Which country hosts the World Ice Golf Championship?

When played on snow and ice instead of turf, golf requires an entirely different wardrobe and skill set, in addition to the ability to adapt to unusual conditions.

For example: instead of playing on “greens,” players putt on “whites." Golf balls are colored red to differentiate them from the snow and ice. Graphite clubs are not recommended, as they can shatter in the extreme temperatures, and competitors are allowed a maximum handicap of 36. There is some similarity, as the “whites” have a maintained snow or ice surface.

Since 1997, the World Ice Golf Championship has been held near Uummannaq, Greenland. The 36-hole competition takes place over two days on a forested nine-hole course which is renowned for its 480 meter (525 yard) par-5 hole. Every effort is made to emulate the conditions of the summer game to the extent possible. However, the course is never exactly the same, as it must be redrawn annually due to shifting ice and weather conditions.

While snow golf may seem like a modern invention, records indicate that golf may have been played and/or practiced on snow and ice in the sport’s birthplace of Scotland. Evidence of golf as a popular winter pastime can also be seen in 17th-century paintings by various renowned artists.

As might be expected, play is highly dependent on weather conditions, so the competition has been canceled a few times over the years. Warm outerwear is highly recommended for players and spectators alike.