Europes toughest course? Its called Meland, its in Norway and it only measures 6541 yards! Thus teed off an article in The World of Golf that turned heads in, well, the world of golf. The author continued: If recent majors have taught us anything it is that in the eyes of The Masters Committee, the USGA, the R&A and the PGA of America, longer rough and harder greens equal increased difficulty. Flying in the face of this thinking is Meland golf club, a championship course just outside Bergen in Norway. Opened in 1999, the layout was recently assessed and given a new stroke rating of 151 from its back tees. No other European course can compete with this (the highest possible rating is 155) and thus Melands par-73 course has been crowned Europes hardest test. The challenge lies in the mental aspects of the game, explains head pro Anders Liesen. The playing area is fairly generous but nearly every hole runs through a corridor of trees and creates problems in the mind. Eurogolfer added in 2004: Truly one of the most challenging and best golf experiences in Europe. Highly recommended! So theres nothing more to say. Its simply a matter of slapping 50
euros on the table and treating yourself to the most challenging test in Europe!

Fritze Grd Golf Park, home to Larvik Golf Club, is located due south of Larvik at the mouth of the Oslo fjord, along with the Larvik Golf Academy, an exciting short-hole course that forms part of the training facility here. Peugot Golf Guide ranks this international standard arkland/seaside course among the best in Europe, in competition with the likes of Valderrama, St. Andrews and Royal Mougins: Youll always remember this course as a large beautiful park with views of the fjord at every touch and turn. Larvik is undoubtedly one of the best courses in Norway. If you ever get the chance to play it, then carpe diem. Liberally sprinkled with large fairway bunkers, as is Swedish golf course architect Jan Sederholms wont, Larvik has links-like characteristics and an unusual combination of six par 5, six par 4 and six par 3 holes. That, together with some clever use of natural water obstacles and unforgiving rough makes for some rather challenging golf. But then again, who said taking on the challenge of nature was easy?

The venerable Losby Gods is an important part of Norways national heritage. The manor was built on the back of forestry, but the only logging found here today are bogeys, pars and if youre lucky, birdies. Fully renovated to its former glory, Losby Gods now forms part of the first purpose built golf resort in Norway. The club has two separate courses - Østmork, an 18 hole championship course and Vestmork the 9 hole course - both designed by celebrated Swedish golf course architect Peter Norwall. The championship course is perfectly integrated alongside the meandering path of the river Losbyelven that runs through the valley (and which was used to power the old sawmill that you pass on your way to the third tee). This combined with the size and quality of the greens makes Østmork one of the finest courses in Norway. It certainly has something to suit all tastes! Holes 1 to 4 are set in idyllic surroundings negotiating forest and fell as shown here - the dreaded gully at hole 4. And while precision is required at the twelfth and fifteenth, the fifth and sixteenth are also a test of strength. Vestmork compliments the championship course perfectly, and with its compact and challenging design is a worthy alternative for those who wish a quick nine holes. Moreover, the greenkeeping staff has the experience, knowledge and professionalism to keep the entire facility in first class shape throughout the year.

Evje Golf Park is home to Moss & Rygge Golf Club and is the latest addition to golf in Østfold County. Idyllically located by Evje sound, the course is just 20 minutes from Hotel Refsnes Gods. This 18-hole competition course is designed by Jeremy Turner, undoubtedly the most celebrated golf course architect in Scandinavia. Much attention has been given to drainage, and this, together with its close proximity to the fjord, means Evje is open longer than most courses in the region. The front nine, offering parkland characteristics, weaves a u-shaped figure-of-eight round Evje manor farm, the unmistakable warning bell at the third contrasting sharply with the gentle tinkling of cow bells. The undulating fairways are often narrow and bordered by clover and gorse, giving very little room for manoeuvre. The newer back nine scores a trace through hilly woodland containing some challenging water obstacles. The centre piece here is a protected forest containing ancient oak, ash and beech, while the biotopes at the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth always provide a source of amusement as golfer and water fowl vie for attention. For a relatively new course, Evje has won solid acclaim in Norwegian golfing circles. One story has it that on reaching the back nine at Evje, the wealthy developer of another golf course reached for his cell phone, rang his architect and said: I think we had better make some changes.