DENMARK

Golf in Denmark: Where Viking Landscapes Meet Modern Fairways

Golf in Denmark boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1898 when the Royal Copenhagen Golf Club became the country’s first course, established by British expatriates.

Unlike many European nations, Denmark’s golf culture evolved organically without aristocratic exclusivity, making it one of the most accessible golf destinations today.

The Danish golf landscape is defined by its coastal links, heathland courses, and innovative modern designs, with key regions including Zealand, Jutland, and Funen.

Zealand’s standout is the Simon’s Golf Club, a Kyle Phillips-designed masterpiece that hosted the 2023 Made in HimmerLand tournament, featuring rugged dunes and strategic bunkering reminiscent of Scotland’s finest links.

In Jutland, the HimmerLand Golf Resort, co-designed by European Tour player Thomas Bjørn, blends parkland and heathland elements, while Funen’s Odense Golf Club offers a woodland-style course set amidst Viking burial mounds.

Denmark’s player development system is world-class, with the Danish Golf Union’s talent pipeline producing stars like Nicole Broch Estrup, a Solheim Cup competitor, and Rasmus Højgaard, the youngest winner of three European Tour events.

Golf tourism peaks from May to September, with packages combining rounds at top courses with cultural attractions like Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens or Jutland’s LEGOLAND.

Sustainability is a priority, with courses like Royal Aarhus Golf Club achieving GEO certification through organic turf management and solar-powered irrigation.

Future developments include the planned Thy National Golf Club, a 36-hole sustainable project in northern Jutland, and Denmark’s bid to host the 2029 Ryder Cup, capitalizing on its reputation for eco-conscious golf.

With over 200 courses (one per 25,000 residents—Europe’s highest density), Denmark’s egalitarian golf culture and innovative designs position it as Scandinavia’s undisputed golf leader..