Playing golf in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Bulgaria

[miklosbreitner]

I think we do not know enough about golf courses in Eastern Europe. So I thought we could collect the essential information. Would you believe that you can play in Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Poland etc.) on a signature golf course of Robert Trent Jones Jr., Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus etc.?

 

I will start with a Hungarian example. The Zala Springs Golf Resort is Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course near the Lake Balaton and the Austrian-Hungarian border.

[Dr Rangelove]

I'd also love some info on golf in some of the eastern block countries, Bulgaria in particular. My wife and I were looking online at properties in Varna (not far from Thracian Cliffs) and they appear to be dirt cheap and well designed so what's wrong with the picture?

[jkc-rva]

From what I researched, golf in Poland is extremely expensive. My wife is from Poland and we visit often so I thought maybe I'd bring my clubs. Nope. Rounds at the first course I checked (there aren't many to choose from) can cost over 200USD, you have to pass a test, and have your handicap verified.

[BParis]

Golf in Poland can be a challenge as there are not a lot of courses, especially outside of the bigger cities. I found golf in Czech Republic is very good and reasonably affordable for high quality courses. I live on the Czech / Poland border so I can play courses on either side.

 

I travel/live between locations in the USA, Poland, and China. Golf in Eastern Europe during the summer is wonderful, especially in the mountainous areas.

[sabram]

Here's a link to Top 100's Europe Section. There are descriptions and reviews of courses in the countries mentioned in the OP

 

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/golf-courses/continental-europe?page=3

[Bogie_Nights]

Anything in Romania?

[Dr Rangelove]

Any input on traveling without clubs and getting a decent rental set or is that just way too much to ask for?

[Golfbeat]

Great golf courses in the Czech Republic:

 

Albatross

Karlstejn

Pruhonice

Ypsilon

Loreta

[Dynamo East Anglia]

You don't play golf in Eastern Europe....golf plays you!

[BParis]

Nice weather today... 15* C. I went to hit balls and the closest range/course was still closed. Going to try and find something open tomorrow.

 

Anyone else anxious to get out and play?

[Sneakbox]

Bucket list trip for sure. I can only dream

[golfsnake]

Dont bother playing Karlsejn in Czech. Bad and outrageously priced course (although the views of the castle are cool on a couple holes)...

[matt_thatsme]

I’m looking for info on golf in eastern Poland. From what I’ve found, there isn’t a lot to choose from and based on what I’ve read above, it may be cost prohibitive anyway. I’ll be spending a significant amount of time I Poland, though, so I’d love to play if I get the chance.

[TonytheTiger]

Great thread to talk about. I have roots that originate in Czechoslovakia so I am going to create my own post about the golf there. Some truly hidden gems there!!! I will hopefully finish the post in a few days. Golf in Slovakia has especially been growing and the country borders Austria and the Czech Republic so you are never more than 2 hours away from a fantastic golfing destination! The nature there is unparalleled as well!

[BParis]

Played the last 5 days in Poland with high temp at -2° C today.  Having a great time closing out 2020 and ringing in 2021 with golf in the mountains.  Crazy! 

[puttnforthe8]

On 12/28/2016 at 1:35 PM, Dr Rangelove said:

I'd also love some info on golf in some of the eastern block countries, Bulgaria in particular. My wife and I were looking online at properties in Varna (not far from Thracian Cliffs) and they appear to be dirt cheap and well designed so what's wrong with the picture?

First off it is "eastern bloc"; 2nd there is no longer an "eastern bloc" and it is both wrong and inappropriate to call them as such.  So maybe before you find properties, learn and understand the country first.

 

When ready, Thracian Cliffs is a phenomenal place to play golf.  Black Sea, imo, is actually the better golf course.  But hard to beat the landscape at TC.

 

 

[Chanceman]

I played a round at the Zagreb Golf and Country Club in February a couple of years ago and enjoyed the experience as it was extremely cold, I was the only one silly enough to be playing golf, and the course was shall we say a little underdone. I believe there are very few courses in Croatia. Could be a new frontier.

[ChipNRun]

Many of the courses in Western Europe require a proficiency certificate or proficiency test before you can play on the course.

 

Make sure this isn't required for any Eastern Europe courses.

[BParis]

Weather is getting warmer and the courses are looking lush and green here in Central Eastern Europe.  I have played several times over the past few weeks.  Hoping the virus restrictions ease soon so we can travel more to different regions to play.