Fancy teeing off at midnight? No problem! In Shetland, during the summer months, you can play golf around the clock.
Shetland has a growing reputation as an unusual and interesting golfing venue. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, our island courses love to welcome visitors and offer a golfing experience like no other. There’s even the possibility of indulging in some ‘midnight golf’ during the ‘simmer dim’ (summer twilight).
Our courses all have their own special characteristics, spectacular views and unique challenges.
Shetland Golf Club is based at the 18-hole Dale Golf Course, just outside Lerwick. The varied and challenging course was built in the oil boom years of the 1970s and has a large and enthusiastic membership. It covers both sides of a dramatic valley, at the head of the sea loch of Dales Voe. A comfortable, well-equipped clubhouse has a cheerful welcome for visitors – who are usually astonished at the value for money when they see the green fees.
Green fees: £30 per day, £80 per week; £130 per fortnight. Under 18s: £10.
Booking: All tee times must be booked online.
Location: Dale, Gott, Shetland ZE2 9SB
In the fertile and historic valley of Tingwall, not far from Lerwick, is the 9-hole course at Asta Golf Club, which is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. As at Dale, the charges are modest by mainland standards, and a bonus is the beautiful view of the Loch of Asta with its swans and other wildfowl.
Green fees: £15 for nine holes; £20 per day, £60 per week, £80 per fortnight. Discounts available for children, juniors and senior citizens. See the website for more information.
Booking: Pre-booking not required, except for large groups. Payment by cash or cheque only.
Location: Asta, Scalloway, Shetland ZE1 0UQ
Britain's most northerly golf course is run by the Whalsay Golf Club at Skaw on the rugged northern tip of this busy fishing island off the east coast of Shetland. The view is an epic panorama, but you may be distracted from your game by gulls, skuas, seals and the porpoises that often swim just offshore from the greens. This original and enjoyable course was largely constructed by the islanders' volunteer labour. An unusual feature is that it includes the Whalsay airstrip – so play must stop if there's an incoming charter flight. Visitors are always welcome and there's a regular ferry service from Laxo on Mainland Shetland.
Green fees: £25 for 18 holes
Booking: Pay at the box inside the clubhouse door. To book a tee time please message the Whalsay Golf Club Facebook page.
Location: Skaw, Shetland ZE2 9AW
A few years ago, a golf architect who played the course said that the holes from 10 to 16 were among the best he’s played anywhere.
Just 10 minutes’ walk from Lerwick’s historic town centre, you can play golf on the fairly short nine-hole course at the Knab. It’s laid out on the westward-facing slopes of a promontory and overlooks Brei Wick (the sea inlet to the south of Lerwick) and the south mainland beyond. The course is basic, with no clubhouse, and the fairways and greens are quite rough and, in places, steep. But, it’s convenient, the views are very good and (best of all) it’s completely free to use. Simply turn up and play.
Green fee: N/A
Booking: N/A
Location: Knab Road, Lerwick ZE1 0AX
Fair Isle, the southernmost Shetland isle, is also home to the Lighthouse Keeper's Golf Course. The South Lighthouse on Fair Isle has six holes on the Skaddan grounds and was set up by the Scottish lighthouse keepers who worked in the isles in the early 20th century. The course is high up and surrounded by cliffs, which can make for a challenging, yet fun, round. As well as golf clubs, be sure to take your binoculars as the area is a well-known spot for bird and whale watching.
Green fee: N/A
Booking: N/A
Location: Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, ZE2 9JU