Two of Norway’s most prestigious golf clubs have become the first Scandinavian members to be welcomed into the World of Leading Golf (WLG) – an association representing many of the planet’s top golf clubs and resorts.
Miklagard Golf, a 10-minute drive from Oslo, is generally regarded as Norway’s best course, while Stavanger Golfklubb, in the south-west of the country, is the nation’s oldest and, still, one of the best, featuring regularly in the top nation’s top five.
The Robert Trent Jones II course at Miklagard – designed originally for tournament play – is renowned for the speed of its elevated greens and its length, measuring 6,765m off the back tees. All the holes at Miklagard were named after Norse gods and kings and even the signs, buildings and appearance are inspired by Norse history – although the club itself dates only from 2002.
The grass roof of the clubhouse tends to be a talking point for first-time visitors but it is indicative of the unique qualities of all the facilities within, which include lounges, meeting rooms and a cosy restaurant, offering views across the course from its terrace.
The Fred Smith-designed 18 holes of Stavanger Golfklubb make their way across the undulating grounds close to Lake Stokkavan, which it abuts. Opened in 1956, the course is tight, bordered as it is by the forest and the water, requiring concentration and good course management throughout, not least because of its small greens and undulating fairways.
The Stavanger management prides itself on the conditions of the course, and that is borne out by the number of national and international championships to have been played there.
Claus Feldt, WLG’s general manager, said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome the first club from a country new to World of Leading Golf – and in this case we extend our hand of friendship to two new members from Norway. Golf is really taking off in Scandinavia and the quality of golf courses is starting to match the quality of professional golfer the region is producing.
“Both Miklagard and Stavanger have justifiably excellent reputations and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship. We also hope their membership will encourage other top Scandinavian resorts to apply to join us.”
WLG and its member clubs are passionately committed to preserve golf culture, but not only by heeding to such things as rules, dress code and etiquette – they commit to the very highest of quality standards concerning the design and caretaking of golf courses and services, as well as the levels of ambiance and gastronomy.
World of Leading Golf www.world-of-leading-golf.com
Miklagard Golf www.miklagardgolf.no
Stavanger Golfklubb www.sgk.no