Lofoten Links in Norway, the most northerly true links course in the world, has hired Troon Golf to manage its operations.
Lofoten, located 95 miles north of the Arctic Circle at 68 degrees north, gives golfers the chance to play in 24 hours of daylight at the height of summer – the sun does not set from May until July at this latitude. Later in the season, golfers can play during the day, and view the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) at night.
The sea comes into play on six of Lofoten's existing nine holes. Another nine holes are currently in construction, and should come into play in 2014, while a boutique hotel and spa is planned to open at the same time. The initial nine holes opened for play in 1998, with postage stamp greens and gorse bushes as its most distinguishing features.
“When it came to identifying a team that could help us reach our goals, Troon came as the recommended choice,” commented Frode Hov, whose family has owned the land for generations. “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 accommodations to match the stunning surroundings.”