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Arctic Golfer's Dream: Lofoten Links
Tee off under the midnight sun. Experience golfing on the edge of the Arctic at Norway's breathtaking Lofoten Links.
Grab your clubs and bundle up – we're headed to the edge of the world. Today's adventure? Lofoten Links in Norway. Picture this: you're teeing off under the midnight sun, the Arctic Ocean's crashing waves providing nature's own applause. This isn't just golf; it's a bucket-list experience that'll have you texting your friends at 2 AM (which, by the way, might still be daylight here).
Location: Gimsoysand, Norway (aka, where the GPS goes "¯\_(ツ)_/¯")
Course: Links (as linky as links get)
Par: 72 (but who's counting when you're busy picking your jaw up off the ground?)
I've played St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Augusta, but Lofoten Links? It's like golf on another planet – a really, really beautiful planet.
Notabable Holes ✓
You know that 2nd hole everyone's always talking about? It's not overhyped. Imagine teeing off over the freaking Arctic Ocean to a green perched on rocks like some golfer's Fortress of Solitude. It's the kind of hole that makes you want to frame your scorecard, regardless of what number's on it.
Play Tips ✓
The wind here isn't just a factor – it's practically a playing partner. Sometimes it'll help you; other times, it'll laugh as your ball does a boomerang impression. Pack every club you own and maybe borrow a few more. And remember: when in doubt, punch it out... under the wind, that is.
➲ What We’re Bringing
Alright, let's talk gear. You know that warm hoodie you wear non-stop when the weather turns? Bring it. In fact, bring all your warm stuff. We're talking layers upon layers – like you're preparing for an Arctic expedition, but with better fashion sense. Oh, and waterproofs! Because nothing says "I'm a serious golfer" like being prepared to play through a bit of sideways rain.
Manors Ranger Golf Jacket Perfect for Lofoten's unpredictable weather. Water-resistant, stretchy, and stylish – the ultimate golf tracksuit top. | adidas TOUR360 Golf Shoes With GORE-TEX waterproofing and excellent traction, these shoes will keep you dry and stable on Lofoten's rugged terrain. |
Titelist T150 Irons These forged irons offer excellent control for shaping shots in the unpredictable Arctic winds. | Nikkon Coolshot Rangefinder Features "Stabilized" technology for steady viewing in windy conditions, perfect for Lofoten's breezy links. |
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Gimsoysand's weather is like that friend who can't make up their mind about where to go for dinner. Summer temps dance between 50°F and 60°F, which for us is "break out the sunscreen" weather. But here's the kicker – during peak season, the sun barely sets. Midnight golf, anyone?
➲ Local Vibe
Off the course, Lofoten is like a Nordic fairytale come to life. Red fishing huts dot the coastline, and mountains burst from the sea like they're trying to touch the Northern Lights. Speaking of which, if you're here in winter, you might catch nature's own light show. In summer, kayak under the midnight sun or try your hand at Viking-style cod fishing.
Just explore | Beach vibes |
➲ MANORS Recent Trip to Norway
The Manors crew recently teed off at Lofoten, and their Instagram game is stronger than a pro's drive. Their feed is now a masterclass in golf course eye candy. Check out their latest reel – it's like "Planet Earth" meets "Caddyshack," minus the gophers. If this doesn't make you want to book a flight ASAP, you might need to check your pulse.
Getting There ✈︎
Getting to Lofoten Links is half the adventure. You'll fly into Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), then embark on a 2-hour drive that'll have you reaching for your camera more times than a tourist in Times Square. It's remote, yes, but that's the point.
From LAX → | 14 hours (time to binge-watch every Full Swing episode ever made) |
From JFK → | 10 hours (perfect for a long nap and half a season of your favorite show) |
From Heathrow → | 5 hours (just enough time to practice your Norwegian phrases) |
From SYD → | 26 hours (you could almost play a full round at every course in Scotland in that time) |
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➲ What if…
One of our favorite pastimes here at Thrawn is using tools like Midjourney to imagine "What if..." scenarios for golf. You'll find one of these wild ideas at the end of every newsletter. Think of it as dessert for your golf-loving brain.
This week's "What if...": A golf course in the Grand Canyon.
📸 Midjourney magic at work. This course exists only in our wildest dreams... for now.