Fairways & Getaways: Part II – Fire and Ice

Just below the Arctic Circle, nestled among the fjords of Iceland is the fishing city, Akureyri. Pronounced “aa·kr·ay·ree”, this city, known as the “capital” of northern Iceland, holds a gem of a golf experience that many casual golfers may not have heard of before. 

Who can blame them? When it comes to golf many of us avoid any chance of inclement weather when we tee it up. As for golf destinations, golfers don’t often seek out locations with the word “ice” in its name for a golf trip. 

Akureyri is home to the aptly named Akureyri Golf Club, host of the “Arctic Open” an event that takes place every June during (you guessed it) the summer solstice. Created in 1986, this unique event is one of – if not the only – golf event in the world that allows golfers to tee off at 11pm at night and play during the VERY early hours of the morning. Encroaching darkness may be a concern for those at lower latitudes but in Iceland, the “midnight sun”, allows golfers to traverse the course without delay or visibility issues creating 24-hours of golf during the summer months. 

Spread out over two days, the Arctic Open pits players against one another in a Stableford format across two rounds with winners crowned among various flights and age-groups. The event draws a large amount of interest each year. Participant totals are normally capped around 120 golfers of varying skill levels. The result? An intimate event that allows golf diehards to experience a challenging golf landscape in a country that is only home to fifteen, 18-hole courses and 50, 9-hole courses across a land mass roughly the size of Virginia. 

Talk about the land of fire and ice.

Those who sign-up and are accepted not only get to experience the breath-taking views and beauty of Akureyri, but also now have the distinct honor of bragging rights to having looped the northernmost golf course in the world as recognized by the Royal Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews golfer’s handbook. 

So what’s the catch? 

First, the weather. Average highs and lows can range anywhere from low 40’s to mid 50’s. Rain and snow are always daily possibilities and while the wind may not get too gusty, you can expect some bite from Mother Nature. All this and more are common occurrences in Iceland, which is just 62 miles south of the Arctic Circle.

One bright spot is the cost of the event. Registration and tournament fees will run you about $609 ($549 & $150 respectively). But with that cost comes a multitude of perks including: opening/closing receptions, tee gifts, participation in the event, and two complimentary rounds the day before (practice round) and after.

This past year, golfers were also treated with a ticket for the Forest Lagoon. This natural thermal spa is located on the eastern side of the Eyjafjörður fjord, a ten-minute drive outside of the city. The spa offered participants an opportunity to support a local cause by purchasing “a golf shot from the entrance of the Lagoon down to the green in the water below the baths.” Sounds like a pretty cool way to support the local area while you’re there. 

Forest Lagoon

Another downside to the event are the travel expenses. Despite the low cost for the event, those traveling from the U.S. can expect much of the cost going towards airfare. While many major airports within the U.S. offer nonstop and connecting flights to Iceland, Akureyri International Airport only averages around 10 arrivals and departures a day; so plan accordingly. Flying into Reykjavik offers more options but requires a 45 minute connecting flight (or 5 hour car drive) to Akureyri. Only adding to your increasing costs to participate.

If this all seems daunting, event organizers do offer a list of travel agents through their website to help scheduling and planning when embarking on this endeavor. So at least you’re not starting from the first tee box, per se.

Whether you prefer golfing in the summer sun or don’t mind a little chill in your backswing, the Arctic Open is one event you’ll definitely get to brag about to your friends. 

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