It is finally time to take this dream of mine seriously and start searching for golfing lands to build a golf course. But before we begin, who am I and why am I doing this?

Every great venture starts with a story, a spark of inspiration that fuels the journey ahead. So, let's begin with some context and background to the idea of the Ground Golf Project. Why, when, and how did it all start? And you might be wondering, who am I, and why can I make this happen?

All very good questions and let’s start by stepping back a little.

I’m Mikael Johansson. Swedish by birth, but grew up in England.

That's me standing on the Swilcan Bridge on a chilly, crisp day in April 2019. That day was important to me for many reasons. I’m sure most of you can relate to that single moment or a collection of moments when golf transcends into something much more than just a game. Almost a spiritual experience. It might be the people you’re with, the breathtaking scenery, or something as subtle as the sea breeze in the air. For me, that day at the Old Course was one of those moments. While the full story is one I’ll share another time, it was there that I truly immersed myself into something special; golf course architecture.

Back in 2019 I was starting to get a deep interest and respect for golf course architecture. I’d always loved golf courses and had a fascination with all the types of courses around the world, but actually studying, reading and making an effort to see good architecture was something new.

I was on the 3rd hole at the Old Course, drive went left. Safe of course as anything left on the Old Course is safe. Pin tucked front left with a left to right wind. There was no way I could get this ball close to the pin. Not a chance. I needed to be on the righthand side of the fairway, close to the out of bounds. And there it was, the light bulb moment of understanding something so simple, yet at the time felt quite profound. Golf strategy in its purist form.

But I digress.

I’m a Real Estate developer and Social Entrepreneur spending my time between Marbella and London. I’ve been involved with a range of projects including residential and office buildings in London, safari lodges in Africa all the way through to land mine affected sites in Bosnia and resort developments in Croatia. Real Estate really can take you to some interesting places and connect you with some fascinating people.

Golf has been in my life since I was around 12 or 13. My dad played at the time and a series of family lessons with the pro at St George’s Hill started it all. Two things I remember well about those lessons. Firstly, the pro was the coolest guy I had ever seen smoking Marlboro Reds whilst striking his Titleist blades incredibility pure. That sound! Secondly, I had no idea how good St George’s Hill was back then. My first 18 holes of golf was a playing lesson on the Harry Colt Classic, something I wish I could have appreciated more had I known.

Inside me there must have been an initial spark of interest in golf architecture. I couldn’t quite articulate why, but I knew I enjoyed and appreciated playing St George’s Hill more than Silvermere down the road, or the other parkland courses around Surrey. That same thing in me knew that there was a difference between them, one was more captivating than the other. I had to think more off the tee and the way the holes were routed through the heather covered forest felt like an adventure, almost a journey to be discovered.

Now in my early 40’s I continue with Real Estate projects, but I’ve carved out time to explore passion projects. On the golf side, I started a small instagram account during the covid lockdowns known as the ‘England Golf Project’. I travelled around England finding interesting and quirky golf courses, defined by places like Cleeve Hill, Huntercombe and Halifax. A wonderful opportunity to see some great lessor known courses in the UK and to connect with some amazing people.

Away from golf I co-founded a Charity The Photography Foundation. Merging my love of photography with a strong social mission. We provide a place for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to become trained in photography and establish long term careers in the creative industry.

Through the Charity and Real Estate projects, I’ve proven to myself that with the right mix people, complementary skills, good timing and a strong idea it is possible to create something special.

I’m now at a point in my life where the timing is perfect.

By combining my experience as a developer with my love of golf, I can begin to create the perfect mix to explore whether a new golf course can be created and to deliver the Ground Golf Project.

The time is now. Let’s make this happen!

Adios, Mikael.