Harper Lin
Iceland is home to several golf courses, offering a unique golfing experience. The golf season in Iceland is short, typically lasting from May to September, but during this time, the country experiences 24 hours of daylight, allowing golfers to play around the clock. Iceland's golf courses are known for their stunning natural settings, featuring lava fields, glaciers, and views of mountains and oceans. The Reykjavik Golf Club, founded in 1934, is Iceland's oldest club, while other notable courses include the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, set below an old volcano, and the Keilir Golf Course, which meanders through ancient lava flow. Golf in Iceland is described as quirky, beautiful, and fun, providing a memorable adventure for golfers and nature lovers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf Season | May to September |
| Golf Courses | Reykjavik Golf Club, Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, Keilir Golf Course, Brautarholt Golf Course, Kidjaberg Golf Club, Leynir Golf Club, Ness Golf Club |
| Tournaments | Arctic Open |
| Golfing Experience | Midnight golf during summer, golf courses with lava fields, black sand beaches, and glaciers |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Iceland's golf season is short, lasting from May to September
- Midnight golf is possible in Iceland during the summer
- Reykjavik Golf Club is Iceland's oldest club
- Iceland's golf courses have unique features, including lava fields and cliffs
- There are international golf tournaments held in Iceland, such as the Arctic Open
Iceland's golf season is short, lasting from May to September
One of the most popular courses in Iceland is the Keilir Golf Course, located in Hafnarfjordur, just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The course meanders through ancient lava flow and along the water before reaching the peninsula for the back nine, which includes clifftop holes and blind shots. Another well-known course is the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, set within the flatlands below an old volcano on the Westman Islands. The holes are designed to run either towards the water or up towards the volcano, providing incredible vistas throughout the round.
Brautarholt Golf Course in Reykjavik is also highly regarded, boasting 12 holes designed by Icelandic architect Edwin Roald and built by American shaper Michael Kelly. The course offers stunning views of the cliffs, ocean, and lava fields, providing a unique and memorable golfing experience. Reykjavik Golf Club, founded in 1934, is Iceland's oldest club, featuring the Grafarholt course, which opened in 1963. The club has hosted notable figures such as Prince Charles, Rudy Giuliani, and Alice Cooper.
The Arctic Open, held in Akureyri, is an international golf tournament played above the Arctic Circle. It attracts golfers from around the world and has been running since 1986. Iceland's golf scene may be short, but it offers a unique and captivating experience with its dramatic landscapes, midnight sun, and passionate local golfers.
Global Golf: Authentic or Fake?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Midnight golf is possible in Iceland during the summer
Iceland is a country of contrasts, and its golf courses are no exception. The golf season in Iceland is short, typically lasting from May through September. However, during the summer, Iceland experiences 24 hours of daylight due to its northerly location, and this provides a unique opportunity for midnight golf. With the sun shining around the clock, golfers can tee off at any time of day or night, and many courses in Iceland are open for play 24 hours a day during the summer months.
One of the most popular courses in Iceland is the Keilir Golf Course, located in Hafnarfjordur, just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The course meanders through ancient lava flow along the water and offers dramatic vistas, including clifftop holes and holes with blind shots. Another well-known course is the Reykjavik Golf Club, Iceland's oldest club, founded in 1934. The club features the Grafarholt course, which was completed in 1968, and a second course that was added in the 1990s.
For those seeking a more unique setting, the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club is built within flat lands below an old volcano on the Westman Islands, offering incredible vistas with holes running down to the water or up toward the volcano. The Kidjaberg Golf Club, located east of Reykjavik, is another notable course, sitting on the banks of the glacial river Hvitá. It played host to the Icelandic Championship in 2010.
Golf in Iceland is an adventure, with courses that offer stunning natural scenery and a chance to play under the Midnight Sun. The contrast of the rugged terrain, with few to no trees, and the extended daylight hours make for a memorable golfing experience. So, whether you're teeing off at midnight surrounded by lava fields or taking in the views of glaciers and mountains, Iceland's golf courses provide a one-of-a-kind experience that golfers and nature lovers alike will appreciate.
Golf Caddies: What's Their Role?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reykjavik Golf Club is Iceland's oldest club
Golf is a relatively new sport in Iceland, but it has gained popularity over the years, with about 10% of the population taking part. Iceland has 65 golf courses, with a unique landscape that differs from most courses worldwide. The terrain is rough, and there are very few to no trees. The country's dramatic nature and inherent extremes make golfing in Iceland a memorable experience.
The Reykjavik Golf Club, founded in 1934, is Iceland's oldest golf club. The club was originally called The Golf Club of Iceland, but the name was changed when other golf clubs were established in the country. The club was established when a few distinguished gentlemen, led by Sveinn Björnsson (who later became the first President of Iceland), gathered for a meeting in Reykjavik on 14 December 1934. The first tournament was held in Laugardalur, near the National Stadium, in the summer of 1935. The club has grown from having very few members initially to now consisting of 2,500 members.
