Iceland's Stunning Golf Venues Unveiled: A Captivating Round of Golfing Delight
Iceland, a nation of stunning landscapes and unexpected wonders, may not be an apparent golfing destination, yet it offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The country is dotted with golf courses, many of which provide breathtaking views and challenging gameplay.
For those planning a visit, seizing the opportunity to play at these courses should be a priority, especially if you can manage to schedule a midnight round. Here are some of Iceland's most enchanting golf courses.
Geysir Golf Club
Nestled near the renowned Geysir geothermal area in the Golden Circle region, Geysir Golf Club offers a golfing experience like no other. The course minefields through rugged lava fields and features the presence of bubbling geothermal spots, making it a distinctive playground. As if this wasn't enough, the course is located near the erupting geyser, providing a dramatic backdrop.
Each hole on this 9-hole, par-37 course is named after the surrounding geothermal hot springs. Shaped by the natural terrain, each hole is a challenge that demands precision and strategy. Golfers are advised to bring extra golf balls, as the rivers and shrub-laden roughs can lead to unexpected losses.
Akureyri Golf Club
Located in the north of Iceland, Akureyri Golf Club is a must-play course. It is the most northernly course in the world, boasting breathtaking views from the 4th and 5th golf tees, especially during sunrise over Eyjafjörður bay.
Brave golfers can participate in The Arctic Open Golf Championship, where they'll play golf at midnight under the shining sun.
Brautarholt Golf Course
Brautarholt features stunning views of the sea, undulating hills, and fairways that mirror the natural contours of the coastline. This golf course offers 12 holes, with players having the option to play the first 9 twice, resulting in a challenging par-70 round, or opting for a longer 21-hole game – 12+9.
The first hole, an elevated tee, offers a spectacular green perched atop a cliff, with a sheer drop into the ocean to the right. Each hole is a beautiful challenge that promises to captivate players.
Westman Islands Golf Course
If you're searching for an adventure, Westman Islands Golf Course offers a unique experience – playing a round of golf on an old volcano. This championship course features winds from the Atlantic ocean, making tracking the course more of a challenge.
Players will appreciate the lush greens, fantastic views of the volcano on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other, and an array of wildlife. These elements make this short but open golf course one of the best and most challenging in the world to play on.
Borgarnes Golf Course
Borgarnes Golf Course can be considered a parkland golf course, with the fairways lined with trees, rocky hills, and water hazards. The course provides spectacular views of the nearby mountains and the bay from every hole on this 18-hole, par-71 course.
The 8th hole is a short par-3 with an island green, and with some luck, the wind will be in your favor! This championship golf course delivers both challenge and awe-inspiring scenery.
Each of these courses embodies the rugged beauty and natural challenges characteristic of Icelandic golf. From geothermal hotspots and volcanic rocks to fjord and mountain vistas, these courses offer memorable golfing experiences across Iceland.
- The Geysir Golf Club, nestled near the Geysir geothermal area, offers a unique golfing experience with bubbling geothermal spots as part of its rugged lava-field landscape.
- The Akureyri Golf Club in the north of Iceland, the most northernly course in the world, boasts breathtaking views and hosts The Arctic Open Golf Championship, where golfers play under the shining sun at midnight.
- The Westman Islands Golf Course offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with players teeing off on an old volcano, enjoying Atlantic ocean winds, lush greens, and views of both the volcano and the ocean.