Ragnar Halle

Ragnar Halle (1888–1970) is recognized as the father of Norwegian golf and played a pioneering role in the introduction and development of the sport in Norway. After discovering a passion for golf in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1907 and further immersing himself in the sport during his time in London around World War I, Halle returned to Norway determined to bring golf to his homeland. In 1921, he began the challenging process of founding Norway’s first golf club, often facing skepticism. His perseverance paid off in 1924 with the founding of Kristiania Golfklubb (now Oslo Golfklubb), where Halle was a key leader and driving force in course development. He was instrumental in the design and construction of Norway’s first golf course at Bogstadvannet, personally overseeing planning and early construction. Halle continued to serve the club as chairman and later as honorary member, and contributed to other early golf course projects in Norway. He received the King’s Medal of Merit in gold in 1959 for his lifelong dedication to golf.