Not surprisingly, Denmark’s Ryder Cup player, Thomas Bjørn has extolled the virtues of golfing in Denmark and Danish golf courses:

“In Denmark we don’t have any of those Valderrama-style courses, but then how many countries do? But golfing in Denmark easily matches up to the standards in this part of the world. I myself grew up in Silkeborg, which has one of Northern Europe’s best and most beautiful courses. Golfing in Denmark is also a thrill because there is such a large range of different types of courses – right from seaside courses to superb, rugged woodland and parkland courses. Besides, to my mind, the atmosphere on Danish courses and in the club houses is great and welcoming towards guest golfers.”

Denmark may be one of the Nordic countries, but its climate is very distinct from that of Sweden, Norway and Finland – particularly with a recent trend for mild winters.

All year golfing

Many Danish courses offer play and summer greens all year round, and in some clubs the level of activity on the course in the last few years has been almost as intense in December and January as during the rest of the year.

The weather is fine!

Denmark has welcomed many more foreign guest players in spring and autumn. This is due to the fact that the Danish courses are in good condition even in early spring. Moreover, golfing in Denmark has a special charm and appeal in spring when the green beech bursts into leaf and the trees and forests rejoice in their summer greenery after their long winter sleep.
But autumn too is a symphony of golfing delights and scenic beauty because this is when the trees begin to shed their leaves and the colours change from green to every conceivable shade of yellow, red and orange. The temperature too is agreeable and it is not unusual for Denmark to have temperatures of 15-16 degrees Celsius in both spring and autumn.

Do you know the dos and don’ts of Danish golf? If not, here is a small lesson in golf etiquette in Denmark.

Soft spikes

The issue of hard versus soft spikes has also been discussed in Denmark, but a survey made by the national golf union DGU shows that at present only 25 per cent of Danish golf courses require soft spikes. Some clubs have no specific requirements but kindly request that players use soft spikes if possible. Simons Golf Club in North Zealand is one distinct exception, since nobody is allowed to enter the course with metal spikes.

Four ball maximum

“Japanese five balls” are not accepted anywhere in Denmark, four-balls being the maximum. On the other hand, two-balls are accepted and will not be combined with another two-ball if the players do not want it to be combined. Visiting players are of course expected to follow the general pace and golfing etiquette at the courses. Danes love to play golf and are very tolerant towards visitors, but they naturally expect visitors to show similar consideration.

It doesn’t really matter whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just beginning to get to grips with the game.

Golf courses for all

Denmark is a very liberal country when it comes to handicaps. At present there are 140 golf courses in Denmark. Of these, 75% are open to green fee visitors with a handicap of more than 36 or a normal tournament handicap. At 38 courses there are no handicap requirements at all; 28 courses accept golfers with handicaps of up to 54, and about 30 courses have handicap restrictions going from 36 to 38. Only a few golf courses require a handicap lower than 36: Rungsted (26) and Simons (30).

Inquire about handicap rules

In addition, many clubs accept club handicaps if the ball includes players with a registered handicap (36), though they do of course expect players to follow the general pace and the ordinary rules of golfing etiquette. To be on the safe side it would be wise to ask the clubs or a tourist information office about the handicap rules applied by individual golf clubs.