Introduction to our trip to Fanø
Remember when we went to Læsø, we drove 219 kilometers to the north of Jylland and took the ferry to Læsø
As you can see from the map below, this time we are going in the opposite direction of Læsø, short of 200 kilometers to the south-west of Jylland with a 10-minute cruise to the island.
On Læsø they call their golf course a seaside links course. And with some modifications that is true. But it is not a true links course when we compare it to the old links in Scotland and Ireland.
But Fanø is a real links course AND the first ever golf course in Denmark
Fanø is not a “what you see is what you get” golf course, in the sense that you cannot see what you get on many of the holes. Which is exactly what you expect from an old links course. You can not necessarily see the green from the tee or when playing your second shot.
My experience is that you need to play a real links course 4 or 5 times before you feel comfortable about your next shot.
We will visit and play Fanø on the 20th and 21st of June.
Before we go, let me tell you a little about what is waiting for us.
The history of Fanø Golf
In 1898 the construction of a 9-hole course and Club house was started and the course was ready to be played on in 1901.
It was the first and therefore now the oldest golf course in Denmark.
Since that time, the number of permanent residents on Fanø has been around 3000. The question therefore is how could a little island of 56 square kilometers with only 3000 people, become the place for Denmark’s first golf course?
Because at that time Fanø was an international holiday resort where the Royal family, the good bourgeoisie and the nobility spent their time and money.
Beach hotels and spas shot up in the dunes on Fanø’s beach by the North Sea, recommended by the doctors of the royal family who declared that the fresh air and salty water were healthy.
The bathers came to Fanø from near and far to show off, relax and enjoy themselves, and therefore, as an extra attraction, Denmark’s first golf course was built.
It was the exclusive Fanø Nordsøbad (hotel), that founded the course in 1898.
The golf course was designed by the Scottish golfer Robert Dunlop.
Later in 1930, the golf course was expanded with another nine holes, so Fanø Golf Links became an 18-hole golf course.
We are looking forward telling you about Fanø and Fanø Golf Links anno 2023.
