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It would be a pleasure to meet with you and discuss your golf course project.

The Architect

Johan Benestam

Formed in 2003 by founder Johan Benestam, Master of Science in Golf Course Architecture.

Benestam Golf Course Design is dedicated to sustainable and modern golf course architecture, utilizing the latest construction techniques while integrating historic signature elements from many of the great golf course architects, including Harry Colt, A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, George C. Thomas Jr., Seth Raynor, William Flynn, and Charles Blair MacDonald.

“Benestam Golf Course Design stands for modern golf course architecture with the latest construction methods that integrate historic signature features from many of the great golf course architects, including, Harry Colt, A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie.”
” It is quite certain that, had the ground on which ordinary inland golf is played today been the only available ground for the purpose, the game would never have been invented at all.”
- Garden G. Smith, The World of Golf, 1898.
”A hazard placed in the exact position where a player would naturally go is frequently the most interesting situation, as then a special effort is needed to get over or avoid it.”
Dr. Alister MacKenzie (1870 – 1934) England (Golf Architecture, 1920)
”Golf is played with the head as well as with the hands. The strategy of the game is as important as the swing.
George. C. Thomas Jr. (1873 – 1932) USA (Golf Architecture in America)
”The best golfing grasses vary in color. They may be red, brown, blue, dark green, light green, yellow and at times even white and gray.”
Dr. Alister MacKenzie (1870 – 1934) England

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“A key focus during the Routing Plan stage is achieving a balance in mass earthwork to make the best use of the natural terrain. This approach not only preserves the landscape but also saves time and money.”

Johan Benestam

Educations

  • Master of Science in Golf Course Architecture
    Heriot-Watt University The Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, Scotland

  • Bachelor of Science in Landscape Planning
    The Swedish University of Agriculture of Science, Alnarp, Sweden

Johan Benestam

Scholarship

  • The American Scholarship “The Grand Tour Scholarship for 2004”
    Sponsored by The Toro Company and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Johan Benestam

Memberships

  • The Federation of Scandinavian Golf Course Architects (FSGA)
    Board member and Treasurer

My story

My interest in golf started early with a job as a green keeper at my neighborhood golf club, The Royal Drottningholm Golf Club, Stockholm, Sweden. Having prepared the golf course for major competitions like The Scandinavian Enterprise Open and The Scandinavian Masters, I became enthusiastic about eventually becoming a golf course superintendent.

Biography My passion for golf started early while working as a greenkeeper at The Royal Drottningholm Golf Club in Stockholm, Sweden. There, I had the opportunity to prepare the course for major events like the Scandinavian Enterprise Open and the Scandinavian Masters, sparking my interest in pursuing a career as a golf course superintendent.

In 1998, I began my academic journey at The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Landscape Planning in 2001. My growing interest in both architecture and golf led me to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, the only institution offering a specialized program in golf course architecture. I completed my Master of Science in Golf Course Architecture in 2002.

Following my studies, I worked as a landscape and golf course architect at the Landscape Department of WSP's Stockholm office, a global service provider. In 2003, I founded my own firm, Benestam Golf Course Design. Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of the entire golf course design process, from planning and maintenance to construction and architecture.

I have had and have the privilege of lecturing on golf course architecture for organizations such as The Swedish Golf Federation, The Swedish Green Keeper Association, The Norwegian Golf Federation, and The Finnish Green Keeper Association. I have also written many articles in the Swedish Greenkeeper Association's magazine Greenbladet over the years.

A member of The Royal Drottningholm Golf Club for over 40 years, I am also a member of Falsterbo Golf Club in Sweden. My current golf handicap is seven.

Royal Drottningholm Golf Club Hole 7

Philosophy

The design philosophy is based on and stands for landscape integration between golf development and the existing landscape. The balance of earth movement on the site is important during the Routing Plan stage. A well-developed Routing Plan utilizes the landscape in the best way and saves time, money and the landscape. The basic idea is to stress the famous Scandinavian minimalistic design, even so in the design of golf courses. Such a design approach stands for pureness, simplicity and smoothness.

