Most rounds of golf follow a familiar pattern: tee off in the morning, 18 holes, a drink in the clubhouse. But golf is played in an extraordinary range of places and ways. Golfers tee it up under the midnight sun, on frozen lakes, among lava flows, at high altitude and in the dark with glowing balls. Some race around the course; others play across open countryside with no course at all. If you are looking for something different, here are some of the most unusual golf experiences to try.
1. Night golf
Many courses and driving ranges hold night-golf events, using glow-in-the-dark balls, lit flags and illuminated tee markers. Short courses are ideal, and events often finish with a party. It is a great way to introduce friends to golf. Read golf entertainment venues.
Tip: play a short course or a few holes you know well, and bring plenty of glow balls: they are easy to lose in long grass.
2. Midnight-sun golf
In the far north of Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska and northern Canada, the sun barely sets in midsummer. Courses offer tee times late into the night, so you can play through the "night" in daylight. Read best-value golf in Europe.
3. Snow golf
In some winter resorts, golfers play on snow, with brightly coloured balls, packed-snow "whites" instead of greens and special rules. It is played for fun and often as part of winter festivals.
4. Ice golf
In very cold regions, temporary courses are created on frozen lakes and sea ice, with holes cut into the ice. Some events have become annual traditions in the Arctic.
5. Desert golf
Desert courses, where green fairways are laid out between sand, rock and cactus, offer some of the most striking golf landscapes in the world. Read golf in Arizona.
6. Volcanic golf
On volcanic islands, courses run through black lava fields, with bright green fairways against dark rock and ocean views. Read golf in Hawaii and winter sun golf destinations for the Canary Islands.
7. High-altitude golf
Some courses sit thousands of feet above sea level, in the Rockies, the Alps, the Andes and the Himalayas. The ball flies much further in the thin air, and the views are spectacular. Read golf in Canada.
Tip: take less club, drink plenty of water and take it easy if you are not used to the altitude.
8. Island-green and clifftop holes
Many courses have dramatic signature holes: a green surrounded by water, a tee shot over a canyon or a par 3 across the ocean. Playing one of these holes is a memorable experience, even if your ball ends up in the water. Read what makes a great golf course.
9. Golf with wildlife
In some parts of the world, animals share the course: kangaroos lounging on fairways, deer and elk grazing, monkeys in the trees, or antelope and warthogs on the edge of the bush. Always keep your distance, follow the course's advice and never feed wildlife. Read golf in South Africa.
10. Speed golf
Speed golf combines golf and running: your score is your strokes plus your time in minutes. Players carry only a few clubs and run between shots. It is a fun fitness challenge, but only on courses that allow it and when the course is quiet.
11. Cross-country golf
Cross-country golf is played across open land rather than a traditional course, with holes that may stretch for miles over hills, fields and beaches. Events are usually organised with permission from landowners, with safety in mind.
12. Golf variants and other ways to play
- Disc golf: a different game entirely, played with flying discs. Read our disc golf guide.
- Footgolf: kicking a football into large holes, often on golf courses.
- Simulator golf: play famous holes virtually, indoors. Read golf training aids and simulators.
- One-club challenge: play a round with a single club; you will be surprised how well you score.
- Hickory golf: play with old-style clubs with wooden shafts. Read the evolution of golf clubs.
Tips for unusual golf
- Check the rules and safety before any event.
- Book ahead: special events and seasonal golf often have limited places.
- Bring the right kit: layers for snow and midnight-sun golf, sun protection for desert golf, and plenty of spare balls.
- Relax: the score doesn't matter. Read golf and mental health.
Frequently asked questions
What is night golf?
Golf played after dark with glowing balls, lit flags and illuminated markers, usually on short courses or a few holes.
Can you really play golf at midnight?
Yes. In the far north in midsummer, the sun barely sets and some courses offer midnight tee times.
What is speed golf?
A version of golf where your score combines your strokes and your time, played while running between shots.
What is hickory golf?
Golf played with traditional wooden-shafted clubs, often in period dress, to experience the game as it was played in earlier times.
The bottom line
Golf doesn't have to mean the same 18 holes every week. Try night golf with friends, plan a trip for the midnight sun, play among lava fields or mountain peaks, or put a twist on the game with speed golf or a one-club challenge. These experiences create the stories you will be telling for years. For more trip ideas, read how to plan a golf trip.