Golf

The Czech Republic is a place where golfers can experience a unique combination of their favourite sport played against a backdrop of historicalsites and natural beauty. Golf courses have sprung up across theCzech Republic and this boom in new facilities is set tocontinue. Investors are now focusing in particular on top-notch courses andfacilities, including accommodation and various wellness programmes.

The history of golf in the Czech Republic
Golf has deep roots in the Czech Republic. The history ofthe sport began here in the late 19th century when the first golfers appearedin 1898 at a place called Císařská louka (Emperor’s Meadow) in Prague. The firstcourse in the country was created in 1904 in Carlsbad in the valleyof the River Teplá. After many requests from local spa guests, the first 9-holecourse was opened in 1904 and still exists to this day. A year later on August21 1905, another 9-hole course in Marienbad was opened in the presence of KingEdward VII of England.

Golf courses
At present in the Czech Republic there are 132 golf clubs and 74 golf courses, of which two have 36 holes, six have 27 holes, 27 have 18 holesand 39 have 9 holes.
The best courses with the highest standard of services can be found around the capital, in the West Bohemian spa triangle and North Moravia. Some of the most scenic courses can be found at Karlštejn, Konopiště, Marienbad, Carlsbad, Cihelny near Carlsbad, Pilsen, Šilheřovice and Čeladná.
The standard of courses in the Czech Republic is guaranteed by the fact that many were designed by leading foreign architects such as Gary Player (Cihelny), Miguel A. Jiménés (Čeladná), Les Furber and Jim Eremek (Karlštejn) and John Burns (Konopiště).

The golf season and golf indoors
Golf is a seasonal sport in the Czech Republic. It is possible to play from late March until mid November. Outside of the season players use indoorgolf facilities, which the Czech Republic has in abundance when compared to other countries in Europe. In Prague alone there are two large indoor centres with real bunkers and putting greens. In many large Czech towns and cities there are indoor golf centres with simulators for practice in the winter months.

Charges, lessons and equipment hire
The majority of golf clubs and courses in the Czech Republic are semi-private organisations. Golf clubs organise their own tournaments, and non-members can use their facilities for a fee. Charges begin at €10 on 9-holecourses, rising to €100 for a weekend. The average cost of playing on a top-notch course is around €45—70. These courses have all the necessary facilities suchas restaurants, shops and hire centre. Most golf courses can arrange golf lessons with a professional coach. Czech golf clubs can also organise basic courses in golf technique lasting several days.