The expectations were high for the day when we would finally conquer Lofoten Links. For several weeks, I had been an eager observer, carefully examining tee-off times and weather forecasts, all in the hope of securing good conditions for a round so late in the season. There were only a few weeks left before the course would close for the winter. To my great relief, my golf partner was as ready as I was, regardless of the weather conditions. "Let's book!" he said decisively, and with that, all doubts disappeared. The date was set, and the expectations were now at their peak. Let me say, the experience that awaited turned out to be even more fantastic than I could have dreamed of.

Travel route

Even though not all of our friends who visited this weekend were equally enthusiastic about experiencing Lofoten Links, we still managed to get the logistics in place. Thanks to the two early birds who set off with us so early in the morning on this day. The drive from our cabin in Sørvågen to Lofoten Links takes less than two hours, and the journey itself is an experience in its own right. The route passes rows of the small red fishing cabins typical of Lofoten, several of the whitest sandy beaches you can find, and several of the small communities in West Lofoten. As the destination approaches, it alternates between steep mountain walls and open, rolling landscapes. In the area where the golf course is located, there is a large, flatter area with still-visible mountain peaks here and there. Mark and I didn't want any stops along the way that day because we wanted plenty of time before tee-off. Just taking in the changing scenery is a great way to start the day. The journey follows the main road from our cabin towards Leknes, and then continues towards Henningsvær and Svolvær. Not long before the exit to Henningsvær, there are clear signs for Lofoten Links. Lofoten Links. Not many minutes after leaving the main road, you reach the parking lot in front of the clubhouse. Tip: Those who don't play golf can spend the day in charming Henningsvær, which is a great combination. Another option is a hike to Hoven (367 meters above sea level) , which starts from the driving range on the golf course. It's not a challenge to complete this hike before the golf party finishes their round.

Competition rules and golf bag

After sharing various videos that heightened both our expectations and fears of the challenges that awaited us, my partner and I agreed on the day's competition. With all the challenges in store, we decided that the winner would be the one who lost the fewest number of balls during the round. The course is at times narrow and presents a variety of challenges (ocean, beaches, rocks, water, etc.), so the competition rules seemed appropriate.

The facilities at the clubhouse are basic but have what's necessary. Drinks and snack items are available for purchase, but it's a good idea to plan ahead with some food. We hadn't had breakfast, and our bags weren't stocked with any food, so the warm panini we were served after the round tasted better than usual. The pro shop is well-equipped and has golf attire, balls, and other equipment. Several of the products are sold with the Lofoten Links logo, making them nice to have in your bag at home as a souvenir from this wonderful course.

We were handed the golf bags that we had pre-booked. To our great delight, the equipment was of very high quality. So, with the purchase of balls and a warm hat for Mark, after all, he has his home course in Northern Cyprus, we were ready for warm-up. The new equipment was tested on the driving range, and as always, the shots varied, but we were confident that it would be a great round. It's extra enjoyable when you've set aside the day and can simply enjoy a round of golf in fantastic surroundings and pleasant company.

Tee off

The first hole has a blind tee shot, and it wasn't hard to feel the tension in our shoulders, but it was so much fun to get started. Already on the second hole, we were ready for one of the course's two signature holes. Hole number two has been ranked as one of the 20 most beautiful holes in Europe, and hole number 14 is also on the list of the 100 most beautiful holes. This probably contributes to the fact that many golfers have this course on their bucket list. On the second hole, the tee box is located several meters above the green. From tee 55, the hole's length is 134 meters. So, the length is not the challenge, but almost everything other than hitting the green is out of bounds, or on this hole, it's the ocean, beach, or mountains (and then the ocean). We both managed to avoid the problems, and Mark recorded his first par of the day.

