In the far north-west of Sweden, where Bohuslän meets the Norwegian border, lies Strömstad with just over 13,000 inhabitants and a landscape of mountains, sea and open views towards the Koster Sea. Here you will find Sweden's westernmost golf course, a hilly parkland course with the sea as a neighbour, and at a convenient distance across the border another advanced course awaits. For those who want to combine a round of golf with salty air, swimming water and the dramatic nature of northern Bohuslän, the area is a little destination of its own. This article goes through what you can play here and what sets the courses apart.
Two courses to choose from in and around Strömstad
Golf in the Strömstad area revolves around two clubs. Within the municipality you will find Strömstads Golfklubb, Sweden's westernmost golf course, a hilly parkland course with 18 holes and par 71. A little further north, just across the border on the Norwegian side, lies Dynekilens Golfklubb with another 18-hole course. The former is located in Strömstad itself, while the other is nearby and requires a short car journey, but both can be booked during the same golf weekend if you want to vary your play. Together they provide a clear reason to travel all the way up to the country's north-westernmost corner.
Strömstads Golfklubb and the course by the sea
Strömstads Golfklubb is the club you think of first when golf and Strömstad are mentioned in the same breath. It is a hilly parkland course with 18 holes and par 71, and it holds the title of Sweden's westernmost golf course. The course is not particularly long, but the terrain is hilly and requires thought rather than raw length. The differences in elevation mean that you often play from a sloping lie, and the surrounding trees punish a tee shot that drifts to the side. The proximity to the sea leaves its mark both on the views and on the wind, which can change the character of a hole from one round to the next.
It is precisely that mix, a short but tricky course in hilly terrain, that makes the club a good choice for those who prefer precision and variety over open, straight fairways. You rarely need your longest club on every tee shot, but you do need to think carefully before most of them.
Dynekilens Golfklubb just across the border
Dynekilens Golfklubb lies to the north on the Norwegian side and is reached by a short car journey from Strömstad. The club has an 18-hole course and works well as a complement during a golf weekend in the border region. The fact that it is located in the neighbouring country does not make the journey much longer, since Strömstad is already in the far north-west of Sweden and the border is close. For many golfers it becomes natural to play a round on each course and thereby get two completely different playing experiences during the same visit.
How to plan a golf weekend in northern Bohuslän
Strömstad is a distinct summer and seaside resort, and golf works best as part of a longer stay where the sea, coastal paths and restaurants are all part of the picture. The weather along the coast changes quickly, and the wind from the sea is a factor you need to reckon with both on the course and in your choice of clothing. A light, windproof garment makes a big difference when the breeze picks up over the open holes. Here a crewneck windbreaker serves its purpose, since it keeps out the chilly sea breeze without feeling tight when you swing.
For cooler mornings and the days when the air turns autumnal, a thin layer under your jumper provides peace of mind. A midlayer q-zip can be put on and taken off as needed during the round, which is practical when the temperature rises a few hours in. If you want to take a closer look at what suits the Nordic coastal climate, you can browse among more midlayers before you pack your bag.
What you should keep in mind before the round in Strömstad
The hilly terrain at Strömstads Golfklubb places demands on both your legs and your concentration, so plan for a round to take its time on the slopes. Since the course is relatively short, it pays to leave the driver in the bag on several holes and instead aim to end up in the right place. Allow for the wind from the sea, which can make a seemingly easy hole considerably harder. And remember to vary the surface in your shoes, since the slopes create uneven lies.
- Allow extra time for the steep sections on the parkland course.
- Place your tee shots for position over length on the narrower holes.
- Dress in layers that can handle a quick change of weather at the coast.
- Feel free to book both courses if you stay over a weekend.
Golf in Strömstad as part of a bigger picture
Strömstad shows how golf in Sweden looks different depending on where in the country you are, from facilities near major cities to courses in the country's outermost reaches. If you want to put the area into a larger context, you can read more about the number of golf courses in sweden and about how the offering differs between the regions. For those planning a golf trip that also takes in the capital, there is a guide to golf courses stockholm, which shows a completely different type of play than the hilly coastal golf in northern Bohuslän.
Whether you play the westernmost course in the country or take the step across the border, a successful round here is as much about the right equipment as the right club choice. At Local Rule you will find clothing made for the Nordic climate and long days on the course, and you can see the entire range at Local Rule before your next trip to the coast.