My design philosophy focuses on harmonizing golf course development with the natural landscape, following the principles of Sustainable Golf Course Design. Inspired by the Scandinavian minimalist tradition, my approach prioritizes clarity, originality, and balance, ensuring that each project enhances both the playing experience and the surrounding environment.

A key focus during the Routing Plan stage is achieving a balance in mass earthwork to make the best use of the natural terrain. This approach not only preserves the landscape but also saves time and money. Thoughtful design should harmonize with the environment, respecting and enhancing the natural surroundings while employing environmentally friendly techniques for construction and maintenance.

When designing a golf course, numerous factors must be considered, including modern playing styles, future maintenance costs, environmental regulations, and year-round playability. Effective drainage is essential for healthy turf establishment and long-term soil quality, both critical to creating aesthetically pleasing and functional golf courses.

Recent advancements, such as robotic and electric lawnmowers, have significantly improved sustainable maintenance practices. These innovations have drastically reduced the carbon footprint of golf courses worldwide.

I believe that an architect’s active involvement throughout all stages of golf course design is vital, from initial meetings to the course’s grand opening. Regular onsite presence ensures that the client’s vision is realized in every detail. To maintain design integrity, I prefer to work with trusted shapers and treat drawings as conceptual guidelines that can be adapted onsite as necessary.

Strong collaboration among the architect, contractor, and client is crucial to a project’s success. Teamwork and open communication are priorities throughout the process.

Benestam Golf Course Design represents modern golf course architecture, blending the latest construction methods with historic design elements inspired by legendary architects such as Harry Colt, A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, George C. Thomas Jr., Seth Raynor, William Flynn, and Charles Blair MacDonald.

My portfolio includes the design of new golf courses and renovations of existing ones across Sweden, Europe, and Asia. One of my most notable projects was the comprehensive renovation of the 50-year-old Royal Drottningholm Golf Club in Stockholm, Sweden, completed in 2012. I am currently involved in various improvement, restoration, and rebuilding projects, including Falsterbo Golf Club, Göteborgs Golf Klubb, Ljunghusen Golf Club, Vasatorp Golf Club, Fågelbro Golf & Country Club, Araslöv Golf & Resort, and others in Norway and abroad.

As a certified golf course architect Master of Science in Golf Course Architecture from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland and a certified Landscape Planner Bachelor of Science in Landscape Planning from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden, I bring expertise to every stage of project development and implementation. Combined with my passion for golf, I am the ideal partner for projects of any scale.

I would be delighted to meet with you and discuss your golf course project.

References

Fågelbro Golf & Country Club, Värmdö, Sweden

Maria Guslin, Club Secretary

"Fågelbro Golf Club has completed an extensive renovation of its 18-hole course – a forward-looking project aimed at enhancing the playing experience for all golfers. To ensure the highest quality and a modern design, the club chose to collaborate with golf course architect Johan Benestam, one of Sweden’s most renowned experts in course design.

Benestam’s deep knowledge of modern playing strategies, sustainable course development, and smart use of the landscape made him the natural choice for the assignment. Through his work, the course has gained clearer playability, improved green and tee areas, and a design approach that makes it both challenging for experienced players and welcoming and fair for beginners.

The result is a course that combines Fågelbro’s unique character with today’s demands for enjoyment, variety, and sustainability – a modern golf experience that strengthens the club’s position for many years to come."

Araslöv Golf Club, Kristianstad, Sweden

Gustaf Hagen, Club Manager

"Araslöv Golf & Resort has collaborated with Johan Benestam since 2022. Johan has helped us with an overall master plan for our courses and training areas.

In 2023-2025, a major renovation of our South course was carried out based on Johan's drawings, fieldwork and dedication to creating a masterpiece. The outcome has been fantastic with modern architecture, enhanced playing experience and a clear environmental mindset.

We are impressed by Johan's level of knowledge, responsiveness and sense of responsibility. We look forward to continued cooperation in the coming years!"

Royal Drottningholms Golf Club, Stockholm, Sweden

Lars B Flodman, Chairman

"Royal Drottningholm golf club planned for five years, and renovated fairways and greens according to best practices during one year.

