A look back at the 2026 Bering Sea Ice Golf Classic

Reading the words “Bering Sea Ice Golf Classic” can just about elicit physical shivers or the sound of parka fabric rubbing against itself as icy wind howls. 

The reasons why are valid. Up in Nome, during the third week of every March, the tournament pits teams of local Alaskan golfers against each other upon the frozen sea ice of the Norton Sound, just south of the small town. The intentional timing is meant to coincide with the finish of the Iditarod, the annual sled dog race that begins 928 miles southeast in Anchorage. 

This year, Oliver Horovitz – a well-known golf adventurer, writer and former St. Andrews caddie – experienced the 41st playing of the event, which has been held annually since 1983.  

“This is pretty much hands down the wildest tournament in America,” Horowitz told Golf Channel. (Click here to watch the interview on Golf Channel.) 

The format is simple. Six holes long with loosely defined rules, the event sees players hit their opening shots from atop the seawall where Nome meets the sea. Snow-blanketed sea ice serves as fairways, and small, green turf carpets represent the putting surfaces. Old coffee cans are smashed into the ice as holes, and discarded shotgun shells are tees. 

The greens may not be natural, but there is vegetation on the course. It’s the so-called “Nome National Forest,” a name given to the collection of discarded Christmas trees that are traditionally hammered into the ice each year after the holiday season. 

In addition to Horowitz, local gold miners, event organizers and one Iditarod sled dog musher took part this year. Less used to the cold than the rugged locals, Horowitz could likely be spotted easily in a crowd with them. 

“It was -20 Fahrenheit, with -35 wind chill,” he explained. “I had about seven layers on.” 

This year’s event also featured the likes of current Nome Mayor Kenny Hughes, as well as former Mayor John Handeland and the TSA head at Nome Airport. Former Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield stopped by Nome for the 1986 event. 

While out on the ice, polar bears are not to be forgotten, either, as they can easily appear, given the location. On the outside chance a bear is struck by an errant ball, a three-stroke penalty is incurred, which can blow up a par-42 round in a hurry. 

Impeded by his Michelin Man-like getup while trying to stay warm, Horowitz’s play did not earn his team the win. But having paid only as much as a $50 entry fee that contributes to the local Lion’s Club, he’ll always be able to tell the tale of how he played golf at sea.