Never far from a golf course in Skaraborg

It’s never far to most things in Skaraborg – and golf courses are no exception! The area boasts no fewer than 14, making Skaraborg one of the country’s most blessed in this regard.

Around 30,000 rounds of golf are played every season at the Lundsbrunn Golf Club in Götene municipality. Circa 6,000 are played by guest players, but a clear majority are by the club’s own members, who come mainly from the municipalities of Götene, Skara and Lidköping.

“We’ve invested a lot in the social aspects before and after a round is played. And people are welcome to come as they are. As often as not, members come by just for a coffee or lunch, and sometimes the club’s youths cycle here after school. It’s the kind of atmosphere we aim for, a bit like a recreation center for both adults and children,” says Anette Knutsson, General Manager for the Lundsbrunn Golf Club.

Several golf clubs in Skaraborg cooperate in providing their members with the opportunity to try different golf courses in the local area. Lundsbrunn Golf Club provides members with a number of free rounds every year on two or three courses in the local area.

Because it’s never far to the next course, it’s common for Skaraborg golfers to play around at different courses. By car, golfers can reach all 14 courses in about one hour’s drive from the center of Skaraborg.

The season runs from April to October

Golf courses in Skaraborg are usually dry enough for the first rounds to be played by the beginning of April. Sometimes it takes a little longer, as it’s important that the grass begin growing before rounds can begin. Most years, the courses stay open until the end of October.

“We have a lot of northern visitors to our courses, especially at the beginning of the season. There’s usually still a week or two before the courses further north can open,” says Anette.

According to Anette, another reason why so many golfers visit Skaraborg is the natural beauty of the courses that the area prides itself on. Most are located just outside communities and have views across fields and forests. For Anette, and many others, the location of the course is an important matter.

"If you’re really off your game one day, at least you get to enjoy the view,” laughs Anette. 

A sport for everyone

According to the Swedish Golf Federation, 1 in 20 Swedes is a golfer, and there are 445 golf clubs dotted around the country. This makes golf one of our most popular sports. When it comes to why, there are many answers. But its being a social sport whose practitioners socialize during a game that can be played by any age group are two of the things most often mentioned.

“Here in Lundsbrunn, we’re keen for our children to feel at home and join the club at an early age. We’ve had a group of four-year-olds for a long while, but this season will see our first groups of two and three-year-old children. We also collaborate with the school and arrange try-out golf sessions with them,” says Anette.

Classes for beginners and seasoned players

There are classes for beginners and seasoned players, young and old alike, at most golf clubs. And taking classes can be a great way of getting to know new people to enjoy a round with. Because even though golf is a social sport, you don’t need a whole group of like-minded friends to begin playing if you’re keen to start.

“Just take classes and get to know new golfers! We often see people who’ve taken evening training classes continue to play rounds together,” advises Anette.

The pictures featured in the article are from Lundsbrunn Golf Club, Töreboda Golf Club and Skövde Golf Club.