Our choice of Mr. Johan Benestam, as golf course architect, became an extremely valuable cornerstone, convincing and mediating a most demanding group of Club members to step up to a heavy investment.

Johan Benestam´s knowledge and intense involvement during construction has been extremely important in order for us to meet both budget and time plan successfully."

Royal Drottningholms Golf Club, Stockholm, Sweden

Stefan Andorff, Club Secretary

"The Royal Drottningholm Golf Club decided in early 2007 to begin a renovation project of the golf course-a total make over. We decided early in the process that the architect would be involved in the project to ensure quality throughout the whole process of the renovation.

Our choice of architect fell on Mr. Johan Benstam based on his sensitivity and understanding of the customer's requirements. With his creative ability has he created one of Sweden's best golf courses. The course represent a mix from the existing nature and a new unique design.

We are so proud to present our Golf Course to our exixting members, their guests and our visitors. "

Wolf Golf Club, Druskininkai, Lithuania

Martynas Bacevicius, General Manager

“The talented, skillful and teamworking architect Johan Benestam was a real pleasure to work with on the construction of Wolf Golf Club.

The Routing Plan of the golf course is a classic one with two loops like the famous golf club Muirfield, Scotland. His intension was to create a links styled golf course with deep bunkers. His construction experience was a huge benefit during the rough and fine shaping stages. To his help he recruited Skip Pedigo (USA) as lead shaper. The golf course has been built by these two devoted persons love and passion for the game of golf”.

I can strongly recommend Johan Benestam for your next project small or large."

Östersund – Frösö Golf Club, Östersund, Sweden

Torbjörn Ryman, General Manager

“When Östersund-Frösö Golfklubb began work on creating a new MasterPlan the Golf Club chose to cooperate with the golf architect Johan Benestam.

He has the ability to understand and see the whole golf concept and even so protecting the natural environment. Johan well understands the perspective of needs from all kinds of players to the club and the ground staff.

It must be fun to play golf at any level of handicap. Risk-and Reward philosophy is what his golf architecture stands for, something that we at Östersund-Frösö Golfklubb fully agree to”.

Köpings Golf Club, Köping, Sweden

Stefan Persson, Project leader

”Working together with Johan Benestam at the Köping Golf Club´s upgrade project has been a very positive experience.

Johan has a very broad knowledge and understanding of all aspects related to golf course design. Anything from creating an interesting, fun and beautiful golf course to give the grass good long term growing conditions to cost of maintenance has been covered in the project”.

Nacka Golf Club, Stockholm, Sweden

Jonas Liljeblad, Course Manager

“When the golf club was looking after golf course architect it was also to find a partner to have a dialogue with. We knew petty well what we wanted. With Johan´s responsiveness and knowledge we got what we wanted.

As course manager it is also pleasing / rewarding to work with a golf course architect who is so knowledgeable about the maintenance that Johan is. This increases the chance that the product is a success”.

Värpinge Golf Club, Lund, Sweden

Håkan Rasmusson, General Manager

“It was a pleasure to have Johan Benestam design the new and “out of the box” kids course at Värpinge. He has done a fabulous job in integrating playability, management and fun. The course is a 6 hole course, strictly for kids. Grown-ups have access only when accompanying a kid :-)

The course is also reversible; one week clockwise and the next week counter clockwise. Pesticide free management and sheep that graze the course”.

Strömstad GK, Strömstad, Sweden

Ola Persson, Club Manager

"Johan Benestam has helped us meet the increasingly high demands of the modern golfer for a golf facility.

Through his eyes, we have been able to positively change the playing experience for our members and guests during this season, using minimal resources. This has given us the time to work on a comprehensive master plan for Strömstad GK, ensuring that our club remains strong in the future.

We have received assistance with all aspects of the facility, including new layout, forestry management, drainage, cutting lines, more challenging fairways, and maintenance adjustments.

From Strömstad GK, we warmly recommend Johan Benestam as a partner for qualified work related to a modern golf facility."

    In the Press

    Here are some of the articles that can be found writing about some of my work

    Here are some of the articles that can be found writing about some of my work