Golf is one of the most attractive sports, specially among business people all around the world. Maybe its secret lays in the terms of a simple, but p
hysically and especially intellectually demanding competition, played outdoors, in nature. As the great American golf player Arnold Palmer said: “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated”.
Properly dividing strength, concentrating, controlling emotions and thinking logically are necessary in order to play golf. It is actually an art of controlling patience and an excellent activity to think about business moves, discuss new projects with a partner or simply escape the usual mad rush by focusing on the game while enjoying the surroundings.
Golf came to Croatia between the two World Wars. The
famous course on the Brijuni islands was built in 1922 and expanded in the 1930s. The Golf Club Zagreb and the golf course Maksimir were founded in 1931. The course had only 9 holes, but according to an article in the Parisian edition of the New York Herald, it was one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. However,
after the Second World War, all golf activities were obscured. R
econstruction of golf in Croatia starts in 1992 by establishing clubs as well as the Croatian Golf Association. Now, after a bit of golf history in Croatia, here is a little guide for all golfers on vacation in our villas in Istria, as well as for the ones who want to be golfers. If you are spending your holiday in one of our beautiful villas across Istria and you would like to play golf, the Golf Club Adriatic and the Old Golf Course Brijuni are the places to go to.
SAVUDRIJA - Golf Club Adriatic (Kempinski)
Enjoy this challenging golf course located less than 300 meters from the sea in a mediterranean landscape. It's a place where you can play golf 365 days a year.
The Golf Club Adriatic is
the first professional golf course in Istria, located near Savudrija and the town of Umag. If you are searching for a
top quality golf course in Croatia, this may be the best choice. It was
opened in 2009 as part of the hotel chain Kempinski. It is characterised by a wavy course, the beautiful surroundings of the mediterranean landscape and a stunning sea view. This course is
awarded for its course which outstandingly merged with the natural surroundings. It is suitable for professionals, but also for amateur players, despite the challenging field that is not easy to pass. This is a 18-hole course, 6.360 m long. The shorter course is 4.690 m long and is suitable for players of all skill levels. The average time necessary to pass the course is 4 hours.
If you are interested in individual sessions or team building, the Golf Academy of the Gold Club Adriatic is at your disposal. The course is also dog friendly. To complete your day at the course, enjoy a nice meal or refreshing drink at the bar or in the restaurant.
Check out our offer of villas nearby -
Villas in Umag!
BRIJUNI- Old Golf Course
A golf experience far from typical.
If you are looking for a
really unique golf experience, the golf course at the
National Park of Brijuni is definitely the place to go! Where else can you enjoy this sport in pleasant mediterranean temperature on an
island with 2000 year old olive trees and surrounded by deers, rabbits and peacocks? Built almost a 100 years ago, this golf course is located amidst fascinating and tranquil natural scenery with extraordinary views. Today it is an 18-hole course, 5.486 m long, with various hazards - bunkers, woods, single trees, bushes and water hazards. The course is not too demanding.
If you are expecting top grade maintenance, this may not be a place for you. You have to keep in mind that you are
playing in a National Park and that everything is done without spoiling or influencing nature, which is why there is, for example, no greens. The greens are actually sandy, but kept well. Fairways are also very natural. Depending on the amount of rain in the summer, the grass sometimes turns yellow. However, the local rule that moving the ball is allowed, enables you to continue playing golf.
Once you come to this tranquil place, just relax and enjoy playing without any stress and rush, sharing the area peacefully with deers and other wildlife. The mild climate enables playing golf all year around. Jump in the boat and sail to the Brijuni harbour - a party of golf is waiting for you.
Click here to see our offer on
Villas in Pula and enjoy your holiday accommodation close to Brijuni!
If you don’t mind a few hours drive from Istria to the surroundings of the capital, Zagreb, you can visit the Riverside Golf Zagreb course. For all those who want to exercise or learn, the area of Umag and Pula is where you can find driving ranges. Here are two that you may want to visit:
UMAG-Golf Range Concept
This is a new driving range concept with artificial turf, accessible to all kinds of players, from kids, curious beginners, to experienced golfers. It has the size of a tennis court, with a putting green with 9 holes, a sand bunker for practicing sand wedge strokes, chipping green and practice nets.
It is suitable for all ages and specially for those who are learning their first golf shots or simply want to practice. It is perfect if you want your kids to learn basic golf skills. You can practice your skills in the shadow of pine trees or at night under artificial lighting.
The range is located close to the sea, surrounded by hotel resorts. This is a place where the whole family can have great fun! The price per hour includes professional golf equipment. There is no dress code and no membership fee.
VERUDELA- Golf Range Verudela
Golf range Verudela, located in the Sport Center Verudela near Pula, is a place to develop basic or improve existing golf skills, and simply have fun with family and friends. Only 100 m from the sea, this 1000 m2 range consists of a 9-hole putting green, 3 smaller greens, 2 green sides, bunkers and a chipping practice green area.
We wish you a great holiday fulfilled with relaxation in one of our villas with private pool and lots of fun with golf in Istria!
Mateja Barisic
6.4.2018
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
