Thorlakshofn - Iceland

Located a mere 30 minutes from the capital Reykjavík, Þorlákshöfn Golf Club (or Thorlakshofn for those who struggle with Icelandic characters) was founded in 1997, designed first as a 9-hole course by Hannes Thorsteinsson and then extended to 18 holes during the summer 2005, following plans drawn up by the same Icelandic architect.

The course lies along the shore on black sandy terrain and represents the best example of a links course in Iceland. The scenery is also breathtaking and the famous volcano Hekla is not far away.

At about 6,400 metres from the back tees, Þorlákshöfn represents a real challenge, especially when the wind is up which is quite common in this neck of the woods! Two of the par fives measure 600 metres and are true three shotters for everybody! The rough is deadly, made of sand, lava and gorse. Indeed, if you miss the fairway you’ll card an extra shot.

A Nick Faldo-designed course called Black Sand was mooted to materialise in 2009 but unfortunately the project is on ice.