Just under the Arctic Circle, nestled among the many fjords of Iceland is the fishing metropolis, Akureyri. Pronounced “aa·kr·ay·ree”, this metropolis, referred to as the “capital” of northern Iceland, holds a gem of a golf expertise that many informal golfers could not have heard of earlier than.
Who can blame them? Relating to golf many people keep away from any probability of inclement climate after we tee it up. As for golf locations, golfers don’t typically search out places with the phrase “ice” in its identify for a golf journey.
Akureyri is dwelling to the aptly named Akureyri Golf Membership, host of the “Arctic Open” an occasion that takes place each June throughout (you guessed it) the summer season solstice. Created in 1986, this distinctive occasion is certainly one of – if not the one – golf occasion on the planet that permits golfers to tee off at 11pm at night time and play in the course of the VERY early hours of the morning. Encroaching darkness could also be a priority for these at decrease latitudes however in Iceland, the “midnight solar”, permits golfers to traverse the course directly or visibility points creating 24-hours of golf in the course of the summer season months.
Unfold out over two days, the Arctic Open pits gamers towards each other in a Stableford format throughout two rounds with winners topped amongst numerous flights and age-groups. The occasion attracts a considerable amount of curiosity every year. Participant totals are usually capped round 120 golfers of various talent ranges. The outcome? An intimate occasion that permits golf diehards to expertise a difficult golf panorama in a rustic that’s solely dwelling to fifteen, 18-hole programs and 50, 9-hole programs throughout a land mass roughly the dimensions of Virginia.
Speak in regards to the land of fireside and ice.
Those that sign-up and are accepted not solely get to expertise the breath-taking views and great thing about Akureyri, but in addition now have the distinct honor of bragging rights to having looped the northernmost golf course on the planet as acknowledged by the Royal Historical Golf Membership of St. Andrews golfer’s handbook.
So what’s the catch?
First, the climate. Common highs and lows can vary anyplace from low 40’s to mid 50’s. Rain and snow are at all times every day potentialities and whereas the wind could not get too gusty, you’ll be able to count on some chew from Mom Nature. All this and extra are widespread occurrences in Iceland, which is simply 62 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
One brilliant spot is the price of the occasion. Registration and match charges will run you about $609 ($549 & $150 respectively). However with that price comes a large number of perks together with: opening/closing receptions, tee presents, participation within the occasion, and two complimentary rounds the day earlier than (follow spherical) and after.
This previous yr, golfers have been additionally handled with a ticket for the Forest Lagoon. This pure thermal spa is situated on the japanese facet of the Eyjafjörður fjord, a ten-minute drive outdoors of town. The spa provided contributors a possibility to help an area trigger by buying “a golf shot from the doorway of the Lagoon right down to the inexperienced within the water beneath the baths.” Seems like a fairly cool technique to help the native space when you’re there.
One other draw back to the occasion are the journey bills. Regardless of the low price for the occasion, these touring from the U.S. can count on a lot of the associated fee going in the direction of airfare. Whereas many main airports inside the U.S. provide nonstop and connecting flights to Iceland, Akureyri Worldwide Airport solely averages round 10 arrivals and departures a day; so plan accordingly. Flying into Reykjavik provides extra choices however requires a forty five minute connecting flight (or 5 hour automobile drive) to Akureyri. Solely including to your growing prices to take part.
If this all appears daunting, occasion organizers do provide an inventory of journey brokers by means of their web site to assist scheduling and planning when embarking on this endeavor. So at the very least you’re not ranging from the primary tee field, per se.
Whether or not you like {golfing} in the summertime solar or don’t thoughts somewhat chill in your backswing, the Arctic Open is one occasion you’ll undoubtedly get to brag about to your pals.
The put up Fairways & Getaways: Half II – Hearth and Ice appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
