13 years of planning
It started, like a few good ideas do, with a bottle of whisky. The difference with this idea was, it actually still seemed fairly good the morning after, and, definitely achievable. It did take however 13 years for Mikael Sorling to see his dream of the very first Swedish PGA golf course.
The year was 1996 and the Board of the Swedish PGA had just finished off a very hectic day.
Afterwards when relaxing in the comforts of the local hotel they then began discussing the possibilities of building golf courses to the same high standards of those which are found around the world enabling the players in Sweden to practice under the best conditions to properly prepare for the future.
Everyone was enthused and excited. When Mikael Sorling awoke that morning he was still excited: He immediately began planning for his dream but wasn´t quite aware of the task he had taken on.
The members of the Swedish PGA were called to an extra meeting and gave their support to the project. Claes Kinell began recruiting possible partners and put together a fantastic investment prospect. Mats Paulsson from Bjäre Invest was contacted and so the planning continued. During this time the world renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips was searching for a suitable site. Geographical proximity to Denmark and Germany were of critical importance and of course ownership of the land. The course had to be easily accessible and 275 hectares were required. Private landowners were not interested in selling, (after all what’s a farmer without farmland). As luck would have it, Nils Yngvesson the former city councilor knew of Malmö council´s interest in selling Torup. Kyle gave the thumbs up for the site and the vision had now become reality.
Unfortunately, one hadn´t quite reckoned with the archeological testing, which by law, has to be carried out on such a huge project. From the PGA´s point of view this was not a problem as the intention has always been to do things professionally and properly. It was however disturbing when the development stagnated. They dug, took tests, dug again, took some more tests, calculated, measured and finally after nine months the green light was given. The plans were drawn up for the positioning of the clubhouse and the new roads etc. Working in close collaboration with the district council to ensure the area created would be environmentally correct.
For centuries the land had been ploughed and flattened to enhance the farmers´ needs. Now after extensive landscaping the land was returned to its former glory.
The purpose of the facility has always been to create a modern, classical golf club with first class service in every department. A club which welcomes everyone with open arms. Members and visitors alike. A club where everyone longs to return. The plans for the clubhouse had been produced by New Line Arkitektbyrå but were appealed against and the project was further delayed. In the year 2006 work finally commenced. Thirteen years after the preliminary discussions the official opening of the PGA of Sweden National took place on the 12th of June 2009.
When everything is complete there will be two magnificent 18 hole golf courses, a fantastic 9 hole par three course, conference centre, state of the art practice facilities, a restaurant overlooking the finishing holes on both courses, spa, magnificent hotel rooms, teaching studio´s, golf shop and a custom fitting service.
For the community of Bara there will be an increase in housing, a new shopping centre and many new employment opportunities. Most of all there will be the experience of playing golf in one of the best golfing facilities in Scandinavia.
