Albatross Golf Resort, Czech Republic

The Albatross Golf Resort occupies an area of more than 80 hectares (197,684 acres) and is situated on a hillside bordering the Cesky kras (Czech Karst) Nature Reserve. With an altitude of 420 metres (1377.95 feet) above sea level it benefits from a micro-climate and enjoys one of the longest golf seasons in central Europe. There are seven lakes on the course covering more than 20,000 square metres, 65 sand traps and more than 1200 newly planted mature trees adorning the landscape.

The course was opened in 2009 and designed by leading golf architect Keith Preston. It is a Par 72 course with a USGA Course Rating of 74.4 and a Slope Rating of 139 (off the white tees). The size of the putting greens ranges from 459 to 812 square metres depending on the overall design and the level of difficulty of the particular hole. The complete surface of the putting greens, including the aprons, measures 11,677 square metres. Each hole offers four or five tees with an overall surface of 12,900 square metres. There are nine holes which also have black tees and the length of the course from these tees extends to 6,689 metres.

The putting greens have been seeded with the highest quality creeping bent grass A4+A1 mixture. “Aurora Gold” fescue grass has been used in the areas with thick rough and a special mixture of fine fescue and creeping bent grasses has been used on the closely mown fairways and tees. These features are a guarantee of the outstanding quality of the playing surfaces and at the same time they present a constant challenge for an experienced greenkeeping team.

The golf resort also boasts a substantial golf academy with a partially covered driving range. The total area of the practice facilities is 50,400 square metres, including five target greens and grass tees taking up 4,000 square metres which can accommodate up to 45 practising players at any one time. There are also two chipping greens (2,100 square metres) with four bunkers, one bunker for practising long shots, two putting greens (1,800 square metres) and a junior practice course of 10,800 square metres with two greens and two bunkers.

Czech Republic Keith Preston