Höfuðborgarsvæðið
Hvaleyrarvöllur is an 18-hole golf course located in Hvaleyrin, Hafnarfjörður, widely regarded as one of the premier courses in Iceland. The layout is divided into two distinct nines. The front nine, known as Hraunið, is set within a lava field, while the back nine, Hvaleyrin, is designed in the links style, characterized by the influence of the sea and deep sand bunkers. The course underwent a significant renovation in the summer of 2017, when three new holes were introduced, and it opened in its final form in the spring of 2024. The front nine presents a challenging test through the lava terrain, where missing the fairways often results in difficult lies in the rough. Holes such as Bugðan require tee shots to fly over extensive lava fields, while Varðan offers a stark contrast as one of the few par threes on this nine, situated far from the clubhouse. The design demands precision, particularly on holes like Þvottaklettar, where a pond and a fountain guard the green, requiring careful approach shots to avoid water hazards. The back nine shifts to a links-style environment where the ocean and bunkers play a major role. Hole 10, West End, features a demanding approach over a steep, grassy bank to a green protected by five bunkers. The course is known for its strategic complexity, with holes like Hvaleyrarlón requiring accurate tee shots to avoid water, and Fúla presenting a long par four where the fairway runs close to the course boundaries. The greens are often multi-tiered and sloped, demanding skilled putting to navigate the varied stances and contours. Hvaleyrarvöllur has hosted the Icelandic Stroke Play Championship, with the new layout being used for the first time during the 2017 tournament. The course is recognized for its international acclaim and has served as a venue for significant national competitions. Its combination of rugged lava landscapes and coastal links features provides a unique and rigorous test for golfers, cementing its status as a top-tier destination for the sport in Iceland.