Destination Golf Global (Autumn 2019) * | Page 30

Lunch at the Centre of Europe Golf Course. 18th green flagstick and clubhouse, Capitals Golf Club Golfing brothers Andrew & Paul Marshall visit Lithuania’s capital for a city golf break. When it comes to golf travel there’s a growing trend towards city trips - a few rounds of golf mixed in with some sightseeing, culture and local cuisine. For golfers looking for an off-the-beaten track destination, then it’s worth considering undiscovered Lithuania and its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage capital, Vilnius. are the other two), bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south and Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave) to the southwest. This beautiful and peaceful country is ranked third in Lonely Planet’s Top Ten ‘Best in Travel’ destinations for 2015 and is one of world’s cleanest and most ethical countries. The golf scene in Lithuania is relatively new, and currently there’s a total of five 18-hole courses in the country, the main trio being located in the Vilnius region and the other two in Klaipeda and Druskinikai. Where in the world is Lithuania? Situated in Northern Europe along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Lithuania is one of three Baltic States (Estonia and Latvia 30 Destination Golf .TRAVEL Located a 20 km drive northwest of central Vilnius (and 24 km from Vilnius International Airport) is the Vilnius Grand Resort, our home-away-from-home for a four night/ three golf course city break. Set on 395 acres of scenic lakes, sprawling forest and lush rolling countryside, this luxury five-star resort boasts 185 well-appointed guest rooms, renowned spa facilities and its centrepiece– the championship V Golf Club. Day 1: Europa Golf Center It’s the following morning and we have a 10.am tee time at the Europa Golf Center, a 20 km drive north-east from the Vilnius Grand Resort. Upon arrival at the clubhouse, we head straight to the pro-shop to pick up scorecards, tees and balls and have the obligatory nosy around the golf equipment. Framed photos of James Bond himself, aka Roger Moore teeing off during his Unicef visit, adorn the walls which lead to a rustic outdoor seating area