Odense Golfklub. (1927 - 1980)

Odense Golfklub was founded on September 29th 1927, and a first golf course was constructed at Kløvermosevej, in a suburb southwest of the city, where there is now a wildlife viewing area. The 9-holes with a length of 2815 meters and par 76 were inaugurated in 1928. At that time – because golf was still played with hickory-shafted clubs – a hole, which was just 360 meters long, was then a par five.

From the 1933 Golfer’s Handbook; Membership of 60; Secretary – O E Jensen, Vestergarde 27, Odense; professional, B Keppie; green-keeper, J Schroder; course records – amateur; I Damgaard, 36; professional; B Keppie, 36; station, Odense one mile; visitors, 2 kroner per day.

Following WW2 there were rumours that the land would be required for development. One of the first suggestions was for a large central space for holding agricultural shows.

The club managed to continue at the location until the lease ran out in 1961.

Following are selected entries from the Golfer's Handbook until 1961:-

1947 - 51 - Membership 82; secretary - O Kjaer-Jorgensen, Ansgargade 5; professional, M Child; green-keeper, Larsen; nine-holes with a SSS of 38; visitors, 2 kroner per day.

1956/7 - Membership 110; secretary - K Gryst, Vestergarde 61, Odense; professional, M Child; green-keeper, Soelberg; nine-holes, SSS 72; visitors, 5 kroner per day; Sunday play.

1961 - 66 - Membership 170; secretary, Stig Munch Andersen; professional, R Phimister; green-keeper, Storm; station - Odense one mile; visitors, 5 kroner per day.

 

Odense Golfklub, Denmark. Layout of the golf course in 1961.

Layout of the golf course in 1961.

 

In 1962, the club moved to an area at Snapindskoven, and several of the greens from the previous course were moved to this course. The new 9-hole course at Rugårdsvej was very short at 3,830 meters for 18 holes, par 64.

With the growing interest in golf conditions became too tight at Snapind, and in the summer of 1980 an 18-hole course of international standard as well as a 9-hole course where opened at Neder Holluf, in the south eastern part of Odense. The new course has hosted Danish championships and major tournaments on numerous occasions since 1980.