10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:19 Page 36
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 8 Golf Courses to visit in Sweden 2015
Nordea Masters: the Tour of Champions Swedish summer means golf, and for a good reason. The popularity of the sport is enormous and more and more people are flocking to participate and watch tours and competitions. Much of this is due to the Nordea Masters, the biggest annual tournament in Scandinavia. By Astrid Eriksson & Caroline Edwards | Photos: Nordea Masters
After last year’s thrilling stand-off between Thongchai Jaidee, Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher, where Jaidee was left on top with the victory as the final ball sealed the deal, people cannot wait for the event to take place again. Nordea Masters are preparing for what many call one of the best golf tours in the world. Golf is unique in every sense of the word. Unlike other sports that are struggling to get the attention they need, golf is in high demand and not just among long-term fans. All around Sweden clubs are starting to see an increase in memberships and
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when it comes to international tournaments and profiles, the public’s interest seems to be nothing short of never ending. The recent successes of names like Henrik Stenson and Alex Norén, have made the national crowd go crazy for more Swedish golf splendour, hoping that this year’s Nordea Masters on 4-7 June will bring them the glorious golf victories they crave. “Swedes always tend to do well on Nordea Masters,” says Claes Nilsson, Sport Director at Nordea Masters, when trying to explain the popularity of the tournament.
“The starting field is always very thrilling and with big Scandinavian names participating, expectations are incredibly high.” People love to see their countrymen do well and whenever a Swede is on the course, the audience goes crazy. “There are definitely goose bumps going around when the audience is cheering on their champion,” Nilsson says with excitement. "The finishing holes are incredible to watch, no matter who’s playing, the tension is massive.” But even if you’re not course-side at the first iron swing, the atmosphere of the competition will easily shine through to your living room. The Nordea Masters has managed to bring golf into the homes of golfers and nongolfers alike, bringing people together in a tournament that continues to help sports fans discover the joy of golf and inspire newcomers to get into it.