With 24-hour tee times in the height of summer and fairways alongside lava fields and glacier rivers, Iceland is one of the world’s most adventurous golf experiences. Here’s our quick guide.
Despite a population of just over 360,000, Iceland is home to over 60 golf courses. Most of them are concentrated around the capital Reykjavik, full of cosy restaurants and cool bars, from where you can visit the natural thermal spa of the Blue Lagoon, the soaring geysers of Strokkur, go whale watching in Husavik, or take a tour to the Golden Circle’s stunning lakes and waterfalls.
The best time to visit for golfers is May to September due to the mild temperatures and, during summer’s peak of June and July, round-the-clock daylight which allows Reykjavik’s golf courses to open 24/7 so you can tee off at midnight.
Brautarholt Golf Course
Around half an hour’s drive north of Reykjavik, Brautarholt Golf Course is laid out across a dramatic cliff-lined peninsula. Originally opened as a nine-hole course in 2011, it was later expanded to 12 by Icelandic architect Edwin Roald, famous in golfing circles for his ‘Why 18-holes?’ philosophy which strives to create the best course for the existing space, rather than crow-barring in a traditional 18.
You can play the 12, nine holes twice, or even 21 holes, but whatever your choice, the mix of rolling inland holes, ocean-side greens and cliff top tees is a great introduction to golf in Iceland.
The GKG Club
Just 10 minutes from Reykjavík, this is one of Iceland’s largest golf clubs, comprised of an 18-hole course plus a nine-hole, par-3 course. Established in 1994, it has evolved into to a championship standard layout, hosting the 2014 National Championship, while the par-3 course is particularly good for less skilled players. A round at this club will be blessed with magical Icelandic scenery of mountain and ocean views.
Keilir Golf Course
Located in Hafnafjordur, 10km south west of the capital, we rank Keilir as the best golf course in Iceland. The front nine holes was constructed over and alongside lava fields, while the back nine was built over farmland on a small peninsula at the entrance to Hafnafjördur harbor, with spectacular views of the famous Snaefellsglacier.
Reykjavik Golf Club
Established in 1934, this is the oldest and largest golf club in Iceland. It offers two exceptional 18-hole courses, one at Grafarholt and the other at Korpa. Both are rugged hilly layouts with heather and lava-lined fairways offering spectacular views of Reykjavik and the surrounding ocean. Grafarholt has hosted many European and Nordic tournaments and is arguably the toughest championship golf course in Iceland.
Leynir Akranes Golf Club
In the town Akranes about a 40 minute drive from Reykjavik, this naturally beautiful course is across flat terrain interspersed with rocky hills, bunkers, water and trees which makes it demanding and interesting. It’s in great condition with excellent putting greens.
Sudurnes Golf Course
A nice links course by the sea on the Reykjanes Peninsula less than a 10 minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. There’s views of Reykjavik and the mountains Esja and Akrafjall, and the par 3 hole ‘Bergvik’ is the perhaps most famous golf hole in Iceland where the ball has to fly from the back tee over 200 yards over the sea to the green.
Oddur Golf Club
This pleasant heathland course hosted the European Ladies´ Amateur Team Championship in 2016 and the European Girls´ Team Championship in 2022. Within a 20 minutes drive from Reykjavík city centre, it’s built next to a nature park by lava fields with plenty of trees. Worth a visit also due to its fun par-3 course, 16 bay driving range, and welcoming clubhouse which is an oasis from the busy city.
Vestman Island Golf Course
Vestman Island rivals Brautarholt as Iceland’s most beautiful course. Mountain views and seascapes of crashing waves compliment the wonderful holes laid across a lava field. You’ll need to take a 30-minute ferry from the south of the island to get there, but it’s worth it to play this truly epic course.
