Written by: Steindór Ragnarsson
2025
In 2010, Iceland's Akureyri Golf Club took the proactive initiative to make the 18-hole golf course site more accessible to nearby residents, for other recreational activities besides golf. The club, which can be described or classified as semi-municipal, approached the municipality of Akureyri with proposals for the development of a public path network, with several entrances at the site's perimeter, all connecting at the clubhouse in the centre of the property. These paths have been a big hit. People from all walks of life have been observed using them for hiking, running and cycling. Recently, welcome signs were installed at the entrances, with messages encouraging everyone to use the area that has been fostered by the club since it first moved to the site in 1970. This is seen by the club as a win-win. Perceived barriers are broken, as golf is made more visible and approachable as a sport and recreational activity. The clubhouse gets more revenue streams and the land use enjoys broader support, strengthening the golf course's existence for coming decades.
