Recognition for exemplary work practices
The Icelandic Golf Association awarded the City of Hafnarfjörður its honorary certificate for the year 2024 at the GSÍ chairman's meeting., which took place on 9 November last. The GSÍ Board has the authority to award honours to individuals, companies, associations and local authorities who have excelled in their support of the golf movement. The association wishes to highlight good practice and reward exemplary work. The Mayor of Hafnarfjörður accepted the award in the impressive facilities of Keilir at Hvaleyrin.
„Golf is a public health matter and an important part of the diverse range of sports and leisure activities for all age groups in Hafnarfjörður. Two strong golf clubs are active in the town and at the last council meeting we welcomed a proposal from the Keiliskot Golf Club to develop a new 27-hole golf course in the hinterland of Hafnarfjörður, and preparations for this will begin shortly,“says Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður. „This recognition from the Golf Association encourages us in our journey to further improve the opportunities to practise this fantastic sport. Our heartfelt thanks.“.
Mayor Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir accepted the award from Hulda Bjarnadóttir, President of the Golf Association of Iceland.
A strong sports policy promotes participation
Hafnarfjörður has a strong and diverse sports programme for all age groups, and the Icelandic golf movement has benefited from the town's targeted sports policy and priorities. Work is being carried out purposefully on development and growth, in line with the sports clubs' implementation plans, which the Golf Association considers to be exemplary. The transparency of information on developments and permits is a particular example to follow. This gives golf clubs in Hafnarfjörður the opportunity to consider the future of their sports areas. This, in turn, gives the town's golf clubs the opportunity to offer good facilities for golf in general, and to pursue professional focuses in elite sport, public health, sustainability, and overall social responsibility. In this way, the partnership between the sport and the municipality is highly commendable. Such cooperation and dialogue will be crucial for the continued development of golf in Iceland, and we wish to thank the City of Hafnarfjörður for its contribution. By following a robust sports policy, Hafnarfjörður gives many of its residents the opportunity to play golf, whether for enjoyment, for health, or with the aim of achieving excellence.
About 2,000 members in Hafnarfjörður
Around 26,300 golfers are registered with 62 golf clubs across the country. Of these, nearly 2,000 players are registered with golf clubs in the town of Hafnarfjörður. Of the registered members, nearly 250 are young people under the age of 18. It is estimated that even more people make use of the golf course's facilities, as the practice area is very popular and golfers from other nearby municipalities often use the service, which is considered to offer some of the best that golf has to offer in Iceland.
Golf is a public health issue
A proposal from Keilir regarding the development of a new golf course was recently considered by the Hafnarfjörður town council and was met with a positive reception. In doing so, the municipality of Hafnarfjörður is making a significant contribution to promoting the public health of its residents. Research has shown that playing golf extends people's lives. The sport of golf is not only a healthy lifestyle, but it is also a social activity and a game for multiple generations who come together on the golf course every day. The GSÍ board thanks the City of Hafnarfjörður for its strong support of the golf movement in Iceland and is excited to host the next Icelandic Golf Championship at Golfklúbburinn Keilir in Hafnarfjörður from 7th to 10th August 2025. The City of Hafnarfjörður sincerely thanks you for this important recognition and encouragement.
