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GOLF IN CROATIA
In some form, golf started to be played in Scotland,
in 14th century. It is assumed that first players were shepherds,
which guarded sheeps on spacious Scottish pastures. As golf pits they
have used rabbit holes, golf bats they have made from wood.
First written document about today’s golf is, at the same time,
prohibition golf decree, which was issued by king James II.
He was worried about that game taking too much attention, and that it will distract archery practice.
He wanted to return the advantage to combat skills, such as archery, spear fighting etc.
Well known Scottish king James IV was first member of royal family which started to study golf seriously.
Golf is one of rare sports, which managed to preserve difference
between professionalism and amateur. Even it is not Olympic sport (for some time it was),
golf is, together with football and basketball, the most popular sport in the world.
Golf field is one big natural area. It is arranged in manner that it preserves
to keep, as much as possible, vegetation, natural configuration and everything
with cultural or historical value that existed around the ground.
The size of the field on which golf is played varies, depending on the
configuration of the terrain, between 35 to 100 hectares.
Golf is a game where the goal is to slip the ball into the hole,
which is located on the opposite side of the field, with as less
strokes as possible. Golf ground consists of 18 fields, which are different
by length and configuration. Every field has determined coefficient of difficulty
and one indicator called PAR, which indicates the number of strokes with which
the average golfer overcomes the field. Coefficient of difficulty is numerically stated impact,
which configuration of terrain and its natural watery or sandy (so called hazards) obstacles,
have on the game. Golf coefficient of difficulty 18 indicates easiest field, and coefficient value 1
indicates the hardest. Indicator PAR estimates the number of strokes, which golfer needs to slip the
ball from its initial position in the hole. According the length there are three kinds of golf fields,
and those are short fields - up to 225 meters long, medium long fields – up to 425 meters long,
and long fields – over 500 meters long.
Golfer must pass 18 fields in certain row, and the winner is that golfer which manages to do it with less strokes.
Golf has some untranslatable terms, as result of United Kingdom tradition, from where golf originates.
Thus eagle means that player has finished game on one field with
two strikes less than PAR, and birdie means that he finished with one strike less.
Bogie means that it took one more strike than PAR, for the golfer to overcome the filed, and double bogie means that
he needed two more strikes.
Handicap is indicator of level of certain golfer, and it is indicated
with the numbers from 0 to 36. The best golfer has handicap 0, and the lowest 36.
Handicap is gained on the basis of results achieved on golf tournaments.
Basic equipment for golf is a set of bats, balls, golf shoes and golf bag.
Also, golf carts, umbrella (golf is played by rain) and golf gloves can be added.
Most important part of the equipment are golf bats, and the golfer can use not
more than 14 bats during the game. Basic bats are wood, iron and putter.
Each bat is used for different type of strike and on different parts of the field.
Golf is still not developed in Croatia, because required investments in golf courses
and accompanying facilities are very high. It has been recognized that building
a golf courses is strategic interest for the development of Croatian tourism.
Croatian government has created golf development program.
Istria is the region, which is most interested in development of golf,
among 23 locations anticipated for golf in Croatia, 14 are in Istria.
CROATIAN GOLF HOLIDAYS
What strikes the visitor to Croatia, aside from the delight of its sun-dappled hillsides and spectacular
rugged coastline, is the sheer sense of space afforded by the sparseness of its population.
Those who go on holiday to mingle with the crowds may see this as a downside, but
for seasoned golfers seeking peace and solace, wide open spaces and some of the most
uncrowded freeways in Europe, it comes as a refreshing surprise.
The game we know as modern golf was first played in Croatia in the Brijuni islands off
the coast of Istria in the 1920s, where we still find the country`s oldest golf course.
Whilst during the dark days of communism golfers were forced to stash away their
clubs and refrain from indulging in what was considered a wicked capitalist sport,
fortunately, now that`s all changing. Golf may never have been what you would call a
popular sport here but the Croatian authorities have recognised its potential in
attracting a more discerning class of tourism. Apart from the Brijuni course,
for several years Croatia has had no more than 2 alternative venues to entertain
a modest golfing fraternity, namely the Novi Dvori course in Zaprešić and the Golf and Country Club at Zagreb.
However, Croatia is now setting a firm foot in the global golf market with the opening
of an brand new world-class 18-hole course in Istria, Croatia`s westernmost county.
The green is the new centerpiece for Porto Mariccio, a luxury hotel, spa and wellness resort.
A night at the neighbouring luxury Kempinski hotel ranges from just 100 euros for a superior
room to 176 euros for a junior golf view suite, well within the budget for most Europeans
who have already done the rounds of Southern Spain and The Algarve. And there`s more to come;
this is by no means a one-off experiment for Croatia, with plans underway to invest in more
developments further south in Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split. At Zadar the ambitious Punta Scala
resort will see the arrival of a 27 hole golf course, with plenty of first class accommodation
and luxury amenities thrown in close by.
In the meantime however, there`s no reason to have to wait around
for the new developments to work their magic, when Croatia`s existing golf
courses remain so affordable, inviting and relatively undiscovered. The country
club in Zagreb charges just 37 euros for 9 rounds for two people, or 21 euros for one person.
If you prefer to avoid the purpose-built golfing accommodation, fabulous rustic villas are
plentiful here and available to rent at affordable rates. If you can gather together a group
of golfing buddies, it`s possible to find a luxury Croatian villa sleeping 8 people for around 250 - 300
euros per night, although prices do of course vary considerably depending on the location and
style of the accommodation on offer. You don`t need to be an expert golfer either, to
join in the fun on Croatia`s beautiful courses, as many tailor-made golfing holidays will
offer classes and tuition for beginners.
Indulging in a golfing break at one of Europe`s finest resorts will of course
require some serious planning and may be your best excuse yet to treat yourself
to some tempting new accessories. If you`re travelling with expensive golfing equipment,
relying on secure heavy duty golf travel
cases may be a viable option for the journey. You`ll find there`s no better way to
travel with confidence, guaranteeing that you and your valuables arrive in great shape and ready to tee off in style.
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