Bohemian Rhapsody: Golf and Spas in West Bohemia
“West Bohemia is not a top golf destination. But if you like spas and dramatically beautiful countryside, pack your sticks and enjoy a dozen pleasant, easily accessible parkland tracks.”
Golf in West Bohemia became popular on the back of spa! With over 200 mineral springs that can heal everything from golfer’s elbow to gout, it’s clearly a good, healthy option. Not sure if it’ll sort out your duck hook or chicken wing - but you never know!
The Spa Triangle
The heart of West Bohemia is its famous "Spa Triangle," comprising the three historic towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně. Easily accessible from Prague, you can reach Karlovy Vary in just under two hours. Along the way, you might spot courses like Cihelny Golf Club, just south of Karlovy Vary. While interesting, it doesn't quite match the calibre of the more established courses in the region.
Karlovy Vary Golf Club
For an immersive golf trip to this region, basing yourself in Karlovy Vary is an excellent idea. The town boasts its own prestigious course, Karlovy Vary Golf Club. While the original 9-hole course opened in 1904, the current 18-hole layout, inaugurated in 1933 on a different site, is considered the top course in the area.
At a challenging 6,800 yards and par 72, it offers a solid test, with tight, tree-lined fairways and a few intriguing blind shots. Popular with corporate groups from Prague and Germany, the service is generally excellent, though you might experience a leisurely pace in the dining room (they forgot to bring my steak!).
Mariánské Lázně Golf Club
Just a short drive away lies Mariánské Lázně, the second most popular spa town in the region. Both Mariánské Lázně Golf Club and Karlovy Vary Golf Club hold the distinction of being the two oldest clubs in the Czech Republic. As you explore Mariánské Lázně, you might encounter charming local characters, like the kindly gentleman keen to sell second-hand golf balls neatly presented in egg cartons!
This kindly old gentleman was keen to sell us some second-hand golf balls neatly presented in egg boxes.
A visit to the magnificent Colonnade, built in 1888/89 on the site of the original spa building, is a must. Beautiful inside and out, it's fronted by the famous "Singing Fountain."
The Colonnade was built in 1888/89 on the site of the original spa building in Mariánské Lázně. It’s beautiful inside & out and fronted by a ‘Singing Fountain’.
Mariánské Lázně Golf Club itself is an exceptional parkland course, officially opened in 1905 by King Edward VII. Its initial tree-lined fairways gracefully open out into wider expanses, with the occasional small lake adding to the challenge. Compared to the more modern, demanding courses around Prague, both Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně feel more in line with classic, older-style resort courses, offering a gentler, yet thoroughly enjoyable, round.
Like most of the West Bohemian courses, Lázně Kynžvart is heavily tree-lined.
Golf Club Kynžvart
Our little golf group in front of Castle Kynžvart which displays the personal belongings of Madame Pompadour, Victor Hugo, Marie Antoinette and Ludwig van Beethoven. Well worth a detour!
Prepare for a slight pronunciation challenge with Golf Club Kynžvart, also known as Lázně Kynžvart. This course, while established more recently in 2008, perfectly complements the two older clubs. Set within a stunning historic park reminiscent of a grand English estate, the course was designed by Christoph Städler, who masterfully blended some truly exceptional parkland holes. Having undergone significant innovations a decade ago, it now provides an outstanding parkland experience. Don't miss a detour to Castle Kynžvart, which houses fascinating personal belongings of historical figures like Madame Pompadour, Victor Hugo, Marie Antoinette, and Ludwig van Beethoven!
Františkovy Lázně Golf Club
Golf Club Franzensbad
Nearby, you'll find Františkovy Lázně Golf Club, also known as Franzensbad Golf Club – a common theme for names in this region! Franzensbad is an elevated parkland course with a delightful texture to its loam, not unlike the heathland courses of Scotland. It rises and drops gently, maintaining an interesting and varied terrain throughout the round.
Timing your trip to West Bohemia is key. We visited in October, and in this upland region, it was already getting cool, with courses feeling a bit too damp. Given that most are parkland and heavily tree-lined, they are undoubtedly at their best from May to September, when conditions are ideal.
