The D+D REAL Czech Challenge takes place at Golf & Spa Kunětická Hora in Dříteč, Czech Republic just east of the capital Prague, from June 3 – 6 and here is what you need to know before play begins on Thursday…
Aesthetically stunning…
This meadowland course was designed by one of the world’s leading golf course designers, Graham Marsh. His portfolio comprises more than 80 golf courses around the world and is known to be one of the longest venues in the Czech Republic, which spreads over an astonishing 140 hectares. It sits below Mount Kunětická, in which a 15th-century castle ruin overlooks the stunning landscape below.
Bunkers, bunkers and more bunkers…
Comprising a total of 89 bunkers, Golf & Spa Kunětická Hora is certainly not a course for the faint-hearted. Along with the collection of bunkers found on the course, it also encompasses three large lakes, wavey fairways and greens with multi-tiered levels that can offer a range of pin placements, making it challenging for all players.
Amateurs aplenty…
There are many amateurs taking to the fairways this week in Czech Republic. The field contains five amateurs playing on home soil; Vaclav Tichy, Petr Hruby, Vitek Novak, Filip Raza, Krystof Strycek and Philipp Matlari, who is from Germany. With home advantage on their side, many of the amateurs will be looking to make a mark on the Challenge Tour’s first visit to Czech Republic this year.
The signature hole…
The signature hole is said to be the par five 16th, sitting at a staggering 560 yards, and with hazardous water running parallel down the right-hand side of the hole, it is fair to say that cautiousness is welcomed. As the fairway doglegs sharply into the water’s direction, it is closely met by the green which has an accumulation of bunkers to test the most careful of approach play.
