Karlstejn Golf Resort (1/18)

Overview: Karlštejn Golf Resort is built into a wooded, hilly landscape south-west of Prague, with the medieval Karlštejn Castle forming its unforgettable backdrop. Les Furber and Jim Eremko designed the original 18 holes to follow the natural contours, ravines and limestone outcrops rather than flattening the site. Mature trees, water reservoirs and carefully placed sand hazards create a course where the visual drama is matched by demanding elevation changes and uneven lies.

History: The first 18 holes opened in 1993 after three years of construction and quickly established Karlštejn as one of Czechia’s leading golf destinations. The resort hosted a four-day PGA tournament in 1997, won by Bernhard Langer, with Patrik Sjöland setting a celebrated course record of 61 in the same event. A third nine was added in 2008, again using the Furber and Eremko design language.

Did You Know? The architects described their strategic aim as an easy bogey but a difficult birdie. That idea is visible in the generous landing areas and the more exacting approaches, where a safe line can produce a solid score but attacking a pin often brings the surrounding ravines, water and bunkers into play.