A Royal Heritage
The Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázně was founded in 1905 at the initiative of King Edward VII of England, who visited Marienbad regularly and was a passionate golfer. The club is the oldest golf club in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest in Central Europe.
Edward's influence on Marienbad extended far beyond golf — he transformed the town into the summer meeting place of European diplomacy. But the golf club remains his most visible legacy: a place where sporting excellence meets natural beauty.
The Course
The 18-hole championship course sits on a 787-metre plateau in the Slavkov Forest (Kaiserwald), offering a unique playing experience:
- Par 72, total length approximately 6,100 metres
- Set among pine forests on gently undulating terrain
- Natural hazards: forest edges, heathland, strategically placed bunkers
- Panoramic views over the town and the wooded hills beyond
- Special challenge: the altitude affects ball flight distances
The course is renowned for its excellent condition and harmonious integration with the natural landscape. Unlike many modern golf facilities, it was carefully woven into the existing woodland — the playing experience is defined by silence, nature and the expanse of the forest.
The Clubhouse
The clubhouse, with its Edwardian charm, is a destination in its own right. The tastefully restored rooms preserve the atmosphere of the founding era and offer:
- Restaurant with terrace and panoramic views
- Bar and lounge
- Pro shop with equipment hire
- Changing rooms and showers
- Historical photographs and memorabilia
Playing as a Guest
The Royal Golf Club warmly welcomes visitors. Here is what you need to know:
- Season: Mid-April to late October (weather dependent)
- Green fee: From approximately €80-120 depending on season and day
- Equipment hire: Full rental sets (clubs, trolley) available on site
- Handicap: Proof of handicap required; maximum handicap 36
- Lessons: PGA-qualified professionals for individual and group tuition
- Booking: Tee times can be reserved online or by telephone
Tournaments
The club hosts several tournaments annually, including the traditional King Edward VII Memorial Tournament, which keeps the memory of the founder alive. The tournament season runs from May to September.
Combining Golf and Spa
Many visitors combine a golf holiday with a spa stay — a perfect blend of sporting activity and recuperation. The Ensana Spa Hotels offer special golf-and-spa packages that combine green fees, transfers to the course and a daily wellness programme.
"Golf in Marienbad is an experience unlike any other: the silence of the forest, the pure air at 787 metres, the feeling of playing a course that a king laid out."