Stunning Golf Courses Scattered Across Iceland's Landscape
Iceland, renowned for its geothermal activity and picturesque landscapes, offers an unanticipated yet captivating golfing experience. With a plethora of golf courses dotting its terrain, golf enthusiasts are in for a treat, boasting breathtaking vistas and challenging gameplay.
For those in the region, seize this opportunity to tick one of these stunning courses off your bucket list. If possible, arrange a midnight round for an experience unlike any other.
Here are some outstanding Icelandic golf courses to add to your itinerary.
Geysir Golf Club
Prepare to be tested at this demanding 9-hole, par-37 course, which requires navigating two rivers while marveling at geothermal hot springs erupting with boiling water. Each hole on this course is named after the hot springs that border it, offering a unique challenge. Due to the surrounding rivers and shrub-laden roughs, it is advisable to carry extra golf balls.
Akureyri Golf Club
Heed this recommendation for an unforgettable golfing adventure. The 18-hole, par-71 course is the most northerly in the world, offering breathtaking views from the 4th and 5th tees, particularly during a sunrise over Eyjafjörður bay. For those seeking a challenge, sign up for the Arctic Open Golf Championship, involving a midnight round while the sun still shines.
Brautarholt Golf Course
With magnificent views of the sea, undulating hills, and fairways that follow the coastline, Brautarholt is an appealing golf course. The course features 12 holes, with the option to play the first 9 twice for a par-70 round or play 21 holes -12+9. The first hole presents a stunning green perched atop a cliff, with a sheer drop to the ocean on the right. Each hole offers a picturesque challenge.
Westman Islands Golf Course
Prepare for an exhilarating round of golf within an old volcano. This championship course features volcanic walls as a backdrop, and Strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean add to the challenge. With lush greens, spectacular views of the volcano, and an array of wildlife, this short but open course has cemented its reputation as one of the world's best and most challenging.
Borgarnes Golf Course
Borgarnes may be considered a parkland golf course, with fairways lined with trees, rocky hills, and water hazards. From each hole on this 18-hole, par-71 course, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the bay. The short par-3 8th hole, set on an island green, offers an opportunity to make a hole-in-one with a bit of luck. This championship golf course provides both a challenging and spectacular experience.
The aforementioned golf courses are distinguished not only by their technical difficulty but also by their extraordinary landscapes. Iceland's rugged geology and dramatic coastal environment ensure these venues provide both a challenge and unforgettable natural views. [Additional information on other notable Icelandic golf courses can be found.]
- For those interested in golf and news, the Geysir Golf Club in Iceland offers a unique challenge with its demanding 9-hole course that borders geothermal hot springs, requiring navigation of two rivers and offering a distinct play.
- For an experience that combines sports and nature, consider the Akureyri Golf Club, the most northerly in the world, which offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to play a midnight round during the Arctic Open Golf Championship.
- Golf enthusiasts looking for scenic views and a shorter course may find the Westman Islands Golf Course appealing, as it is played within an old volcano against the backdrop of Atlantic winds and a volcanic landscape teeming with wildlife.
