TIME TO SEE MORE NORDIC GOLF
I’m always interested in courses which move significantly up a list. It normally means that something significant has happened there to garner attention.
The Golf World 2021 ranking was the first to put Lofoten Links on the radar for many when it went up 40-odd places into the top 10. But there is more to discover in the Nordic countries. Here are my top 3 –
Iceland. OK, there’s only one course in this list but Brauterholt is up 19 places to 66 and Westman Island and Keilir both make the top 125. The season there is short but there is an incredibly active golf scene and it’s a place I want to get to before the next list is out.
Visby. This Swedish course isn’t the easiest to get to – lying on the island of Gotland – but it has shot up 39 places in the list this time. Recent work from Pierre Fulke and Adam Mednick has been well received and more people are discovering this course thanks to visits from, among others, No Laying Up
Denmark. There are 5 Danish courses in the top 60 in Europe and 2 have had big rises – Great Northern is up 19 to 57th and Holstebro (Forest course) is up 16 to 59th. It’s really easy to get to Copenhagen (which is a great night out!) and you can always combine a trip with some of the great Swedish courses just over the bridge. Definitely one to visit.
IT’S HARD TO GET BACK ON THE LIST WHEN YOU DROP OFF…
There has been a fair amount of turnover at the bottom of the list. The most notable drop-off is San Lorenzo which has gone out from 79th position. The course is looking a little tired and in need of some love and attention from the owners. If it gets it, I can see it re-entering.
But some of the others will find it tough to make it back because there are just too many good courses around. Of recent departures, only the Black course at Real Club de Campo in Madrid has made it back in.
So there you have it – another Continental Europe list done for another 2 years. I would encourage you to get off the beaten track a bit and visit some of these courses if you get the chance. This ranking definitely shows there is more to European golf thanThe Algarve!