10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:19 Page 47
Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Golfing in Norway
Playing Nice Drøbak Golf Club believes that golf should be informal, welcoming and inclusive. Their ethos, which seeks to make everyone feel welcome no matter what your abilities or limitations may be, is most likely why they are Norway’s most popular golf course. By Maya Acharya | Photos: Drøbak Golfklubb
Every year between 25,000 and 35,000 rounds of golf are played on Drøbak’s courses, situated just a 25-minute drive from the capital. Members and guests are privy to an 18-hole course on top quality greens, suited for amateurs but challenging enough for even the most ambitious players. “Golf is often thought to be a snobbish game, but it is in fact just a sport like any other and should be one that anyone and everyone can play,” says Chairman of the club, Rune Hillås. One of the ways in which Drøbak Golf Club does this is through their “Golf Green Happiness” programme, for people with physical impairments or particular needs. The idea is to use golf to help people re-
adjust to a social setting and encourage physical activity. Another course that the club offers, called “The Way Back to Golf”, is for people who have been absent from golf for a while and want to “get back in the game”.
golfing experience, not just on the course but as a whole. “Golf is a social sport,” Hillås emphasises. “You spend around four hours sharing the experience with those you are playing with. Golf allows you to meet friendly people, whether during the game or when you grab a coffee and a waffle in the café afterwards. That’s what I love most about the game; being around good friends, having fun and spending quality time together on the greens and in the fresh air.”
“Many people have work or kids and golf is a time-consuming sport. It is important that the whole family can play together, which is also why we focus on engaging such a wide range of people, from beginners and children to championship competitors,” explains Hillås. In fact, this May, Drøbak Golf Club will be hosting some of Europe’s finest talent at the Ladies European Tour Access Series. The most important thing Drøbak Golf Club aims for is to give their guests a good
For more information, please visit: www.drobakgolf.no
Issue 76 | May 2015 | 47