Lofoten Links | Midnight golf under the Northern Lights

The world’s most northerly links golf course – on the edge of the Arctic Ocean – is to be extended to 18 holes to satisfy growing demand from golfers wanting to tee off under the world famous ‘Northern Lights.’

Lofoten Links, in Gimsoy, Norway, has tiny postage stamp sized greens and is laid out across and around an inlet of the Norwegian seaboard.

It is uniquely located 95 miles north of the Arctic Circle at 68 degrees latitude. This means during the summer golfers can tee off 24 hours a day as the region experiences midnight sun for two whole months.

Play under the Northern Lights
What is even more spectacular is the chance to play under the natural phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis, commonly called the ‘Northern Lights.’

Lofoten Links is owned by a local family whose ancestors have lived there since the 16th century.

The par-35 course was originally only six-holes but was extended to nine in 1998.

Lofoten Links will be transformed into an 18-hole layout by Sweden-based course designer Jeremy Turner and world-renowned golf management company Troon Golf.

The second nine holes is under construction and according to a spokesperson for Troon Golf will open in spring 2014.

A 100-room boutique hotel and spa is also planned to open in 2014, making it the biggest tourist accommodation on any of the Lofoten Islands.

Frode Hov, whose family own the land and Lofoten Links, said: “The scenery here is extraordinary and with Troon firmly at the heart of our processes, we are sure that we will attract golfers from all over the globe as we develop to a full eighteen holes with new hotel accommodation to match the stunning surrounding.”

Turner’s course will incorporate some existing holes but 13 new ones including a par-three on a rocky outcrop. Other holes will be laid out around a former Viking graveyard and include an amphitheatre 18th.

Lofoten Links has overnight accommodation available in its clubhouse, a 60-cover Café Hov Spiseri, driving range, pitching and putting green and club rental.

PHOTO-ESSAY OF LOFOTEN LINKS, NORWAY

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