Trevor Ng
Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes, lava fields, and glaciers—but did you know it's also a golfer's paradise? With over 60 golf courses spread across the country, Iceland offers a unique golfing experience with breathtaking views of mountains, oceans, and cliffs. The midnight sun during the summer months provides golfers with a memorable experience, as they can tee off at midnight under the full glow of the sun. Iceland's golf courses are less crowded than other popular destinations, making it an ideal place for a peaceful round of golf. So, whether you're a nature lover or a golfer, Iceland's golf courses are definitely worth checking out!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses | 65, including 18-hole and 9-hole courses |
| Golfing season | Summer months, with Midnight Sun allowing for 24 hours of sunlight |
| Popularity | About 10% of Icelanders play golf |
| Notable courses | Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, Reykjavik Golf Club, Keilir Golf Course, Brautarholt Golf Course, Kidjaberg Golf Club |
| On-site accommodations | Available at some top golf courses, ranging from cabins to hotels |
| Transportation | Renting a car is convenient; guided tours with transportation are also available |
| Other activities | Geothermal spa, sightseeing |
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What You'll Learn
Midnight golf in Iceland
Golf in Iceland is an adventure like no other. The country's dramatic landscapes provide a unique backdrop for a round of golf, with lava fields, coastline views, and epic vistas. And during the summer months, golfers can take advantage of the Midnight Sun, teeing off at midnight in complete sunlight.
With over 60 golf courses spread across the country, Iceland offers a variety of options for golfers of all levels. The majority of these are nine-hole courses, but there are also some 18-hole courses that offer a greater challenge. Reykjavik Golf Club, for example, boasts two 18-hole courses: the Grafarholt course, designed by Swede Niels Skjold, and a second course designed by Icelandic architect Hannes Thorsteinsson. Another notable 18-hole course is Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, located on the Westman Islands. This club offers a unique setting, with holes running down to the water or up toward an old volcano.
For those seeking a more intimate golfing experience, Brautarholt Golf Course fits the bill. This 9-hole course, designed by Icelandic designer Edwin Roald, tumbles down rolling terrain along the clifftop shores, offering dramatic vistas and fun holes. And for those who want to try midnight golf, there is an 18-hole course in Reykjavik that runs along the coast, providing a spectacular setting for a memorable evening activity.
Golf in Iceland is an unforgettable experience, and the country's northerly location means that during the summer months of June and most of July, golfers can take advantage of 24 hours of sunlight. The country's climate may present challenges, with months of no sun and varying terrain, but it is this contrast that makes golfing in Iceland so special. So whether you're teeing off at midnight or enjoying the breathtaking nature, golfing in Iceland is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
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Golf courses in Iceland
Golf is huge in Iceland. During the summer months, the Midnight Sun allows golfers to tee off at any time of the day. Iceland has 65 courses, 50 of which are nine holes, and many of these sit along the coastline. The courses are characterised by sweeping mountains and majestic ocean views, with very few trees and a rough terrain.
The Keilir Golf Course is one of Iceland's most popular courses. Its front nine meanders through ancient lava flow along the water, and the back nine includes clifftop holes with blind shots. It is located in Hafnarfjordur, 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik.
Brautarholt is another course that boasts 12 holes, with a design by Icelandic designer Edwin Roald. The layout tumbles down rolling terrain along the clifftop shores, creating dramatic vistas and fun holes.
Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club is built within flat lands below an old volcano on the Westman Islands. It is reachable by a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The holes are designed to run either towards the water or up towards the volcano, creating incredible vistas.
Reykjavik Golf Club is Iceland's oldest club, which was forced to move out of the city limits in 1963. The Grafarholt course was completed in 1968, and the club built a second course in the 1990s.
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Golf events in Iceland
Golf in Iceland is a unique experience. The country's golf courses are characterised by sweeping mountains, majestic ocean views, and challenging holes. The sport is huge in Iceland, with about 10% of the population playing golf. The courses are also quite different from those in other countries, with very few to no trees and rough terrain. This is because they follow the contours of the naturally dramatic landscape, paying tribute to the first golf courses in Scotland, the home of golf.
The Reykjavik Golf Club is Iceland's oldest club, with two courses that have hosted several major European and Scandinavian tournaments and events. The club was established in 1934 and was initially named Golf Club Iceland as it was the country's only golf club at the time. The Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club is another notable club, with an incredible setting below an old volcano on the Westman Islands. The club expanded to 18 holes in 1992, with holes running down to the water or up toward the volcano.
Akureyri hosts the annual Arctic Open, believed to be the only golf tournament held at or above the Arctic Circle. The Keilir Golf Course is also one of Iceland's most popular courses, located just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The front nine meanders through ancient lava flow along the water, while the back nine includes clifftop holes and blind shots.
