Black Stork (Taylor & Braid)

Situated close to Poprad in the southern foothills of the High Tatra Mountains, the 27-hole golf facility at the Black Stork golf resort at Vel’ká Lomnica first opened in 2000 with nine holes available for play.

Six years later, the course was expanded to an 18-hole layout before a further nine was subsequently added. The Taylor and Braid nines now form the principal 18-hole layout here, and the newer Vardon nine ably supports this championship course.

Lomnicky Golf Club members play out of Black Stork and it was they who named the course after the rare bird species that can sometimes be seen flying over the course or nesting in the wetland areas that are dotted around the property.

The golf resort lies within 120 hectares of the Tatra National Park, where an unspoilt countryside environment with fantastic mountain views and clean, fresh air are all included in the green fee – and there’s even an on request train halt for guests outside the front gate.

The PGA branded golf facility is a big player when it comes to promoting the game in Slovakia and it’s a popular destination for golf academy groups and corporate golfers. The onsite hotel also boasts heated indoor and outdoor pools and a wellness centre.