Swedes to weather here

Sweden's golf federation has chosen Ireland as its training base for the next five years. The decision, announced at a luncheon in Dublin yesterday, stems from a determination by the Scandinavians to help their players adjust more readily to hostile conditions. The arrangement was facilitated by Bord Failte in association with Golf and Leisure Ireland. This latter company is headed by Mick Lynch, the former all-round sportsman, who has played a key role in furthering golfing links between Sweden and Ireland.

"We plan to bring over about 60 players in four groups," said Lars Tigerberg of the Swedish federation. "We see this as a way of rectifying our failure to produce good wind and links players. In most cases, our players don't experience these conditions until they turn professional."

It is expected that the Swedes will spend about £150,000 a year on the project. This would be considered a rather modest sum by the standards of Irish golf tourism, but the implications are considerable for future visitors from across Scandinavia.

"I understand that for the past couple of years Swedish coaches have been looking at several prospective training venues," said Jim McDaid, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation. "So, I'm delighted that they found what they were looking for in our world-class courses."

The four clubs which will play host to the so-called Swedish Training Academy are St Margaret's, which they will use as a base, Druids Glen and the links terrain of Royal Dublin and The Island. It is expected that the first group will arrive next spring, probably in March.

They will be headed by the former tournament professional, Pia Nilsson, who is head coach of the Swedish federation. Her international profile was further enhanced recently when she was appointed non-playing captain of next year's European Solheim Cup team.

Wattie Sullivan, the former professional at Grange where he coached the World Cup winning duo of Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington, will be helping the Swedes acclimatise to the challenge of links terrain. "When we went to Spain or Florida, it was never quite what we wanted," added Tigerberg.

"Now, from our visits to the various venues, we feel we have chosen the right environment for our players. The heart and friendliness we have found here made us happy from the time we opened negotiations."

Interestingly, when discussing the possible threat from the Swedish team in the recent World Cup at Kiawah Island, Harrington spoke of their notorious lack of consistency. "It applies to all Swedish players," he said.

By way of illustration, he pointed to their top player, Per-Ulrik Johansson, who won two tournaments last season yet finished "only" 11th in the final Order of Merit. Harrington, without a win in Europe, was three places ahead of him.

Now, with Irish help, they intend to rectify that deficiency. As Nilsson said: "Our players are good technically and they are physically strong, but they need to improve their shot-making skills."