The course was very diverse and in excellent condition. The fantastic summer weather in 2023 likely contributed to great conditions. After the summer, there has also been some rain, which has made the course softer and truly an enjoyable experience to play. Lush and well-groomed fairways that wind around the shoreline rocks and heather are beautiful, as long as the ball stays in play. The course is located on both sides of the road leading to the clubhouse and has different characteristics. Eleven of the holes are positioned towards the sea, and on several of these holes, a slice is the same as a lost ball. These holes are also the most exposed if the weather decides to be rough.

The seven holes farthest from the sea are no less challenging. Several ponds and streams make up some of the obstacles, and these holes felt tighter and had greater elevation changes. The varied nature and the magnificent scenery that unfolds between shots contribute to enhancing the great experience of playing on this course. We chose to play from tee 55 and found that several shots required a really good carry, and with my limited distance, this was a challenge. The variation between the sea, mountain peaks, plains, and hills as the background for the holes is majestic and adds an extra dimension to the experience. On the holes where I had a perfect drive or approach shot, this combination made this day particularly memorable.

Initially, I mentioned that the hike up to Hoven starts from the same location. If someone in your group is going to take this hike, please ask them to stay on the right path. On the 10th hole, we encountered hikers who had neither found the path nor displayed golf etiquette. Mark was ready with his driver to tee off when he heard footsteps behind him. Quite rightly, he interrupted his swing to avoid disrupting his concentration before the shot. He glanced at the hikers, expecting them to stop and wait for the shot. But no, they didn't realize they were in the wrong place and just continued on. As they passed by, they thanked us for the attention and continued further down the fairway. We just stood there, looking at each other, wondering what had just happened! After about a hundred meters, they realized they were on the wrong path and veered to the right. This was disruptive and not the best way to prepare for a tee shot.

The greens are large, and many of them are quite undulating. Therefore, the placement of the approach shot is very important. Based on what we have seen on TV this year, it's likely that Viktor Hovland, who holds the course record with 63 strokes known how these greens should be mastered. Personally, I had only a few good approaches that allowed for one or two putts. After usually playing with the same putter I've used for a couple of decades, I want to blame it on unfamiliar equipment, but as usual, that can't be right. Because the same unfamiliar equipment helped me chip one right into the cup (the hole).

We readily admit that we ended far from 68 strokes, but what a round! With a course so exposed to the weather, we were incredibly lucky. Just off the 2nd hole, it's Greenland next, and I can imagine how difficult this hole would be if the wind were really blowing towards the green. The wind didn't affect our game that day, and we experienced both sunshine, a rainbow, and delightful autumn weather. On three holes, we had thin rain jackets, but otherwise, lighter clothing was required. But as always in Lofoten, the weather changes quickly. Therefore, it's advisable to have something extra warm in your bag and, most importantly, wind and rainproof gear.

Who lost the fewest golf balls?

When we assessed our round, we actually had more golf balls in the end than what we started with. That means we were off the fairway several times, but we feel that we managed the course reasonably well. Mark used far fewer strokes and was undoubtedly the day's winner. But what an amazing golf experience! Both of us had some really good drives and well-placed approach shots. Paired with a champagne chip, I was also very pleased with the day.

How to book equipment and green fees

For players with membership in Norway, you can simply book a round in Golfbox. The booking phone number is +47 76 07 20 02. Prices for greenfee and rental of equipment are not yet available for 2024, but please note that they have an extra special offer for booking three rounds. So, if you plan on an extended stay in Lofoten and desire to play multiple rounds of golf, it is highly recommended.

If you're interested in a golf experience beyond the ordinary, it's time to begin your planning. The combination of the stunning nature found in Lofoten, high-quality fairways and greens, and a well-designed and challenging course makes this a golf round truly out of the ordinary and definitely worth experiencing. Visit Lofoten Links to find information, including an excellent course guide with great videos of all the holes. If you visit between May 26th and July 19th, you can experience a round of golf in the midnight sun, and you can play 24 hours a day. You can book a stay at our cabin on Lofoten Vacation and look forward to a relaxing evening with a fantastic view in magical surroundings after your round for the day.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or leave a comment if you have additional tips or experiences when playing. Lofoten Links.