Even though Iceland is well-known for its enchanting natural wonders like the northern lights, whale watching, and captivating ice caves, it boasts a lesser-known attraction for sports enthusiasts – its vibrant golf scene. The country provides an impressive array of over 70 golf courses set against the backdrop of its beautiful landscapes.
Iceland is a haven for adventure, especially for golf lovers seeking to explore unique and breathtaking courses. Travelers can explore these golf courses during the Iceland tours, which will be unforgettable. In this guide, you can explore the most scenic golf courses, highlighting their natural beauty, challenges, and unique features.
Reykjavik Golf Club – Grafarholt Course
The Grafarholt golf course is Iceland’s oldest 18-hole golf course, located just outside Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. The Swede Nils Skold designed the Grafarholt golf course. This golf course is recognized as Iceland’s premier championship venue and has hosted many European and Nordic tournaments. It provides golfers with lush fairways and panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic hills.
It winds through lava fields and ancient craters, providing players with a challenging experience, but more than that, it is a visual treat for all. The Grafarholt golf course has a par of 71 and measures 6590 yards from the back trees. This course is unique in that no holes are alike. There are 18 different holes, which are entirely different with their own distinct characteristics.
Keilir Golf Club – Keilier Course
Keilir Golf Club’s 18-hole Keilier Course is celebrated for its coastal views and challenging design. It is situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the town of Hafnarfjordur. This Keilir golf course was founded in 1967. This Keilir golf course is a links golf course located by the seaside. There are a lot of differences between the front nine and the back nine. The front nine is surrounded by lava, but the back nine are located on a small peninsula at the entrance into the harbor with a spectacular view of the Alftanes peninsula and the famous Snaefells Glacier.
This course is more about skill and accuracy than power and distance, particularly the front in the lava field. Indeed, a day trip to Keilir Golf Club guarantees an exciting round of golf and an opportunity to immerse oneself in Iceland’s rugged coastal landscapes. In addition, the course’s layout incorporates natural lava formations and coastal cliffs, adding an element of beauty and, at the same time, a little difficulty for the game.
Grindavik Golf Club – Sudurnes Course
It is located by the main road to Reykjavik, west of Gridavik, about 7km from the Blue Lagoon. The course includes 18 holes, five on the banks by the sea and thirteen to the north of the main road stretched clearly to the lava. By July 2012, a new golf clubhouse was opened. The clubhouse is 170 square meters and can accommodate up to 100 people.
The course is divided into three parts, including a typical coastal course, evergreen farmland, and the third part with the paths that surround the lava. Playing a game at the Grindavik Golf Club is not just about golf but also about experiencing Iceland’s raw and untamed beauty very closely. Grindavik Golf Club’s Sudurnes course offers golfers stunning views of Iceland’s southern coast. Its challenging design distinguishes it, incorporating lava ridges, coastal winds, and panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline and mountains.
Brautarholt Golf Club – Korpa Course
It lies in breathtaking natural surroundings by the sea, with a view of Reykjavik. Brautarholt Golf Club course offers a tranquil setting amidst Iceland’s countryside. Indeed, you can enjoy light for 24 hours over June and July in Iceland, so midnight golf in Iceland is an incredible golfing experience. Also, there would be worldwide participants. Here, the 18-hole course is known for its rolling hills, scenic ponds, and distant views of volcanic peaks. It is an enjoyable golf course that wraps around a residential area in Grafarvogur. This course has 27 holes divided into Sjóinn, Ána, and Landið.
Furthermore, these three courses are arranged differently by day so that you can play either 18 or 19 every day. The calm surroundings and well-maintained fairways provide a relaxing and challenging experience. Undoubtedly, day trippers can enjoy the Korpa course and Iceland’s serene landscapes, especially those who love to get rid of city bustles.
Oddur Golf Club – Oddur Course
Oddur Golf Club course was established in 1990 as a nine-hole course and was designed by Hannes Thorsteinsson. It takes only 20 minutes to drive from Reykjavik city center to Oddur Golf Club. This course was expanded to an 18-hole course in 1997. For those seeking a golfing adventure off the beaten path, this course offers a secluded experience in Iceland’s rural countryside. It is located east of the terrain, with natural water hazards and views of Iceland’s expansive farmlands and distant mountains. It is now considered one of the finest golf courses in Iceland.
Gaming at Oddur Golf Club offers a serene retreat into Iceland’s pastoral landscapes, ideal for day trips where serenity and natural beauty take center stage. It would be an exhilarating experience to play golf with the nesting moor birds and enjoy their singing far away from the city bustles and noises. This Oddur course is one of the gems in the flora of Icelandic golf courses.
Conclusion
Iceland, well known for its dramatic landscapes and stunning natural beauty, is a haven for adventures and golf lovers seeking unique and breathtaking courses. Exploring Iceland’s scenic golf courses on day tours from Reykjavik is a delightful way to combine outdoor recreation with the country’s glorious natural beauty.
Taking a walk through the lush green fairways wound around lava while taking in the beauty of surrounding volcanic hills will gift the travelers a surreal experience and memory to take back home. Every course mentioned above offers a distinctive glimpse into Iceland’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic terrain to panoramic vistas.
Moreover, Iceland continues to attract visitors from around the world. The day tours from Reykjavik will allow you to explore the outstanding golf courses that remain hidden, which will bring its beauty in the future.
