Schloss Pichlarn - Austria

The origins of Schloss Pichlarn can be traced back to the 11th century and the castle was administered by various denominations of clergy down the centuries – it even served as a holiday retreat for Pope Pius II in the mid-1400s – before it was converted into a luxury hotel by German industrialist Fritz Ries in 1972.

Donald Harradine set out an initial 9-hole course for the relaxation of residents then he returned in the mid-1980s to extend the layout to eighteen holes. Bernhard Langer commemorated the opening by carding a 66, a course record that lasted for more than twenty-five years.

Today, the course measures just over 6,000 metres from the tips, with holes arranges as two returning nines. Par is rated as 70 (36 out and 34 back) with no par fives on the back nine. Water hazards are few and far between; indeed, there’s only one pond in play between the 4th and 5th holes.

Highlight holes include the left doglegging par four 6th (rated stroke index 1) and the equally tough par four 11th which narrows considerably as it nears the green. The long par three 15th is a formidable one-shotter on the back nine, as is the closing hole which plays in the same direction towards the clubhouse.