Due to unexpected weather conditions in Greenland, the 5th World Ice Golf Championship was cancelled.

Greenland experienced unusually warm weather over month before the event resulting in poor ice conditions. The ice needed for the golf course had not properly formed to a sufficient thickness. As a result it was simply not stable and secure enough for an event of this calibre to take place - safely.

 

Traditionally each December, the fjord at Uummannaq freezes over, creating a 100kmē metre-thick sheet of ice that joins Uummannaq to the mainland, until the thaw in May.

This year excessive wind from the southeast means the ice thickness is only 10cm - TEN times less than normal. March 19th Uummannaq's local fisherman broke 2km of ice with their boats - three months before they would typically go out to sea.

 

Henrick Bergqvist from the Ice Golf Committee in Uummannaq comments: "Greenland experiences warm climatic cycles around every 40 years, unfortunately we've been affected this year. We have had to cancel the event as our main priority is the participants' safety. But at least with the cycle we can hopefully guarantee the next 15-20 winters will be much colder."

 

Professional golfers and celebrities from around the world as far and wide as Canada and Australia were due to set-out early next week to take part in the most challenging golf tournament set amongst the most breathtaking landscape.

On the picture to the right icegolfer Kasper Hermansen from Koge Golfclub in Denmark was traning for the championship 2003 on the seaice March 9th
 

 

Although the Drambuie World Ice Golf Championship were cancelled - the locals did not want to miss the traditional Drambuie Ice Golf School. Due to the ice situation it took place on the local football stadium. More than 250 children and adults particpated and had a great and sunny evening with great view to the many icebergs on the fjord.