Denmark’s Great Northern club opened a decade ago, and since then, the bridges on its Nicklaus Design course have become a signature feature
By Richard Humphreys |
Great Northern is regarded as one of the top golf courses in Denmark. Located in Kerteminde, a small town on the island of Funen, some 150 kilometres west of Copenhagen, the Nicklaus Design layout at Great Northern was built to make the most of the beautiful Nordic landscape, withstand the region’s climate challenges and offer a top-class playing experience.
During the course’s construction in 2016/17, around 3.4 million tons of earth was moved to create undulating terrain, wetlands and several lakes. Dirk Bouts, a senior design associate at Nicklaus Design, led the project and used the water hazards to define strategy for many holes, whether coming into play from the tee or to defend a green. This is most apparent at the eighteenth, a par five that culminates with an island green.
With water playing such a critical role in design and strategy, the club wanted an aesthetic to match.
“The vision was to create a world-class golf destination that blends championship golf with the natural Danish landscape using premium construction firms that have sustainable methodologies and aesthetics,” says Kenneth Stoumann, event manager at Great Northern. “We wanted a low-profile bridge design that was designed to match the scenic vistas of this links-style course. Also, the bridge design needed to integrate well with a cascading waterfall with cantilevered steps, that comes into play on hole fifteen and was to be an iconic focal point on the course.”
York Bridge Concepts was responsible for the design and construction of a cantilever waterfall at hole fifteen (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
The club selected York Bridge Concepts (YBC) to deliver golf cart bridges, retaining walls and timber for the waterfall.
“YBC has a strong reputation for custom timber bridges that combines precise engineering with architectural character,” says Stoumann. “The project team also requested durable bridges that would complement the course design rather than appear purely functional.”
YBC selected hardwoods, chosen for their natural durability, aesthetic appeal and alignment with eco-conscious practices. These structures were crafted to withstand the elements, integrating seamlessly with the environment while providing lasting functionality. Each wall was designed to support the soil, particularly in areas where the natural slopes of the landscape required additional reinforcement. By strategically placing these retaining walls, YBC was able to protect the terrain, ensuring that the fairways and greens remain intact for years to come.
“The bridges have performed like we have hoped for,” says Stoumann. “After 10 years, they are a natural part of the course. It feels like the bridges are a signature feature, along with the cascading waterfall on fifteen.”
Great Northern’s bridges have performed well for over 10 years (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
YBC was responsible for retaining walls throughout the course (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
YBC’s expertise in structural engineering played a critical role in the waterfall’s design. Its steps were crafted using durable hardwoods, selected to withstand constant moisture while maintaining a refined, organic look. The waterfall is surrounded by native plants and rock formations, chosen to mirror the local flora and enhance the sense of immersion in nature.
“The waterfall, bulkheads and timber bridges blend naturally with the landscape and surrounding coastal environment,” says Stoumann.
During construction, YBC preserved natural habitats and ecosystems surrounding the course. Its team conducted detailed assessments to ensure that each structure was placed in a way that would cause minimal disruption to the landscape. Bridges were strategically positioned to avoid altering natural water flows or disturbing local plant life, preserving the integrity of the environment.
YBC has ensured bridges were built to the highest standards and adhered to environmental regulations (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
“YBC has contributed to a legacy of excellence and sustainability at Great Northern, one that enhances both the natural landscape and the golfing experience,” says Stoumann. “The retaining walls provide stability and beauty; the golf cart bridges offer seamless transitions with an aesthetic charm; and the cantilever waterfall serves as a captivating centrepiece, bringing a touch of tranquillity to the course.”
Great Northern is hosting The Danish Championsip on the DP World Tour from 13-16 August 2026 (Photo: Jacob Sjoman)
To read more about the project, visit: www.ybc.com/great-northern-denmark
This article first appeared in the July 2026 issue of Golf Course Architecture. For a printed subscription or free digital edition, please visit our subscriptions page.