Fanø Golf Links, Fanø
Facts and practical information
Fanø Golf Links is Denmark's oldest golf course and the only links course in Denmark. The course was founded in 1898 after a design by Scotsman Robert Dunlop. The club has relatively primitive practice facilities: three tee boxes with an accompanying net. Today the club has about 2000 members, although many still come from outside.
Fanø Golf Links is reminiscent of the traditional links that today can only be found in Scotland's remote areas. As it is a links course, there are no bunkers, but there are several dunes, which make the drive particularly difficult. It's not a long course, but it's still very difficult because of the alternative shots you can encounter. Several of the greens are hidden behind dunes, so there is a target post to hit at. The courses are short and technically left to the elements.
Due to its location in the dunes and near one of Denmark's largest beaches, the site is subject to strict environmental regulations. Sand pits are not allowed. There are no possibilities for changes to the course. The location of the course in the dunes is the reason why its original character has been preserved.
The route follows the dunes, the ball is played where there is no vegetation and otherwise the wind provides the challenge. Sometimes the fairways are hard to find. Natural obstacles such as rabbit holes and sand traps can often be found on the planned line. Due to the short course, the course can also be used by less experienced golfers.
Many greens are often played blind, so players on the next green are not visible. To counter this, old railway signals operated by cords have been installed. If another group is coming, a player places the beam horizontally, signalling that the green is occupied. On leaving the green, the beam is again placed vertically and the following group can begin their recording.
At the end of the summer, Denmark's oldest open, international golf tournament is held every year: "Fanø Ugerne". It is the largest golf tournament in Denmark and includes more than 25 different match types.
Syddanmark