History
”An outstanding links”
The words come from Major David Blair, Captain of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of S:t Andrews when he visited Falsterbo GK. Surely it is a unique course in many ways. In 2024 the course was ranked nr 3 in Sweden and 21 in continental Europe.
“Links” is originally the undulated, sandy landscape outside the Scottish coastal cities. Onshore wind caused sand to be pushed up the nearby streams and on to the meadows behind the beach. The sheep kept the grass low. It was there it all began. This is the unique characteristic of our course.
Falsterbo GC was founded October 21 - 1909
In beginning of 1911 permission to lease the area around the lighthouse was given. Later the same year the first 9 holes were constructed. Players shared the course with horses, cows, and geese.
Professional Robert Turnbull from Copenhagen Golfclub was hired to design the course. He had no experience as a course designer but had a sense for what a course should look like. Turnbull understood the essentials about differences in altitude and managed to use them when designing the greens.
The clubhouse was opened 1914 - Today swedens oldest
It reflects British charm with the feeling of an authentical Falsterbo villa.
18 holes course opened 1930
The full 18 holes course was the summer of 1930. After a few changes, the course was finished in its current layout 1934. Doctor Gunnar Bauer was responsible for the design of the 18-hole course. He did a magnificent job and formed the course after the natural changes in the landscape. Bauer also designed the course with wind in mind, well aware that it could quickly change the characteristics of the different holes.
Falsterbo golf course is located in a beautiful nature reserve called Flommen. This is the last outpost for birds migrating Sweden. The number of birdwatchers have grown significantly over there years. More than 100 million birds pass over Falsterbo every year.
1983 and 1986 FGK hosted PLM Open - an international competition on the European Tour.
Rebuilding in the 1990s
The rebuild in the years 1995-1999 resulted in more exciting greens. Since the first redesigning of the greens became such a success, the discussion on whether or not rebuild the rest of the greens as well began. Peter Chamberlain, former head pro at FGK, was given the task to redesign the remaining greens. His excellent work improved the link characteristics of the course. Chamberlain’s design became a reality during a few intense months 2000 and 2001.
Summer 2002 we could play with new greens and improved irrigation possibilities.
PGA Open 2003 was played here. Titch Moore and Filippa Helmersson were the winners.
2009 - 100 years anniversary with black tie dinner for 800 members and guests from R&A, Prestwick, Copenhagen, Falkenstein and more
2009 - Ladies amateur open was played in Falsterbo - an impressive starting list of the best ladies from Europe
2014-2019 more improvements on course - hole 3,4,5 and 9 was redesigned and holes 16&17 were renovated with assistance from Peter Chamberlain and Alan Strachan.
2019 - club is celebrating 110 years old with a match between former Ryder Cup players Haeggman & Hanson against juniors Blomstrand / Dantorp. Juniors won !
2020 - inauguration of the new rebuilt hole nr 12 ! One of our signature holes with the lighthouse anno 1795 in the picture with the sea nearby.
2021 - Decision of renovations and rebuilding the clubhouse was taken. By keeping the original part from 1914 two new floors were added and still keeping the house intact old style.
2023 - redesign of hole nr 8.
2024 - doubled water capacity - from 300 000 liters to 600 000 litres a day. A huge step for the course quality in summer.
2025 - Falsterbos ”new” clubhouse is ready for move in. Project was on time and budget. June 15 more than 400 members celebrated this historical date. A clubhouse built for future generations. With a unique location and views on the ”beach” facing the baltic and the Öresound.
2026 - work continues with course improvements on hole nr 1 green area and bunkers.
Falsterbo, an outstanding links with a vision of always keeping a high international standard for members and visitors!