Golf courses in West Sweden

West Sweden is renowned for its idyllic and varied countryside, ranging from the coast’s smooth granite formations to magical forests to the cultural landscapes of the interior. In other words, perfect conditions for challenging and entertaining golf courses. And the local climate makes for a long season, from early spring until late autumn.

Below we’ve listed our eleven favourite courses. Why not combine one or more of them with locally produced cuisine and great accommodation. Good luck on the course! 

Fjällbacka Golfklubb

Tourists flock to Fjällbacka, especially because of Camilla Läckberg’s best-selling crime novels and the beautiful archipelago. But many also bring their golf bag, which is no surprise. A round at Fjällbacka GK offers a genuine taste of Bohuslän – water, wind, granite formations and verdant greenery. It’s a semi-seaside course with hard greens. A river runs alongside several holes – pretty to look at, but a danger to your scorecard. The 16th hole is really Instagram-friendly, with a bridge over the river and the beautiful stone wall, as well as approaches between bunkers and rocky sections. 

Forsbacka Golfklubb

Around one of the smaller lakes in Dalsland, the land of a thousand lakes, one of the county’s best golf courses winds its way through the landscape. Few Swedish courses enjoy such a peaceful location. Just 150 km from Oslo, Forsbacka Golfklubb outside Åmål is a joy to all nature-loving golfers. The clubhouse is located in a white 18th-century manor house, with views across Forsbacka Lake and several of the 18 holes. Next to the clubhouse is a wing with a hotel in a charming, historical setting. Thus this combined parkland-forest course is ideal for day and overnight guests. 

Gullbringa Golf & Country Club

Located some 10 km from the classic sailing/seaside community of Marstrand is the Gullbringa Golf & Country Club. Since its foundation in 1967 it has developed into a classic golfing spot, with 27 well-groomed holes divided into three 9-hole courses. One course is parkland, one is forest and one is a mixture of the two. The three courses are frequently combined, to form different 18-hole courses, making for plenty of variety even for recurrent guests. The restaurant Gullkrogen offers a lunch buffet, and in summer you can swim in the club’s outdoor swimming pool.

Hills Golf & Sports Club

Hills Golf & Sports Club is a par 71 course outside Gothenburg, founded in 2005 and now ranked as one of the country’s best. The original course was designed by renowned golf course architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest. Since then, six of the holes have been re-worked by the Swedish golf pro Johan Edfors. The course is beautifully situated in a secluded value, bordering on the Sandsjöbacka nature reserve. The partly undulating forest and parkland countryside is characterized by 18 unique holes with wide, rolling fairways and well-placed bunkers. And the view from the restaurant in the clubhouse is fantastic.

Lyckorna Golfklubb

Bohuslän’s second oldest golf course offers a well-composed golfing experience where every hole is different. The biggest plus is the magnificent panoramic view of the strait between the mainland and the island of Orust – but the gently undulating course is a close second. It features water hazards that require total concentration, but that can also turn the game right on its head. Don’t forget to stop from time to time, to enjoy the huge oak trees, the waterfront and of course the sea that frames the course. The community of Lyckorna is close to Ljungskile, an hour north of Gothenburg.

Lysegårdens Golfklubb

From the outdoor dining area at Lysegården’s clubhouse, just north of Kungälv, you can see most of this open 18-hole course. With well-tended greens and a modern design, you never get bored playing here, which has made Lysegården one of the region’s most playable courses. Beginners will be happy to see that several holes are relatively short. But there are some tough challenges, including the angles on the 12th hole and the slope on the 14th. At the 13th you can see one of West Sweden’s highest waterfalls, with a drop of 38 metres. The waterfall is at the edge of a nature reserve full of beautiful deciduous forest. 

Läckö Golfklubb

On the Kållandsö peninsula, by the inner archipelago of southern Lake Vänern, you’ll find Läckö Golfklubb. It’s an 18-hole course, designed to highlight the beautiful surroundings and offer entertaining play for all types of golfers. Many of the holes take you into areas that are isolated from the rest of the course and from other players, so you can play in peace and quiet. From the restaurant in the clubhouse you can look out over intensely green fairways and greens, surrounded by impressive oaks. While you’re here, have a look at Läckö Castle, naturum Vänerskärgården (a visitor centre) and the picturesque porcelain  capital, Lidköping. 

Mjölkeröds Golfklubb

Just 15 minutes north of the shellfish mecca Grebbestad is Mjölkeröds Golfklubb – one of Bohuslän’s most popular golf facilities. With the coast just a few swings away, it’s no surprise that the surroundings as well as the scents and atmosphere make you think of the sea. And the mild climate means the course has a relatively long season. The combined parkland-forest course was designed by Jeremy Turner and opened in 1991. It offers challenges for beginners and more experience golfers. After the first nine holes you can get refreshments at Café 9, and then top off the day with a good meal at Restaurang 19.

Orust Golfklubb

The quintessential rounded granite formations of the Bohuslän coastline are reminiscent of other courses in the area, as is the proximity to the sea. But what’s special about Orust Golfklubb is its mixed character and well-balanced course. Parkland holes are mixed with forest and meadow sections, and most aspects of a golfer’s play are put to the test. Still, the course is not unnecessarily long or difficult. At times the wind can be strong, but in return you have views of the sea from almost every hole. Being so close to the sea means the greens often stay green from March to November. Here, on the west coast’s largest island, you can combine first-class golf with a cosy, idyllic archipelago experience. 

Strömstad Golfklubb

Strömstad Golfklubb boasts Sweden’s westernmost golf course. It’s very popular, especially amongst Norwegian players. The undulating parkland course is challenging, despite its relatively short length. You really notice that the sea is nearby, and the striking granite formations are highlighted as a design feature. The clubhouse has a restaurant and a well-stocked pro shop. The course is not far from the centre of Strömstad, so it’s easy to combine a round of golf with other activities such as a boat trip through the archipelago or a relaxing visit to Strömstad Spa. 

Öijared Resort

Located on a pretty peninsula between the lakes Mjörn and Sävelången, half an hour from Gothenburg, Öijared’s  history goes back nearly a thousand years. The three 18-hole courses, plus a short course, make it one of Sweden’s largest golf facilities. The courses vary in character; parkland alternates with forest. The old course is a challenge, with undulating greens and strategically located bunkers. A highlight is on the Park course, where the first tee is located on the grass-covered roof of the architect-designed clubhouse. Öijared is run as a resort, not a golf club. It features a hotel, gym, spa and a highly recommended restaurant.