Local Handicap: 65-70
• USGA/R&A Slope: 105-110
• Vallentuna Golf Club:
• Local Handicap: 68-72
• USGA/R&A Slope: 110-115
• Käringsjön Golf Club:
• Local Handicap: 65-70
• USGA/R&A Slope: 100-105
• Nockebybanan:
• Local Handicap: 60-70
• USGA/R&A Slope: 95-100

Note: These are approximate ranges and can vary depending on the time of year and course conditions.

Language Considerations:

English is widely spoken at most golf courses in Stockholm, especially those catering to international visitors. Key golf terms in Swedish:

• Tee: Tävlingsplats (competition place)
• Fairway: Rävlan (the fairway)
• Rough: Rävskogen (the rough)
• Green: Greenen (the green)
• Pin: Flaggan (the flag)
• Stroke: Slag (stroke)
• Birdie: En under par (one under par)
• Eagle: Två under par (two under par)
• Bogey: Ett slag över par (one over par)

Communication Tip: A simple "Hej" (hello) and "Tack" (thank you) go a long way.

Cultural Golf Etiquette:

• Pace of Play: Maintaining a good pace of play is highly valued. Be ready to play when it's your turn and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Dress Code: Smart casual attire is generally acceptable. Golf shirts, trousers or shorts, and golf shoes are standard. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, and overly casual wear.
• Respect for the Course: Repair divots and ball marks. Avoid walking on the putting line of other players.
• Communication: Acknowledge other players when they are addressing the ball.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Sweden.

Booking Requirements:

Most courses require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Online booking systems are common. You may need to provide details like the number of players, preferred tee time, and contact information. Some courses may require a guest certificate.

Seasonal & Climate Intelligence

Monthly Playing Guide:

Note: This is a general guide, and weather can be unpredictable.

Peak Season Strategy:

The peak golfing season in Stockholm is typically from late May to early September. Expect higher green fees and increased demand for tee times. Book well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

Off-Season Opportunities:

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often lower green fees.

Weather Contingencies:

Several courses have indoor facilities, driving ranges, or covered practice areas. Golf simulators are also becoming increasingly available.

Practical Travel Integration

Access & Transportation:

Stockholm has excellent public transportation. Most courses are accessible by metro, bus, or car.

Accommodation:

A wide range of accommodation options are available in Stockholm, from hotels to apartments.

Currency:

The currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK).

This comprehensive guide provides information on the best golf courses in Stockholm, along with practical details for international golfers. Enjoy your round!