EASTERN EUROPE
The very best of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary
1 SAND VALLEY POLAND
Has all the ingredients of a great course: wide fairways, exciting contours in the greens, detailed bunkers, sandy soil, and an abundance of strategic options.
2 PENATI (HERITAGE) SLOVAKIA
A design and setting which could easily fit into the Surrey heathlands – with handcrafted rugged bunkering and stunning maintenance.
3 MODRY LAS POLAND
An exquisite Gary Player course designed within a setting that has been likened to Loch Lomond. A staple of our Continental Top 100.
4 OAKS PRAGUE CZECH REPUBLIC
A brand-new Kyle Phillips design with views over the wonderful city, great conditioning and an impeccable level of service. A Continental Top 100 contender.
5 ALBATROSS CZECH REPUBLIC
A regular host to the Czech Masters on the European tour, and recent changes have elevated this popular resort.
6 CASA SERENA CZECH REPUBLIC
An exclusive course designed by European
Golf Design and set within a rolling Czech landscape.
7 PENATI (LEGEND) SLOVAKIA
Looks and plays like a typical Nicklaus design – bold, muscular and dramatic. Sits in majestic landscape of the Zahorie region.
8 ZALA SPRINGS HUNGARY
An interesting Robert Trent Jones Jnr golf course overloaded with strategic and riskand-reward options.
9 ROSA PRIVATE POLAND
Designed by Austrian Hans-georg Erhardt, a familiar name in these parts of the world. A lot of dirt moved during construction to raise the golf above the water table, but it brought a high-level golf course to Poland.
10 KARLOVY VARY CZECH REPUBLIC
A rare traditional Czech classic golf course not far from the Spa town of the same name. Steeped in history, the course would be ranked much higher if restored.
11 TALE RESORT SLOVAKIA
The first modern-day Slovak championship-standard course. Set within the picturesque Slovak mountain region
and designed by American Bob Walton and built by Southern Golf.
12 BALATON GOLF HUNGARY
Designed by Hans-georg Erhardt and only a short drive from Central Europe’s largest lake, Lake Balaton.
13 KARLSTEJN GOLF CZECH REPUBLIC
The first modern course designed by an international architect in the Czech Republic. This Les Furber layout is only a short distance from Prague and overlooks the beautiful Karlstejn Castle.
14 MARIENBAD (ROYAL MARIANSKE LÁZNE) CZECH REPUBLIC
Another classic course, not far from Karlovy Vary. Visit the region to both play and enjoy the local spa towns.
15 POSTOLOWO POLAND
Either as Postolowo or its formal title of Gdansk G&CC, this is one of Poland’s oldest courses and one of this list’s longest and most challenging rounds.
16 GREENSGATE CZECH REPUBLIC
A mix of woodland and parkland golf with water a notable feature.
17 YPSILON CZECH REPUBLIC
Illustrating the depth of Czech golf, this Keith Preston design comfortably makes this ranking.
18 KRAKOW VALLEY POLAND
It’s good, but this Ronald Fream design just didn’t quite wow the panel enough to be higher.
19 SIERRA POLAND
A gently undulating parkland course near Gdansk – it won’t beat you up and is in excellent nick. A super all-round resort.
20 TOYA CLUB POLAND
A Jeremy Pern design that is solid rather than spectacular.
21 PANNONIA GOLF HUNGARY
Designed by the team of Doug Carrick and Hans-georg Erhardt after they collaborated on the successful Fontana golf resort close to beautiful Vienna.
22 BEROUN CZECH REPUBLIC
A successful conversion of a former military area, a little over a decade old.
23 LORETA CZECH REPUBLIC
A solid course designed by Keith Preston, but it never hits the heights of his work at Albatross (at 5).
24 KYNZVART CZECH REPUBLIC
A lovely site but our panel felt it wasn’t quite used to full effect.
25 CIHELNY CZECH REPUBLIC
Cut out of the Slavkovsky Forest, it is a pleasant experience in western Bohemia.