Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?

Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!

Want to try the ultimate golf challenge on a course where you'll have no trouble staying cool over even the most testing putt? You should consider taking up Ice Golf - the most amazing development that the golf world has seen for decades.

Every year thirty six golfers (or lunatics, depending on your viewpoint) gather in Greenland to play in the World Ice Golf championship. This year's event takes place in late March and early April. The course is marked out on the ice of the frozen fjord and you can expect icebergs or the occasional polar bear for company! As the organisers say: "if you've played on the greens of Europe, then you'll find the "whites" of Greenland rather special."

The World Ice Golf Championship was the brainchild of Mr. Arne Neimann, a local resident and hotel proprietor on a small island called Uummannaq, off Greenland's North West coast. He and a friend designed the first course in 1997 and the sport took off from there.

The world championship is played on the ice in years when the conditions make the ice fields safe and predictable. Players compete over two days and play thirty six holes of stroke play. There is a "warm up" tournament the day before although "cool down" might be a more applicable phrase to describe the effect it has on the golfers. In March, when the world championships are held, the average temperature is minus 13.9 degrees Celsius, but temperatures as low as minus 25 can occur. The dry climate and the strong sunshine can make it seem slightly less cold than that - but not by much!

The organisers also try to keep the golf course open and accessible for several weeks each year for other open icegolf tournaments.

The greens are white and the balls are red. The "whites" are defined by a small wall of snow or by a red line on the ice. Players are allowed to use a scraper to smooth the snow on the white in front of their putt - the only time in golf that a player can legitimately improve the line of his putt. The snow and ice conditions underfoot vary from hole to hole and contestants need to wear polar ice gloves, artic boots and countless layers of clothing. Anti-glare sunglasses are also a good idea.

One contestant a few years ago quipped that "the only hole in one I scored was when one leg disappeared through a seal's breathing hole in the ice." There is also a local rule to deal with the unlikely situation of a polar bear interfering with your ball!

The organisers are looking for a new sponsor this year but in previous years the Drambuie liqueur company took the lead. Players and spectators were able to warm themselves by sampling some of the sponsor's finest product. As always however, even that feature has a twist to it. Rather than ice cubes in the drink, the drink was served in "ice cubes" or glasses carved out of ice to be more exact. Trophies were presented from tables carved out of ice and the scorer's tent was to be found in an igloo!

If you get the chance to visit Greenland for a game of ice golf then sieze it with both hands. It'll be the most unique game of your life.

Gary Hill plays most of his golf in Scotland and thinks that winter on the links of East Lothian is more than cold enough for him. Check out his european vacation website for information about more civilised golf and about Ireland golf vacations

Gary also contributes to a medical website on the theme of whiplash injury

---

How To Improve Your Golf Swing

So you need a little help with your golf swing.... Read More

Using A Golf Fitness Video Will Save Time And Improve Your Game

Using a golf fitness video is a great alternative to... Read More

Improve Golf Swing The Non-Traditional Way

Improve golf swing seems like a thought that is on... Read More

How Better Course Management Can Lower Your Golf Score

Whether you are just starting to learn golf, or you... Read More

Course Management Strategies for Junior Golfers

Many junior golfers are still in the process of developing... Read More

A Valuable Golf Swing Tip

No serious golfer will fail to be eager and maybe... Read More

Beginners Guide to Buying a Set of Golf Clubs

You walk in to a golf store and there are... Read More

Women Golfers Set New Standards For The LPGA

It used to be unusual to turn on the television... Read More

Back Exercise And Golf Are Synonymous

Back exercise and golf. Doesn't that sound like a common... Read More

Golf Swing Trainer - What Is It?

Golf swing trainer is a term you might think of... Read More

What Can A Golf Exercise Routine Do For Those Who Are Happy With Their Game

Can a golf exercise routine be useful to a golfer... Read More

Why Golf Swing Training Aids Have Not Worked For You

Golf swing training aids have a bad reputation with most... Read More

Golf Clubs Reviews And Tips

Golf clubs: Reviews and tips is the central message of... Read More

Why Golf Tips Work Better For The Woman Golfer

Gone are the days when a woman would feel intimidated... Read More

Golf Tips ? Tips to Improve Your Putting

If you are seriously considering lowering your scores, then you... Read More

5 Keys to Mental Toughness for Junior Golfers

If you have any interest in seeing first hand the... Read More

5 Golf Fitness Tips That Work

If you have turned on the television to watch any... Read More

Top 14 Tips for Selecting A Golf School

With the increase in number of schools for learning Golf,... Read More

A Lower Body Golf Swing Can Generate Maximum Power

The perfect lower body golf swing involves the legs to... Read More

Why Exercise Is Crucial In Achieving The Correct Golf Swing

Achieving the correct golf swing is the magic key that... Read More

Have You Played Chicago Golf Courses?

When most people think of Chicago, they usually think of... Read More

Golf Information Overload?

You've come home from work dead tired. You grab the... Read More

Why Exercise Is The Key To The Correct Golf Swing Release

A poor golf swing release has been one of the... Read More

Choosing a Golf Swing Training Aid

Golf swing training aid clubs are a great way to... Read More

Prepare for the Worst and Play Your Best

It's one thing to get mad when you miss a... Read More