Karlovy Vary - Czech Republic

This historic spa town is located to the west of the Czech Republic, about 100 kilometres from Prague. People suffering from indigestion problems come to Karlovy Vary to drink the soothing warm mineral water. Golf here dates back to 1904 and a nine-hole course was originally laid out on the southern outskirts of the city, with the objective of expanding the range of sporting activities available for guests visiting the spas.

Golf became very popular and it soon became necessary to expand the course to a full 18 holes. In 1933, a site near to the small town of Olšová Vrata was identified and the Parisian architect Carol Noskowski was commissioned to build a new Karlovy Vary course. Unfortunately, due to the economic depression and the war, the project faltered and the golf course was never completed. After the war, the Czech regime considered golf an undesirable sport, but a determined group of former members rescued the rapidly deteriorating course and in 1949, against all odds, Karlovy Vary was reborn.

Today's course measures 6,226 metres against a par of 72 and the club now boasts the largest golf club membership in the Czech republic, with more than 640 members. It's a traditional parkland layout, which uses the natural undulating land to great effect. Each hole is flanked by a wide variety of mature deciduous and evergreen trees. Bunkering is light and the three water hazards rarely come into play. The key to scoring well is positional play from the tee.

The Czech Republic is certainly steeped in history and the spa town of Karlovy Vary is romantic and enchanting. But we think that the classic Karlovy Vary course is well worth a visit in its own right.