Golf Course Architecture: Issue 57 - July 2019

65 round the left of the lake, the opposite side to the ninth, with both greens hard against the far edge of the lake, so that each nine closes with the option of a heroic approach. If Österåker decides to relocate its clubhouse, the hilltop beyond the eighteenth green would be an ideal spot to enjoy watching the carnage unfold. The new course will open in August, and will be the result of a fine team effort: SOL Golf’s Oliver Sutton led construction, Irish firm Turfgrass provided agronomic services and Giles Wardle of Irriplan designed a new irrigation system, supplied by Hunter. At the time of GCA ’s visit, construction was still in progress on the nine-hole par-three course – a scaled down version of the full eighteen – in the triangle of land between the eighth, ninth and tenth holes. And in 2020, attention will turn to the renovation of the Västerled course. The club’s management team are being cautious to ensure that the funds raised from the land sale are being used wisely – and that their grand plans deliver a facility that is sustainable long into the future, even with fees at the modest rates Swedish golfers are accustomed to. With the new practice facility already drawing a significant income stream and a cross-country skiing circuit planned to bring people to the club when the golf course is under snow, Österåker is well placed to tick off every item on its wish list. Members must feel like they’ve hit the jackpot. GCA “The hilltop beyond the eighteenth green would be an ideal spot to enjoy watching the carnage unfold” The fifteenth hole is a long par three to a small green that juts into a lake. The land beyond the lake is being prepared for residential development Photo: Peter Corden