Golf North East reported on the rise of quality golf in the Czech Republic last year and we've returned to look at several other superb options in what is fast becoming The new golf destination to visit. Golf has deep roots in the Czech Republic - but it is only since the advent of cheap air travel from regional airports that has it become really viable as a golfing destination. With regular flights by easyjet from Newcastle to Prague, playing golf in the Czech Republic is fast becoming a real alternative to Spain, Portugal, France and the USA for North East golfers. Reasonable green fees, quality hotels at good prices and inexpensive food and drink are all plus factors while a visit to Prague is a must in itself - it is truly a majestic city. The St. Andrews Trophy and Jacques Leglise Trophy both took place at Marienbad (Marianske Lazne) at the end of last year's golf season - an indication of the rising standards of Czech golf. Moreover, November 23, 2006, saw the Czech Republic declared 'Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year' at the 7th IAGTO Awards held during the International Golf Travel Market in Marbella, Spain. This success was achieved on the back of the country's 2005 nomination for the award and on the occasion of only the county's second time at this trade fair, a feat no other country has ever achieved. The spa town of Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) opened its first nine hole golf course in 1904 and the oldest constantly operating golf course was founded in 1905 in Marienbad (Marianske Lazne) and there are now 70 courses, 112 golf clubs in total. About 15 golf courses are currently under construction. Proof of the quality of Czech golf courses is also the fact that many have been designed by top names - Gary Player, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Les Furber and Jim Eremko. The best courses are in the vicinity of Prague such as the attractive Karlstejn, Konopiste and in the so-called 'Spa Triangle' of West Bohemia - Marienbad, Carlsbad, Cihelny, Franzensbad (Frantiskovy Lazne. Golf Park Plzen is an interesting new resort just slightly more than an hour drive from the capital. Head to the north east of the Czech Republic, to North Moravia to enjoy the delights of the golf courses Ostrava-Silherovice or Celadna. Karlstejn is located in the nature reserve of the Cesky Kras hills, also less than a hour from the centre of Prague. The 18-hole course has two lakes and many sandstone obstacles which create a very attractive setting. The golf course at Konopisti is named after the nearby neo-renaissance castle of Konopisti. Currently, there are 36 championship holes in operation, and a nine-hole public course. The ambience of the Tvorovice castle makes it an ideal place for the club house, which offers exceptional amenities, including a four star hotel, restaurant, conference rooms, golf accessories shop, dressing rooms and club rooms. The nine-hole course is set in the lovely surroundings of the interestingly named English Park and also incorporates a driving range, chipping and putting green. Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) is the largest spa in the Czech Republic with a beautiful golf course of a par 72, 18 holes located in hilly surroundings that make it quite demanding in both playing and stamina terms...take a buggy! Nearby Marienbad (Marianske Lazne) was opened in 1905 by our own King Edward VII and is renowned for its beauty with 18 holes (par 72) among pine and birch forests. It's fairly flat and proof of the quality of the course is the fact that several European Tour events have been held here. Another spa town of Podebrady, only 50 kilometres east of Prague, also has an 18 hole course opened in 1961 and noted for its numerous water hazards. Golf Park Plzen is a new resort close to the town of Pilzen and boasts an 18-hole championship course set amongst birch and alder groves by the river Klabava and Ejpovice Lake. The most spectacular hole is the 11th - a short par three with a semi-island green in the lake. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, there is a superb clubhouse with a first class restaurant and there is also accommodation in 14 twin rooms and two luxury apartments. Golf is a seasonal sport in the Czech Republic with play starting at the beginning of April and ending at the end of October and there are a lot of indoor golf centres. In Prague alone there are two large indoor centres, including Erpet Golf Centrum, where you play from bunkers and putt as well as target ranges and simulators. Most of the clubs and courses are semi-private, but club tournaments are often open to non-members as well and average green fees on a good quality course are around 40 Euro. --------------------------------------------------------- Factfile
By far the best way to get more information on golfing in the Czech Republic as well as the useful contacts is to contact the Czech Tourist Authority at a Vinohradska 46, PO Box 32, 120 41 Praha 2, Czech Republic. Tel: 00420 221 580 485 or check out the website: www.CzechTourism.com
More to be found also on: www.cgf.cz or www.cgta.cz | 
Golfing Destinations
