Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management and development has been appointed by one of golf’s most exciting developments, the awe-inspiring Lofoten Links, which sits under the majestic Northern Lights in Norway. The course, uniquely situated 95 miles north of the Arctic Circle at 68 degrees latitude, makes every golfer’s dreams a reality, with the opportunity to experience golf in the Midnight Sun and tee-off 24 hours a day. Such a spectacular environment demands the quality service and course conditioning of industry experts Troon, who will manage the inimitable challenges presented by the striking golfing paradise on the Norwegian seaboard.
The experience at Lofoten Links is completely unrivalled, offering golfers 24-hour daylight during the summer months of May through July, in surroundings reminiscent of a classic Scottish links. The sea is an integral feature on six of the nine holes currently in play, providing a testing and enthralling challenge. With the second nine holes under construction slated to open in spring 2014 and a boutique hotel and spa planned also opening in 2014, its close proximity to the ocean in between the jagged Lofoten Mountains in Northern Norway will make this a “must visit” location, with the course combining elegantly with the ever-changing Arctic light to offer golfers much more than just a round of golf.
“So many golf courses claim to be unique, yet Lofoten Links is that and so much more. Not only are the surroundings visually stunning, but its location relative to the Arctic Circle means that it truly offers golfers a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” noted Bruce Glasco, Vice-President and Managing Director, Troon International Operations. “We’re certainly looking forward to working with such a ground-breaking design, which will undoubtedly appeal to the adventurous traveller and golfing aficionado. It is also exciting to be working in a new region and with it being the first Troon-managed facility in Scandinavia the appointment facilitates the development and promotion of the Troon brand further around the globe.”
The initial nine holes opened for play in 1998, with postage stamp greens and gorse bushes as its most distinguishing features. The spectacular surroundings provide an excellent canvas, which will be maximised through the utilisation of Troon’s expert agronomy staff to deliver first-rate golf course conditioning. This is despite an extraordinary environment that results in exceptionally fast growth in indigenous grass. Meanwhile, a clubhouse with overnight accommodation, meeting rooms, cafe, pro-shop, driving range, putting green and pitching green, ensure that all golfers’ off-course needs are aptly taken care of.
“When it came to identifying a team that could help us reach our goals, Troon came as the recommended choice. With a pedigree in developing world-class golf courses and providing excellence in service and golf management, Troon will facilitate the vision of the original idea of Lofoten Links,” commented Frode Hov, whose family has owned the land for generations. “The scenery here is extraordinary and with Troon firmly at the heart of our processes, we are sure that we will attract golfers from all over the globe as we develop to a full eighteen holes with new hotel accommodation to match the stunning surrounding.”
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