It was an honor to meet and interview Michael Pelliccione after he achieved two remarkable milestones here at Lofoten Links: completing Golf Magazine’s Top 100 World Courses—with us as his 100th—and taking on the 100-Hole Hike to raise funds for Youth on Course. These back-to-back achievements, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arctic Circle, made for a story as inspiring as it is unique.
Mike’s journey to this moment began nearly a decade earlier at Merion Golf Club on Mother’s Day in 2014—an unassuming round that would quietly set in motion a global golfing adventure. At the time, the idea of playing all 100 courses wasn’t even on his radar. But as he traveled more, his curiosity about golf course architecture grew. “I’d occasionally wonder, ‘How many of these special places have I actually experienced?’” he recalled. That curiosity evolved into a mission—one made even more meaningful by the fact that Mike now serves as a course rater for several golf publications, helping shape the very list he was chasing.
Choosing Lofoten Links for the 100th
As Mike closed in on the final stretch—around the 80-course mark—he began to think about how special it would be to finish in a truly unique location. Some opportunities you can plan, others you simply have to seize. When the chance to play Lofoten Links came, it checked every box: remote, stunning, and a true standalone destination where golfers come for one reason—to play here. “Maybe it was the remote location, the possibility of northern lights, or just the fact that it’s such a one-of-one experience. It felt right,” Mike said.
The next day, he would add a second challenge: walking 100 holes in one day to raise money for Youth on Course, an organization that helps young people access the game. “Golf has given me so much—opportunities to travel, meet incredible people, and experience places like this. I felt compelled to give back.”
Why Above the Arctic Circle?
Taking on the 100-Hole Hike at Lofoten was both a symbolic and personal challenge. “Here I was, about to play my 100th course, and the idea of doing 100 holes for charity the next day just clicked. Why not?” Mike said. The Arctic setting made it all the more memorable. With 24 hours of daylight, the challenge was as much mental as physical. “There’s something about being in a remote, beautiful place like this that makes you want to push your limits a little further.”
The Lofoten Links Experience
Mike describes the experience as magical from the moment he landed at Evenes Airport. The scenic 3.5-hour drive to Lofoten was like entering another world—mountains, fjords, and untouched coastline. Upon arrival, the warm welcome from the staff set the tone. Staying in the Nordic-style lodges, dining at Låven Restaurant, and waking up to views over the sea all added to the sense of immersion.
Unlike many Top 100 stops, where it’s a quick round and then gone, Mike stayed for three days—plenty of time to enjoy midnight sun golf and the camaraderie that comes with slowing down. “Jeremy Turner once described it as ‘a piece of Scotland washed up in the wilds of Lofoten,’ and he’s right,” Mike said.
The 100-Hole Challenge
Mike approached the hike strategically—only four clubs, a comfortable distance, and an early start. The first 64 holes went smoothly, but after lunch and a break to let a group play through, the second-to-last 18 became the real test. “That’s when things started to break down mentally. I asked myself, ‘Can I actually finish this?’”
He pushed through, completing the day in 8 hours and 29 minutes, with one eagle, 18 birdies, 23 bogeys, two doubles, and only nine lost balls. Most impressively, they never had to play through another group—momentum was key.
Showcasing Golf’s Potential
Mike hopes his efforts inspire others to give back. “Anyone lucky enough to enjoy this game should help others experience it too,” he said. As for Lofoten, he believes it’s the ultimate adventure golf destination. “It’s not just a round of golf—it’s an experience. The people, the food, the scenery—it’s unmatched.”
Advice for Dreamers
Whether chasing the Top 100, attempting the 100-Hole Hike, or teeing off under the midnight sun, Mike’s advice is the same: take the leap. “Golfers love to help other golfers. Most of my best rounds came from people I met along the way. And as for the midnight sun? Book a flight to Lofoten Links as soon as possible—you’ll experience golf you never thought was possible.”
A Golfer’s Course
Mike also couldn’t resist geeking out about the course itself. From the friendly opening holes to the dramatic par-4 fifth over water, to the thrilling stretch of holes 7 through 10, he found variety, strategy, and pure fun at every turn. His personal favorite? Hole 10—a short uphill par 4 tucked against the mountain, framed like a perfect picture. “You just don’t see holes like that anywhere else,” he said.
For Mike Pelliccione, Lofoten Links wasn’t just the end of one journey—it was the perfect place to begin the next.
Michael and his wife, Ashley—by his side every step of the journey.
