Alexandra
Iceland's resident, publisher


Golf in Iceland

and 5 Best Golf Courses
If you're looking for a fun way to socialize and enjoy Iceland's breathtaking scenery, look no further than golf! This beloved pastime is a popular choice in Iceland, and it's easy to see why. With courses that seamlessly blend into the area's natural beauty, golfers can soak up the sights while working on their swing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, a round of golf in Iceland is sure to be a memorable experience.

Golf courses in Iceland

Gardur Golf Course :

Set among the stunning landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, Gardur Golf Course is like a paradise for people who love golf. It's not far from Keflavik International Airport, so it's easy to get to for travelers who want to explore Iceland's natural beauty while playing golf.

Gardur Golf Course has 18 holes and is a par 71 links course. It's known for being a bit tricky, especially when it's windy. The course is about 6,335 yards long and has lots of different challenges, like sand dunes, water obstacles, and bunkers in clever spots. As you play, you'll get to see amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Reykjanes volcanic peninsula.

Besides being a fun place to play golf, Gardur Golf Course also has a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, a shop where you can get golf stuff, and a place to practice your swings. It's open all year, and during the summer, you can even play golf at midnight because of the midnight sun.



Isafjordur Golf Club:

Located in the beautiful Westfjords region, Isafjordur Golf Club is a must-visit for people who love golf. It's in the pretty town of Isafjordur, surrounded by mountains covered in snow and the deep-blue water of the fjords.

Isafjordur Golf Club has 9 holes and is a par 70 course, which makes it different from other courses. It's not very long, only about 4,823 yards, but it's still a challenge because of its layout and natural obstacles. The course has narrow fairways, small greens, and lots of water obstacles and bunkers, so it's a good test for golfers at any level.

Besides being a fun place to play golf, Isafjordur Golf Club also has amazing views of the fjords and mountains. The clubhouse has a shop where you can get golf stuff and a restaurant with tasty local food, so it's a great place to relax after playing.

Isafjordur Golf Club is open from May to October, and in the summer, you can even play golf at midnight because of the midnight sun.



Jadar Golf Course:

Located in the charming town of Akureyri in North Iceland, the Jadar Golf Course is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. The 18-hole course is set in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The course measures 6,286 yards and features natural hazards such as streams, ponds, and rock formations. The Jaðar Golf Course is open from May to October, and visitors can enjoy the midnight sun during the summer months.



Keilir Golf Course:

The Keilir Golf Course is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, making it a convenient spot for travelers who want to enjoy a round of golf during their visit to Iceland's capital city. The course is an 18-hole, par 70 course that offers a mix of natural and man-made hazards. The course measures 5,569 yards and features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that offer a fun and challenging golfing experience. The Keilir Golf Course is open from May to October.


Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course:

The Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course is on Heimaey Island, one of Iceland's southern islands. It has amazing views of the ocean and nearby islands, so it's a great place for people who love golf. The course has 9 holes and is a par 35 course. It's not very long, only about 3,031 yards, but it's still a challenge because of the natural obstacles like lava fields and rough ground. The Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course is open from May to October, so you can play golf in this beautiful and remote place during those months.

Tips for Playing Golf in Iceland's Climate

  1. Dress right: Iceland's weather can change suddenly, so wear clothes you can layer easily. Bring a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and comfy shoes with good grip.
  2. Watch out for the wind: Iceland can get really windy, especially near the coast. Be ready for it and adjust your game. You might need to hit the ball lower, aim differently, or use a heavier club.

Recommendations for planning a golf trip to Iceland

  1. Check out the courses: Iceland has lots of golf courses, each with its own cool stuff to offer. Look into them before you go so you can pick the ones that match your skill level and what you like.
  2. Plan early: The golf season in Iceland goes from May to October, and tee times can fill up fast. So make sure to plan your trip ahead of time to get the tee times you want.
  3. Try other stuff: Iceland has tons of other things to do besides golf, like hiking, fishing, and watching whales. Think about adding some of these activities to your trip to see all the cool stuff Iceland has.

Golfing season in Iceland

The golfing season in Iceland typically runs from May to October, with the peak season being in July and August when the weather is generally warmer and the daylight hours are longer. During this time, golfers can experience the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets, and there are almost 24 hours of daylight, providing ample time to play golf even in the late evening hours.

However, it's important to note that the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, even during the peak season, so golfers should be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and even snow in some areas. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out to the golf course and dress appropriately for the conditions.

Outside of the golfing season, some courses may be closed or have limited hours of operation, so it's important to check with individual courses to see if they are open and what their hours of operation are. Some courses may also offer special winter rates or packages for golfers who want to experience playing golf in Iceland's winter wonderland scenery.

Annual golfing events in Iceland

  1. Arctic Open Golf Tournament: This tournament happens every year at the Akureyri Golf Club in northern Iceland. It goes on for three days in late June or early July. Both amateur and pro golfers can join in. What makes it special is that it takes place during the midnight sun, so you can play golf all night long, which is pretty cool.
  2. Iceland Open: Held at the Keilir Golf Course in Reykjavik, this tournament is pretty popular. It's open to amateur golfers of any skill level and usually happens in August. People from all over the world come to play because the course is tough but also really beautiful.
  3. Reykjavik Open: Another big tournament in Iceland is the Reykjavik Open, which happens in the capital city. It usually takes place in late June or early July. Anyone who likes golf can join in. There are different events, like a pro-am tournament and a charity game. It brings together golfers from everywhere.
  4. Westman Islands Golf Festival: This festival takes place on Heimaey Island in the Westman Islands. It's in early August and includes lots of tournaments, like ones for men, women, seniors, and juniors. The courses have amazing views of the ocean and are really challenging.

These events let golfers play on some of Iceland's prettiest courses and also experience the country's unique landscape and culture.

In conclusion, golfing in Iceland is something you won't forget. There are courses for everyone, and they fit in perfectly with Iceland's beautiful landscapes. Golfing here is special because Icelanders care a lot about nature and the environment. Plus, there are lots of different courses all over the country to try out. Whether you're thinking about going golfing in Iceland or just want to try something new, you'll remember Iceland's golf courses for a long time.
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