Iceland's Stunning Golf Venues: A Tour of Allure
Iceland, a land of breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders, is also home to some of the most extraordinary golf courses in the world. These courses offer more than just a round of golf; they provide an unparalleled experience that combines beauty, challenge, and a touch of the extraordinary.
### Westman Islands Golf Club (Heimaey)
Built inside the crater of an extinct volcano on Heimaey, part of the Westman Islands off Iceland’s south coast, this course offers a truly unique backdrop for golf. With stunning mountain views and a setting unlike anywhere else, the Westman Islands Golf Club is a must-visit for any golfer seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
At just 5.4 km (approximately 3.35 miles), the course may not be long, but it is made challenging by the strong Atlantic winds common in the region. The 17th hole features the Atlantic Ocean as a natural water hazard, adding both beauty and difficulty to the game.
### Urriðavöllur Championship Golf Course
Located near Reykjavík, Urriðavöllur is a par 71 course of 5,859 meters (about 6,407 yards), known for its well-designed layout and championship status since its opening in 1997. Offering a good test with varying terrain, it is one of Iceland’s best courses for serious golfers looking for a competitive and scenic round.
### Kidjaberg Golf Course
Known for interesting elevation changes and small greens, Kidjaberg Golf Course presents a unique challenge. Wind is often a factor, requiring precision and thoughtful play. The beautiful natural setting also makes it a favourite for photographers and golfers alike.
### Additional Notable Courses
- Brautarholt Golf Course (Reykjavík) is famous for "midnight golf" under the endless summer sun and set against a twilight backdrop, merging quality play with unique daylight hours. - Akureyri Golf Club offers long daylight hours for extended play and scenic views.
### What Makes These Courses Unique
- Volcanic Landscapes: Courses like Westman Islands are located in volcanic craters or surrounded by extinct volcanoes, providing dramatic and rare golfing environments. - Natural Elements: Strong winds, the presence of ocean hazards, and mountainous terrain create natural challenges that test a golfer’s skill and adaptability. - Extended Daylight: Due to Iceland’s high latitude, many courses offer golf late into the evening or even 24-hour daylight golf during summer months, enhancing the experience. - Scenic Beauty: Striking views of mountains, ocean, and rugged Icelandic nature make these courses not only sports venues but also scenic journeys.
In conclusion, the Westman Islands Golf Club stands out for its volcanic crater setting and ocean hazards combined with challenging winds, making it both beautiful and demanding. Other courses like Urriðavöllur and Kidjaberg offer championship-level challenges with varied terrain and scenic vistas, making Iceland a unique destination for golf lovers seeking both beauty and difficulty.
The Westman Islands Golf Club, nestled within an extinct volcano's crater, offers golfers a distinctive and captivating experience, with strong winds and the Atlantic Ocean as a natural water hazard adding to the challenge. Geothermal landscapes surrounding Urriðavöllur Championship Golf Course contribute to its well-designed layout and championship status, providing a stiff competition along with scenic views. Meanwhile, Kidjaberg Golf Course, marked by interesting elevation changes and small greens, offers a unique challenge to golfers, with wind being a recurring factor in play, and beautiful natural scenery appealing to photographers.
Additional notable courses in Iceland include the Brautarholt Golf Course, which offers "midnight golf" under the endless summer sun, and Akureyri Golf Club, providing extended play time due to the long daylight hours and scenic views. The unique aspects of these courses include their dramatic volcanic landscapes, challenging natural elements, extended daylight hours for unique golfing experiences, and breathtaking scenic beauty, merging sports, nature, and travel in exceptional ways.
