120 years of golf in Mariánské Lázně
The Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázně is the oldest golf club in the Czech Republic and one of the few clubs worldwide with patronage from the British Royal Family. We spoke with Ing. Jan Katina, the club's President, about its history, present and plans for the future.
How the Royal Golf Club began
Our club was founded 120 years ago right here in Mariánské Lázně, says Jan Katina. The main catalyst was the fact that King Edward VII, the British monarch, visited Marienbad a total of nine times around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
"Golf was very often linked with spa activities in those days. Although His Majesty Edward did not play golf himself, many of the people he wanted to meet here regarded the game as an agreeable addition to their stays in Marienbad. The course and the golf club were founded at his instigation."
Royal patronage
The patronage of the British Royal Family was officially granted in 2003, two years before the club's centenary. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II bestowed royal status on the club. There are approximately 64 royal golf clubs worldwide, most of them in the British Commonwealth. In continental Europe there are currently only two — and in the Czech Republic the Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázně is the sole club with this patronage.
A course that surprises even experienced players
The course is 120 years old and may appear short at first glance. But appearances are deceptive.
"It is very technical — the greens you need to hit are much smaller than on modern courses and are very well protected by various hazards. A modern player who can hit long shots will find that technique is essential, because the course has a parkland character. Forests, trees, bushes and classic golf hazards such as sand bunkers and water hazards all come into play."
Visitors to the Marienbad course need to invest more thought in course management than on modern layouts. More about the championship course on the Golf page.
A club open to everyone
Unlike some Royal Golf clubs abroad that are strictly private, the Marienbad club is open to the public.
"We offer golf for the entire public — we have a public nine-hole course where even someone who has never touched a golf club can play. The operators of this course have recently added footgolf, where complete beginners can play the holes with a football."
Advice for beginners
Jan Katina recommends contacting the golf club to find a professional coach and booking an introductory lesson. The basics can be learned during a stay, after which you can head to the public nine-hole course — with rented clubs or for a round of footgolf.
Who plays the course
The dominant clientele has always been German, with a smaller share of international visitors. Since Covid, the club has also been attracting more Czech visitors — the mix has shifted from predominantly foreign to a more balanced ratio.
"Players come to us from all over the republic. Our course is something of an unofficial Mecca of Czech golf — every proper golfer's CV should include a round at 'Mariánky', ideally with a respectable score."
Season and the Golf Pass
The golf season generally starts in April and runs to the end of October. The course sits at around 750 metres above sea level, which means cooler weather and higher rainfall. In winter the grounds are used for cross-country skiing, among other activities.
For visitors who want to experience multiple courses, there is the Golf Pass — the golf equivalent of an Alpine ski pass. North-west Bohemia has a remarkably high concentration of golf courses by Czech standards.
"The Golf Pass is designed for a week. If you have a week-long stay and plan a day or two of rest, it works out perfectly — you can play a different course every day, an offer you won't find anywhere else in such close proximity."
Dining and the clubhouse
The clubhouse is home to the Royal Golf Restaurant, newly operated by the firm "Michal a Michal". The restaurant and clubhouse are not reserved for golfers — all visitors are welcome.
"Our terrace is, in my opinion, the finest in Mariánské Lázně and is absolutely worth a visit."
Tournaments and events
The club hosts a mix of open club and commercial tournaments. The full tournament schedule for the entire season is available on the club's website. The public nine-hole course hosts a range of events throughout the season — including a night tournament played with glowing golf balls.
Youth development
Jan Katina took up golf at the age of 11, in 1988, when he used to wander into the grounds searching for lost golf balls. Today the youth academy has around 80 children.
"Youth development is one of our key activities. Without young people who live here and come every day, there is no point. Just as our predecessors passed the club on to us, we must build the foundation to pass the club and the course on to those who come after us."
Golf and spa as one
Mariánské Lázně offers a unique combination: golf on the oldest course in the republic and spa treatment in a single destination. The Ensana hotels offer stay packages that combine green fees, transfers to the course and a daily wellness programme — the ideal choice for those who want to blend sport with recovery.
