Destination Feature
DESTINATION GOLF 2022
By Andrew Marshall
Hungary for Golf
When it comes to golf breaks , there ’ s a growing trend towards travel and lifestyle trips - a few days of golf combined with some sightseeing , culture and local cuisine . For golfers looking for an off-the-beaten track European golf destination , then it ’ s worth considering Hungary , where it ’ s possible to play some rounds out in the countryside before travelling to Budapest for a city experience . With its architectural delights , ornate bath houses , famous Tokaji Aszú dessert wines and laid-back café lifestyle , Hungary ’ s World Heritage-listed capital has plenty to offer the golfing traveller .
IN THE COUNTRYSIDE – ZALA SPRINGS GOLF RESORT
The golf scene in Hungary is still emerging , and according to the Hungarian Golf Federation there are currently nine 18-hole courses and a handful of 9-hole courses within the country . Five of the best layouts include : Hencse National Golf & Country Club , Old Lake , Pannonia Golf & Country Club , Royal Balaton and the new kid on the block and arguably the pick of the bunch - Zala Springs Golf Resort . Approximately a 2-hour drive south-west of Budapest in the charming village of Zalacsány , Zala Springs Golf Resort is situated in the heart of an ancient wine-making region , with Lake Balaton ( the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe ) and the famous thermal spa of Lake Hévíz less than a half hour ’ s drive away .
“ You need a top quality golf resort to make it worthwhile for people to travel here , and you have to go a long way to find a better golf course than this one ,” says Club Manager Damian MacPherson , as we enjoy a glass of chilled local wine after checking in . This master-planned golf and thermal spa resort set on a 160-hectare property alongside the Zala River , showcases a Robert Trent Jones Jnr . designed 18-
The par-5 18th hole at Zala Springs
hole championship golf course , five-star hotel , restaurant and spa , plus fully furnished luxury apartments and villas . Other facilities include an excellent driving range with 12 covered and 70 open air bays , 18-hole putting green , pitching green and practice bunker .
One of the world ’ s best golf architects , Robert Trent Jones Jnr . has created more than one hundred courses around the world throughout his career . Said Trent Jones Jnr about the Zala Springs layout ( built by Gary Ashfield of Golf East with full USGA specifications ): “ We are delighted to have the opportunity to create a truly memorable golf experience at Zala Springs , soon to become one of Europe ’ s best golf resorts . Our design skilfully provides players of all levels just the right combination of challenge , beauty and fun that will certainly be instrumental in growing the sport in Hungary and beyond .” “ We have a rule here at Zala Springs that if you don ’ t go to the range
22