Iceland. Yes, You Read That Correctly

[ukcatshoopsfan]

So I was wondering if anyone has any experience playing golf in Iceland. Specifically, I'm going with my Father who is determined that we play golf at least twice while we're there (total of 5 days). Frankly, I'm content to drink beer, drink pickled shark, and do traditional Iceland tourist adventures, South Shore, Golden Circle, ride snowmobiles on glaciers, etc. That being said, here's what I am looking at. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

Five days, in late May. Staying in Reykjavik and Hella. Have a rental car (SUV).

 

1.) Courses. I've identified Golfklubburinn Keilir which is near Reykjavik and is highly recommended as well as Hella Golf Course near, you guessed it, Hella. Looks average. Any other courses I should look at?

 

2.) Would you take your clubs or rent? My Father is taking his, but frankly it seems a hassle to me on this type of trip. It's not like another trip where you're playing a great course and want to have your sticks. I take my clubs along on non-golf trips all the time if there is the opportunity to play a great course, but I'm not seeing that here. Plus, Iceland in May looks like mid 40's and high percentage of rain. I'm a low handicapper, but not concerned if I have to play two rounds with some 2004 Callaway clubs given the potential conditions and courses. Am I wrong? Of course I'll be sure to pack gore-tex rain gear, shoes, gloves, balls, tees, etc.

 

3.) Any other Iceland insight would be welcome!

 

Thanks!

[Maximilian]

Hi!

 

I've worked a lot in Iceland, but have never actually played golf there. There are courses all over the place and it seems like everyone is really getting into it! The courses I've seen from the car haven't looked all that great, but I'm sure there has to be one or two good ones near Reykjavik now, cause so many people you meet are completely hooked. But on the other hand, I'm not sure if a very expensive course to run would be able to survive simply because of the lack of people and recent economic troubles. I really don't know, maybe.

 

In general, I love Iceland! I think it's kind of a hate or love it place though. I also think it's an easy place for Americans to visit compared to a lot of other countries in Europe. You can kinda tell that Iceland is located in between Europe and America, since it does have flavours of both places.

 

Hope you have a great time and let me know if you play any fun courses, I might have to bring my clubs with me the next time.

[Petunia Sprinkle]

A google image search came up with a lot of cool looking pics. A lot of them kind of look like a cross between Hawaii and Scotland.

[ukcatshoopsfan]

So, I've been remiss in posting since we returned; however, I have to say the two courses we played Golfklubburinn Keilir which is right outside of Reykjavik and Hella Golf Course near, you guessed it, Hella (pronounced like HET-la) were a lot of fun. Keep in mind we visited in the middle of May, which is a bit early in the season and both courses had recently opened for the season, but both were fun tracks. If you were to visit later in the summer, the courses would be in great shape I imagine.

 

Keilir, I would highly recommend. It's a dramatic looking course and the front 9 winds its way through lava fields, while the back plays along the ocean. Hella is an inland course and provides stunning views of the mountains, glaciers and volcanoes!

[larzpdot]

Awesome! Thanks for the recap. My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Iceland and now I'm a bit more excited, knowing there's a chance for some golf.

[KerPatrick87]

Played at 4 different courses in Iceland in 2015. Keilir is great, that first 9 thru the lava field is amazing. My favourite course by far there is Brautarholt, it was only 9 holes when I played but they had 3 more holes to be open in 2016. Conditions were the best there out of all the courses I played.

[DavePelz4]

There was a gentleman from Iceland who posted pics of his rounds, sometimes they have video as well. He took everyone shot by shot through the round and it was awesome to follow!

[ScratchHack]

I was looking into golfing in Iceland earlier this summer and came upon an excellent article about golfing in the land of the midnight sun (or something along those lines). The article stated that Iceland had the highest numbers of golfers per capita of any enlightened (read: golfing) country.

 

Good to see the Icelanders have their priorities set when the sun comes out!

[KerPatrick87]

All the courses that I had a chance to play were pretty busy which was awesome to see. Also had the opportunity to play a midnight round while I was there, tee time was 10:40 PM. Definitely an experience to say the least!

[Other Barry]

UKCATSFAN, hey would you do us (me) a favor and post what you find out there? I LOVE traveling and getting to golf while doing it is like the cherry on top. Very interested in what you find out