Kyle Phillips Opens New Course in Sweden


The new Kyle Phillips-designed Lakes Course at PGA of Sweden National made its debut in late June. The complex in Bara in southern Sweden, 15 minutes outside Malmo, now boasts two 18-hole tracks - the Lakes and Links, and a nine-hole par-3 layout.

The golf development is situated on some 700 acres of former castle grounds and was built to be accessible to Swedes as well as golfers from Germany, Denmark and Norway. After seven years of planning and construction, Phillips' Links Course was christened last summer by Annika Sorenstam.

The opening of Lakes was highlighted by a three-hole exhibition by world top-50 player Peter Hanson and former European Tour winner Ove Sellberg. All 45 holes were crafted to fit with the surrounding countryside.

The parkland-style, par-72 Lakes measures 7,415 yards from the tips. The layout features small greens with tightly mown chipping areas, large bunkers and water hazards. The three finishing holes are a demanding test. A lake comes into play on the 17th and guards the entire left side of the 18th hole.

"With the addition of the majestic Lakes Course and nine-hole Academy Course to the traditional Links Course, the PGA of Sweden National has clearly positioned itself at the top level in Scandinavia and on par with any of the quality golf resort facilities in the world," says Phillips.

One of Europe's most advanced teaching facilities is found here. The practice area contains six target greens, eight bunkers, covered hitting areas and two indoor teaching studios with swing analysis and custom club-fitting technology.

For more information about PGA of Sweden National, visit www.pgaswedennational.se/en, and for Kyle Phillips Golf Course Design go to www.kylephillips.com.