The last day of this year's Swedish European Tour competition stands at the door. But it's also the last day of the two-year win at Hills Golf Club.

Claes Nilsson, commercial manager and member of the competition management, confirms that the competition will change playground next year. At present, five courses are being looked at in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö as potential organizer sites.

"Interest in big competition"

One course that can host the competition is the Henrik Stenson-designed Öster by Stenson at Österåkers GK north of Stockholm. The track is officially inaugurated in September and Nilsson says it is of interest.

- It is definitely a path for the future. But it is not confirmed that it will be there next year. They have an interest in having a big competition and we have been there and watched. There are five courses that we are looking at, he says.

The operation of the competition was taken over this year by the European Tour and for a track to be able to arrange the competition there are several factors that play into it. First and foremost, the course must be judged to hold for a competition on the tour. The infrastructure with parking and crowds also plays a big role.

Something else that may be new for next year is a mixed starting field with women and men at the Swedish European Tour Competition. Henrik Stenson described it earlier this week as "very much an opportunity".

Claes Nilsson admits that it is a concept that you are looking at.

- There are a lot of regulations that will make it work, but we have come a long way in the whole. We'll see what happens, he says, and says that the details for next year's competition will be ready this fall.

Huge difference with star duo

In 2018, neither Alex Norén nor Henrik Stenson were included in the competition's starting field. This year, they are the poster names and it is noticeable.

- You almost have to bring them with them because they set a certain level. It's a European tour competition and then you build it on the best Swedes and then the rest comes naturally, he says.

TT: Big difference in ticket sales before and after it became clear that they lined up?

- It's a huge difference, and even when it comes to sponsors. They have a huge effect on the entire competition, ”says Nilsson.

The prize amount for the competition is EUR 1.5 million, just over SEK 16 million. But despite a weak Swedish krona and the price sum being one of the lowest on the tour, the competition's financial situation should be good, according to Nilsson.

- A lot of people come and that means money and sponsorship revenue that is increasing. I think it looks good. There are those who talk about prize money and stuff like that, but it doesn't matter if we increase by five million. If you have EUR 1.5 million in Sweden you should be proud of it, he says.