GOLF TRAVEL EUROPE golf_travel_europe | Page 19

LJUB L JA N A ROYAL GOLF BLED Royal Golf Bled is the oldest and the largest golf course in Slovenia. The first round of golf was played on this beautiful golf course in 1937. Located close to the Slovenia’s crown jewel of tourist attractions, Lake Bled, this golf course has been a popular destination for local and foreign gol- fers. Royal Golf Bled was reopened in August 2017, after a two-year renova- tion process, and is now considered one of the best golf courses in Europe. Type: 18+9 holes; PAR: 72+36; Landscape: slightly hilly, par- kland LJUBLJANA GOLF OTOČEC CASTLE Located by the Krka river, Golf Otočec Castle is one of the longest golf courses in the country. The outstand- ing design of the course is a product of the colla- boration between Howard Swan, a world-renowned golf course designer, and Slovenian designer Peter Škofic. After a round of golf, players can relax at the nearby Otočec Castle, where they can indulge in the culinary delights of the castle’s restaurant. Type: 18 holes; PAR: 72; Landscape: hilly, parkland/forest w w w .b a l l e s t e r o sgo l f. com GOLF COURSE ARBORE- TUM LJUBLJANA It is only a short ride from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, to get to the Arboretum Ljubl- jana Golf Course. Since 1998, players have enjoyed rounds of golf on this course from March until mid-November. The fact that Arboretum Ljubljana is considered one of the most versatile golf courses, and that it offers stunning views of the Julian Alps, are the main reasons why this 18 hole golf course is one of the most popular in Slovenia. Type: 18 holes; PAR: 71; Landscape: park- land/forest PTUJ Located next in the northeast part of the country, golf klub Ptuj is named after the oldest Slovenian town and is well recognized among Slove- nian and visiting players. Despite being primarily known for its large num- ber of water hazards, this 18-hole golf course is sui- table for players of all le- vels. While playing, golfers are surrounded by color- ful wildlife, and a myriad of birds distinctive to the area. Type: 18 holes; PAR: 72; Landscape: parkland GOLF COURSE LIVADA Located by the thermal spring town Moravske Toplice, Golf Course Liva- da offers gorgeous views of the idyllic Prekmurje landscapes. This 18-hole golf course is known for its smooth terrain, wide open fairways, water and other natural hazards, as well as the longest hole in Slove- nia. Golf Course Livada is also an excellent choice for those players who wish to relax after a round of golf. The nearby Terme 3000 offers spa treatments ba- sed on the healing powers of the thermal springs lo- cated in the area. Type: 18 holes; PAR: 72; Landscape: parkland/forest 18