Falsterbo: One of the few proper links on the continent

On this site we have lots of pages of superb British courses – so we thought we would take flight from this shores here.

But even though we landed in continental Europe, we still managed to find a genuine links course – we’re sure regular readers would expect no less. And in Falsterbo, we’re bringing you a course of real pedigree; enough, indeed, to make you want to abandon your usual long weekend in the Algarve…

THE LOCATION

Falsterbo is located in an eponymous town at the south-western tip of Sweden in the Vellinge Municipality within Skåne County. Malmo is half an hour’s drive to the north and another fine course, Ljunghusens, can be found five miles along the south coast of the Falsterbo peninsula. Copenhagen airport is also only half an hour away, reached by the bridge between the Oresund and the Baltic Sea.

THE HISTORY

Falsterbo Golfklubb was founded in 1909, making it the third-oldest golf club in Sweden. The first nine- hole course was laid out in 1910 by Robert Turnbull, the pro at Copenhagen GC, close to the course’s current location. In 1912 a new nine-hole course was set down around the lighthouse. The current 18 holes was designed by the local doctor Gunnar Bauer and opened in 1930. Two holes remain from the 1912 course – the 7th and 14th. All the green complexes were redesigned between 1996 and 2001 by Peter Nordwall and Peter Chamberlain.

THE COURSE

Falsterbo is 6,688 yards of classic links, the likes of which you don’t expect to find outside of our islands. Sand dunes, gorgeous fine turf, proper bunkers and undulating fairways have ensured this is regarded as one of the top three courses in Sweden. After a tight front nine, there are thre par 5s to attack coming home. The backdrop is pretty too, being surrounded by a nature reserve which is a haven for birds migrating in the autumn.