With its stunning landscapes, unique golf courses, and the chance to play under the midnight sun, Iceland offers a memorable golfing experience. The country's golf courses provide a combination of challenging holes and awe-inspiring views of breathtaking geological features.
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Golfing tours in Iceland
Golfing in Iceland is a unique experience. The country's dramatic landscapes, challenging courses, and the phenomenon of the midnight sun in summer make it a golfer's paradise. With sweeping mountains and majestic ocean views, Icelandic golf courses follow the contours of the naturally dramatic landscape, paying tribute to the first golf courses in Scotland.
Iceland has embraced the sport of golf, with new courses added to accommodate the growing interest. In 2021, the country had a total of 65 courses for a population of around 346,769, giving it the world record for the highest number of golf courses per capita. About 10% of Icelanders play golf, and you can find a course in almost every village.
If you're planning a golfing tour of Iceland, here are some things to consider:
Choosing a Course
With over 60 golf courses across the country, you'll be spoilt for choice. The Reykjavik Golf Club, Iceland's oldest club, boasts two courses that have hosted major European and Scandinavian tournaments. The Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, built within flat lands below an old volcano on the Westman Islands, offers a unique setting with incredible vistas. The Akureyri Golf Club, which hosts the annual Artic Open, is another notable option, providing the chance to play above the Arctic Circle.
Tour Options
You can choose between sightseeing tours that include golfing or dedicated golfing tours. The 10-hour West Iceland sightseeing tour from Reykjavik combines beautiful landscapes, geothermal spa experiences, and a round of golf. If you prefer a purely golfing experience, an 18-hole round under the midnight sun, running along the coast, offers spectacular surroundings and an unforgettable evening.
Planning Your Trip
Websites like golficeland.org and guidetoiceland.is provide valuable resources for planning your golfing trip to Iceland. They offer information on golf courses, tourist operators, accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing options. You can also find details on golfing events and special packages available.
Course Conditions and Rentals
While most reviews praise the quality and affordability of golf course rentals in Iceland, some golfers have reported issues with course conditions and equipment. It is advisable to check recent reviews and choose courses with well-maintained facilities and positive feedback.
So, whether you're teeing off at midnight under the summer sun or taking in the breathtaking views of glaciers and mountains, a golfing tour of Iceland promises an adventure you'll remember for a lifetime.
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Golf's history in Iceland
Golf has become an increasingly popular sport in Iceland over the years, with about 10% of the population playing the sport. The country's stunning landscapes and unique golf courses, which follow the contours of the naturally dramatic landscape, have drawn more golfers each year.
Golf was officially introduced to Iceland in 1930, though there are earlier written mentions dating back to 1912 of an Englishman named Forder hitting small white balls by the Laxa River in Northeast Iceland. At the time, there were no golf courses in the country. The Reykjavik Golf Club, founded in 1934, was the first golf club in Iceland. Initially named Golf Club Iceland, it was later renamed when other golf clubs began to emerge across the country. The Akureyri Golf Club and the Westman Islands Golf Club, for example, were established in 1935 and 1938, respectively.
The Westman Islands Golf Club, built within flat lands below an old volcano, is considered one of the most unique settings in the golf world. The Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, also located on the Westman Islands, is another notable course in Iceland. With 18 holes, it offers incredible vistas, with holes running down to the water or up toward the volcano.
Today, Iceland offers 65 golf courses, 50 of which are nine-hole courses. Many of these courses sit along the coastline or showcase the country's sweeping mountains and majestic ocean views. The Keilir Golf Course, for instance, meanders through ancient lava flow along the water and features clifftop holes. Golfers can also take advantage of the Midnight Sun during the summer months, with near-constant sunlight allowing for midnight tee-offs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are over 60 golf courses in Iceland.
Golf was officially introduced to Iceland in 1930, though there are earlier written mentions dating back to 1912 of an Englishman named Forder hitting small white balls by the Laxa River in Northeast Iceland.
Some of the best golf courses in Iceland include the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club, the Reykjavik Golf Club, the Keilir Golf Course, and the Brautarholt Golf Course.
During the summer months, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, allowing golfers to tee off at midnight with complete sunlight. The landscape is also quite different from other golf destinations, with few to no trees and rough terrain, including lava fields.
Yes, there are several tours that focus on or include golfing in Iceland. For example, there is a 10-hour West Iceland sightseeing tour with golfing from Reykjavik that includes a round of golf, a visit to a geothermal spa, and sightseeing. There are also private, customizable tours that can be tailored to include golfing and other activities.
