European Center Golf Club

Overview: European Center Golf Club is set beside Lake Girija, about 26 kilometres from central Vilnius and close to the geographical centre of Europe. Swedish landscape architect Björn Eriksson created a parkland and woodland layout in which birch groves, natural ponds, channels and the lake provide both scenery and strategic definition. The course’s 18 holes move through a peaceful landscape rather than a built-up resort setting, but the changing water lines and undulating fairways still require careful decisions. Views toward Lake Girija are especially prominent around the 9th and 18th holes.

History: The club was developed by UAB Golf Development with a team of Swedish specialists and opened on 1 May 2007. The Lithuanian Golf Federation lists European Centre among the country’s established courses from that year, while the club identifies Björn Eriksson as the author of the original master plan. From the beginning, the facility was designed to serve both competitive players and beginners, with practice grounds, an academy and tournament activity forming part of its wider golf role.

Did You Know? The club’s name comes from its location beside the point identified in 1989 by researchers from France’s National Institute of Geography as the geographical centre of Europe. The clubhouse stands next to that landmark, and the course brings the idea into play in a literal way: the official course description says golfers cross the centre marker near the 7th hole. Few courses can make a geographical reference part of the round itself.