Old Town Square in Praque
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Many of us will be surprised to read ‘Czech Republic’ and ‘Golf’ in the same sentence. So was I initially, but having been invited to ‘Czech-out’ its facilities by the national tourist board – albeit in temperatures below freezing – I was impressed to learn that the country has a long golfing heritage.
After boarding the plane at Stansted for the short hop across to Prague landing at Ruzyne International Airport, some two hours later – together with my group of fellow travellers I was whisked to the Grand Bohemia Hotel in the city centre, once used by Hitler and his invading armies during World War Two occupation for light entertainment.
Sadly we’d arrived at the end of one of the longest and most punishing winters Czech weather-forecasters could remember and the prospect of my clubs leaving my room, let alone my bag, seemed slim.
However, an early call was made to the 11th Czech Golf Show, preening behind a nomination in the ‘Undiscovered golf destination of the year’ category at the 2005 international travel awards.
Thought not on the scale of its London counterpart, it seemed well attended by major manufacturers, who see the burgeoning Czech golf market as well worthy of their attention.
We also visited the Erpet Indoor golf centre, on the bank of the Vltava river in downtown Prague, one of nine such centres, with a two bay indoor driving range, putting green and eight state–of–the-art simulators. With snow sprinkled on the roads outside, we settled down to negotiate the front nine at Pebble Beach!
The marvel of Prague – as well as its pink trams crammed with sight-seeing passengers – is its thousand years of history squeezed into its twisting medieval streets and cobbled squares. The Old Town square with its ancient town hall and renowned astronomical clock and classic Baroque and Renaissance architecture combine in gothic splendour.
And the beer’s cheap too!
Though freezing weather conditions prevented us from taking advantage of the courses, I could tell from our visits that there are plenty of courses that will melt your heart as well as have it thumping with excitement at the prospect of 18 holes in majestic surroundings.
Here’s a selection of the best:
Golf in and around Prague
Karlstejn
Spectacular Karlstejn Castle and golf course
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If Czech Golf was looking for a signature image with which to market the game in this uniquely European setting, the view from any of the 14 holes which overlook Karlstejn Castle, former home of the Czech crown jewels, would be ideal.
Karlstejn Golf Course, with its rolling terrain, natural cliffs and lakes creates a stunning back-drop. Its par-72 course was designed in 1993 by Canadian duo Les Furber and Jim Eremko and though still maturing offers a fair challenge in an idyllic of settings.
Plzen
Golf Park Plzen is the country’s newest resort and was completed in 2004 by Christopher Staedler. It nestles alongside the Klabava River on the outskirts of Pilsen, home to the world famous Pilsener Brewery. Its 18-holes (par-71) provide a nice mix of challenges and rewards. The 108-yard 11th, complete with island green is the most picturesque while the 346-yard closing final hole has a green modelled on the distinctive 18th on the Old Course at St Andrews.
Konopiste
10th Century clubhouse ar Konopiste Golf Club
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Named after the castle which was once home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire,
Konopiste is also quite new, having opened in 2002 beyond the charming town of Benesov, 40km southeast of Prague. It’s a 36-hole complex with half for members and a further 18 for pay-and play. While the course needs to mature, the clubhouse is well established – and is a renovated country manor, parts of which date back to the 10th century!
Peter Walton, president of IAGTO spoke highly of the Czech Republic during the travel awards. "Its golf," he said "is of such uniformly high quality that the country has the potential to become one of the most successful golfing destinations in Europe. It’s great value for money, with a good speed of play and stunning views with a rich heritage,"
Off the course, entertainment opportunities are wide and varied, including a visit to the Pilsen Urquell Brewery, St Vitus Cathedral or one of dozens of bars and nightclubs that attract visitors from all over the world.
