Formerly known as Astoria Golf Resort, Cihelny Golf & Spa Resort boasts a Gary Player designed course, spa & hotel and is located near Karlovy Vary in The Czech Republic.

The par 70 course measures only 5782 metres off the championship tees. Player has routed the course through some challenging country with holes 1-5 and hole 18 in hilly terrain, and the remainder along the valley floor and along the banks of a river.

Despite the challenging topography early in the round, there are some lovely holes where Player has used the natural hazards to advantage.

But it is billy goat territory early on, and would be a testing course to walk for some.

A train runs through the course, and the lively River Tepla is in play for a number of holes. Play also heads over fences and it is at times quite a rustic experience.

There are some nice short par 4's – the best of which is the tricky ninth hole.

Cihelny is definitely a course where one could benefit from a 2nd play. A number of holes have surprises not immediately obvious off the tee to the first timer.

Cihelny is an interesting local course that could be used as a warm up round before tackling Kalrovy Vary and/or Karlstejn.

Peter Wood is the founder of The Travelling Golfer – click the link to read his full review.