Golfers endured frigid temperatures of around minus 15 degrees Celsius, or 5 degrees Fahrenheit, on Sunday as they competed in the 2025 Antarctic Clock Golf Championship. Experienced and first-time competitors alike utilized an adaptable club for chipping and putting, achieving more consistency on the icy and snowy terrain, with brightly colored balls that were easy to spot in the whiteout landscape.
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A champion crown, but for the love of the game
Oliver Wang of China was this year’s champion, as he competed against players from Great Britain, South Africa, Canada, Eritrea, Brazil and the United States, per Reuters.
But win or lose, players said it was a fun experience.
“That was absolutely spectacular,” golfer Richard Van Wyk told Reuters. “Little bit difficult on the terrain. A little bit difficult to judge the distance. You got to watch the speed, because when you least expect it, it starts to run on the short game. You got to have your stuff together, and yeah. One of the most amazing, spectacular sports events I’ve ever taken part in.”
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Golfers compete in the Baikal Prize Open Ice Golf Tournament, which spans two-days and is played over a frozen lake in Listvyanka, Russia, in March.
Rules of the game
Players are reportedly judged on their number of strokes, as well as how fast they complete the course. Minutes are added to players’ scores, with seconds used as tiebreakers. The fast pace of play is designed to keep players warm enough to brave the cold.
History lesson
The clock golf tradition dates back to the 19th century, when British aristocrats set up a dozen tee boxes, each corresponding to the hours of a clock, and putted in the direction of a center hole surrounded by manicured grass.
Officials have since adjusted the game to the harsh weather conditions, reducing the traditional 12 tee points to four and marking each point with a national flag.
