Set within a picturesque forest outside of Stockholm, the Svartinge Golf Club opened in 2002 as a very private club with only a few hundred members. These fortunate golfers enjoy games on pristine playing surfaces and also get to test their skills against one of the regions most attractive designs. Created by Peter Nordwall, the Svartinge course starts with a stretch of fine holes through trees and across dramatic terrain, Nordwall's bold bunkering further exciting the senses together with his large, contoured greens. The opening stretch is a bit of a tease unfortunately, as from the 6th the course is fairly flat with water and the huge greens and excessive bunkering the most notable element of design. Swede's love water hazards, and there are plenty here and a few decent holes too - such as the 8th with its Redan-like green, the par five 15th and the clichéd round lake finishing par five.

Sadly throughout the round Nordwall has over-bunkered his holes, the rounded shapes appearing contrived and out of place on such a pretty site. His greens and water hazards are better and although a few target areas are borderline the more severe greens work much better than at his Bro-Balsta course.

Svartinge is a good golf course, and the club resembles The Grand in Australia for the setting and nature of the establishment. The layout is kept in great condition and has some holes with real potential, such as 2, 4, 5 and 6, but until the bunkering is improved it won't quite reach its potential.