13 years of planning and commitment

It began, as great ideas often tend to do, with a bottle of whisky. But unlike other ideas that seem ingenious after a glass or two, this one was still good the following day. Furthermore, it was achievable, even though it would be 13 years before Mikael Sorling's dream of a Swedish PGA course was finally realised.

The year was 1996. Mikael Sorling and the others on the board of the Swedish PGA were winding down after a hectic day. They were discussing the problem of the great uniformity on Swedish courses and the challenges that Swedish players face when they go out into the world and compete on courses they've never experienced before. Couldn't they be given a chance at international standard here in Sweden? Wouldn't it be possible to build a unique course, with a high level of service and a pleasant atmosphere? And couldn't the PGA's brand also be strengthened at the same time?

Everyone was enthusiastic. When Mikael Sorling woke up the next day, he still was. He began the preparations, blissfully unaware of how much time and energy it would take to realise the dream.

The members were called to an extraordinary meeting and were enthusiastic about the project. Planning continued and in 1999 they actively began to look for partners with the help of Claes Kinell, who put together impressive investment prospects. Mats Paulsson at Bjäre Invest was contacted and they discussed what kind of profile the facility would have. Meanwhile, the legendary American course architect Kyle Phillips was involved in looking for suitable land. Skåne was considered best due to its weather and geographical location with proximity to Denmark and Germany. Much needed to fall into place – location, size, and not least, ownership. It needed to be easy to get to the club. The area needed to be generous, over 275 hectares, and also possible to buy. Private landowners did not want to sell (for what is a farmer without land?). But fortunately, former municipal councillor Nils Yngvesson knew that Malmö municipality was interested in selling Torup. Phillips gave the thumbs up for the beautiful, open area, and the Paulsson brothers came in as financiers. It looked like the vision would be realised. A dream had been created from late-night contemplation.

However, the investigations hadn't been fully anticipated. The PGA welcomed them, as the organisation wanted everything to be done correctly, but it was still disappointing when development stalled. Naturally, the project could not have negative effects on plants, animals, water, culture, or historical remains. There were excavations, samples were taken, more digging, calculations, and measurements. The cooperation with the authorities went smoothly. Finally, they got the go-ahead. Furthermore, it was unusually quick (a water permit in 9 months is something of a record). Detailed layout plans, showing where roads, the clubhouse, etc., would be located, were produced in conjunction with the County Administrative Board. Everyone involved wants to create as natural an environment as possible. Over the centuries, the land around Torup had been levelled and flattened to make agriculture more efficient. Now, the rolling landscape with gentle level differences was restored, and a babbling, clear stream, which had previously been filled in, saw the light of day once more.

The facility's aim has always been to create something state-of-the-art with a classic feel and a high level of service and hospitality. An accessible club where the gates are open to both members and non-members, and where it's possible to book your stay, or rather experience, far in advance. Sketches of the clubhouse, the heart of the golf club, were produced by New Line Arkitektbyrå, but the detailed development plan was appealed. Pending a decision, development stalled again. But then, in 2006, they got the go-ahead to build. In June 2009, 13 years after that evening, PGA of National Sweden was inaugurated.

When everything is completed, there will be two magnificent 18-hole courses and a fantastic 9-hole course, one of Europe's most modern training facilities, conference facilities, a restaurant overlooking the 18th hole, a private dining room, wonderful hotel rooms, a golf shop, custom-made services, a studio, and a spa. Furthermore, the community of Bara will receive a significant boost with eight new high-rise buildings, a new centre, and many new job opportunities. But most of all, there will be an opportunity for golf experiences like nothing seen before in this country. Not a bad outcome for what began as idle talk one night long ago.

In 2019, Jonas Edberg took over as the new CEO.

Time passes and circumstances change. In 2023, a name change was carried out from PGA National to The National, where PGA of Sweden and PGA National (The National) will go their separate ways.
To create the opportunity to refine and develop the operations within each organisation, and to increase clarity in each party's operational focus and responsibilities, we have agreed to separate the names. Read the full communication. here.

Welcome to The National and our fantastic golf facility.