Golf in Alaska is an adventure. The season is short, the weather unpredictable and moose may wander across the fairway, but in midsummer you can tee off close to midnight in daylight, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. For golfers who love unusual experiences, it's unforgettable.
Where to play
- Anchorage: several courses within reach of the city, with mountain views.
- Fairbanks: in the interior, with very long midsummer days.
- Juneau and Southeast Alaska: coastal courses among rainforest and mountains.
- Kenai Peninsula: golf combined with fishing and scenery.
Midnight-sun golf
Around the summer solstice, daylight lasts almost all night in much of Alaska, and some courses host late-evening or midnight tournaments. Read unusual golf experiences.
When to go
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May | Courses opening; cool |
| June to July | Longest days; best season |
| August | Still good, cooler evenings |
| September | Season ending; autumn colour |
Playing tips
- Cool air: the ball flies shorter. Read winter golf.
- Soft spring conditions after snowmelt.
- Wildlife: never approach moose or bears; follow course advice. Read golf courses and wildlife.
- Mosquitoes: bring repellent.
- Layers and waterproofs: read our golf rain gear guide.
Practical tips
- Combine with cruises or tours. Read golf cruises.
- Club hire may be limited; check ahead. Read how to rent golf clubs.
- Long daylight: an eye mask helps you sleep.
Combining golf with an Alaska adventure
Few people travel to Alaska only for golf. A round is usually one memorable day within a bigger trip:
- Anchorage: the main city has the largest choice of courses and is the base for many tours.
- Fairbanks and the interior: the place for true midnight-sun golf near the summer solstice.
- Mat-Su Valley: north of Anchorage, with courses set against mountain backdrops.
- Kenai Peninsula: fishing towns, glaciers and coastal scenery, with a handful of courses.
- Southeast Alaska: small courses in coastal communities, sometimes visited on cruises. Read golf cruises.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage and Mat-Su | 5 days | Two rounds near Anchorage, one in the valley, plus glacier and wildlife day trips |
| Midnight-sun special | 4 days | Fairbanks around the solstice, with a late-night round and interior sightseeing |
| Road and rail | 8–10 days | Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula and the interior, with golf whenever a course is near your route |
Course conditions
The season is short and winters are harsh, so expect courses to be rustic in early season and in their best shape from late June to August. Greens may be slower and fairways softer than at warm-weather resorts. Many courses are simple, friendly and inexpensive, with spectacular settings rather than manicured conditioning.
Clothing and comfort
Temperatures can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons, and rain is common in coastal areas.
- Layer up: a base layer, a mid-layer and a waterproof shell.
- Bring insect repellent: mosquitoes can be fierce in summer, particularly near water and in the evening.
- Pack an eye mask if you plan late-night golf: sleeping in near-constant daylight takes some getting used to. Read golf and sleep.
Wildlife
Moose are frequent visitors to courses in and around Anchorage. They can be dangerous if surprised or protecting calves. Keep well back, never get between a mother and calf, and follow local advice about bears.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play golf in Alaska?
Yes, from roughly May to September.
Can you really play golf at midnight in Alaska?
Around midsummer, daylight lasts late into the night, and some courses host midnight events.
Are there moose on Alaskan golf courses?
Sometimes. Keep your distance.
What should I pack for golf in Alaska?
Layers, waterproofs and insect repellent.
Can you really play golf at midnight in Alaska?
Yes. Around the summer solstice, especially in the interior, it stays light enough to play late into the night.
Is Alaska expensive for golf?
Green fees are usually modest; flights, accommodation and car hire are the bigger costs.
The bottom line
Alaskan golf is short-season, wild and unforgettable, especially under the midnight sun. Go in June or July, dress in layers and respect the wildlife. For more northern golf, read golf in Scandinavia and golf in Canada.