The Reykjavik Golf Club offers two exceptional 18-hole courses: one at Grafarholt and the other at Korpa. The Grafarholt course, which opened in 1963, is the oldest 18-hole course in Iceland and is still one of the most popular. It is located in a rugged and fascinating terrain, offering unique views of Reykjavik and its surrounding area. The course is regarded as Iceland's premier championship venue, having hosted several international tournaments, including the Nordic Team Championships, the European Team Boys Championship, and the European Senior Amateur Championship.
The Korpa course, designed by Icelandic architect Hannes Thorsteinsson, opened in 1997. The Reykjavik Golf Club also includes the Leynimýri course, which was the club's first course and consisted of 9 holes. When the course opened, Ingrid, the crown princess of Denmark and Iceland, hit the ceremonial first shot and was named guardian of the club.
Mastering the Compact Backswing in Golf
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Iceland's golf courses have unique features, including lava fields and cliffs
Iceland is a golfer's paradise, with its 65 to 66 golf courses serving a population of about 346,769 to 384,000. This equates to one course for every 5,518 people, positioning Iceland as the country with the highest number of golf courses per capita globally. The country's golf courses harmonise with its dramatic scenery, providing unforgettable rounds.
Iceland's golf courses offer a unique blend of sport and nature, with lava fields, fjords, cliffs, and rugged coastlines. Midnight sun golfing in Iceland is a truly extraordinary experience. For about two weeks in mid-June, golfers can play around the clock, enjoying up to 22 hours of daylight in summer.
The Vestmannaeyjar course, for example, is renowned as one of the world's most dramatic island courses, lying between an extinct volcano and the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to the Volcano Open Golf Championship, which attracts golfers worldwide in early July. Puffins are often spotted along the cliffs, and the course is open from May to September.
The Brautarholt Golf Course, located on a peninsula outside Reykjavík, is another highly ranked option. It features breathtaking ocean views on nearly every hole and is known for its sustainable design, blending harmoniously with the natural terrain.
The Akureyri Golf Course, the world's northernmost 18-hole course, offers a unique experience with forested fairways and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It hosts the annual Arctic Open each June, a 36-hole tournament that gives golfers the rare opportunity to play under the glow of summer's perpetual daylight.
The Keilir Golf Club and Westmann Islands Golf Club also showcase Iceland's volcanic terrain, with players teeing off amidst lava fields and enjoying views of erupting geysers. The Hvaleyrarvöllur course is another option that presents a challenging golfing experience, requiring skill and accuracy to navigate the lava fields.
With its diverse landscapes and natural wonders, Iceland offers a truly unique and spectacular golfing experience that draws players from around the world.
Golf Majors: Dates for the Diary
You may want to see also
Explore related products
There are international golf tournaments held in Iceland, such as the Arctic Open
Iceland is home to several golf courses, each with its own unique features and attractions. One of the most notable golf experiences in Iceland is the opportunity to play under the Midnight Sun during the summer months, a phenomenon that occurs due to the country's northerly location. Playing golf surrounded by lava fields is also a distinct possibility in Iceland, where one-tenth of the surface is covered in lava.
Among the top golf courses in the country is the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, located on the Westman Islands. This club offers a truly unique setting, built within flatlands below an old volcano. The course features 18 holes, some running down to the water and others up toward the volcano, providing incredible vistas throughout the entire round. To access the club, golfers take a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland.
Reykjavik Golf Club, Iceland's oldest club, also boasts a remarkable setting. Founded in 1934, the club moved outside the city limits in 1963 to the Grafarholt course, designed by Niels Skjold. The club experienced a boom in popularity, leading to the construction of a second course in the 1990s. Today, the Grafarholt course is known for its barren, dramatic landscape east of the city.
Another notable course is the Keilir Golf Course, located in Hafnarfjordur, just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. This course combines ancient lava flow with former farmland on a peninsula, offering both clifftop holes and higher settings with blind shots.
International golf tournaments, such as the Arctic Open, are held in Iceland, attracting golfers from around the world. The Kidjaberg Golf Club, located east of Reykjavik, hosted the Icelandic Championship in 2010. This club offers an 18-hole course along the banks of the glacial river Hvitá. Additionally, Leynir Golf Club in Akranes is the home course of Birgir Leifur Hafþórsson, Iceland's sole representative on the European Tour thus far.
Golf Avenue: Legit or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Iceland has golf.
Golf in Iceland is described as "quirky, beautiful, and very, very fun." The golf courses in Iceland are known for their unique settings, such as lava fields, mountains, and glaciers. The terrain is also said to be a bit rough, with few to no trees. During the summer months, Icelanders take advantage of the Midnight Sun and many golf courses are open for play 24 hours a day.
The golf season in Iceland is short, typically lasting from May through September.
Some of the best golf courses in Iceland include:
- Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club
- Reykjavik Golf Club
- Keilir Golf Course
- Brautarholt Golf Course
- Kidjaberg Golf Club
- Leynir Golf Club
- Ness Golf Club
Yes, Iceland hosts the annual Arctic Open in Akureyri, which is believed to be the only golf tournament held at or above the Arctic Circle.
