GOLF CLUBS
Szécheny-hegy golf course
Although
golf appears to be just getting a start in Hungary
it actually has a long and charming history. Golf saw its Hungarian
debut in 1902, held on a racecourse by Count Géza Andrássy.
The fi rst golf course was built in Tátralomnic in 1906-1909
and the fi rst Hungarian golf tournament was held here in 1909.
In the fi rst nine holes of the Széchenyi-hegy golf course opened
in 1918, followed by the second nine holes in 1922. By 1938, the beginning
of the World War II, Hungary had a vibrant golf culture. Even Bobby
Jones travelled to Budapest in 1936 to play on the 25th Anniversary
Tournament of the Hungarian Golf Club. He played together with Mrs Elizabeth
Szlávy, who was pronounced to be the best woman golf player in
Europe 1926.
At the beginning of communist era in Hungary in 1949, golf was proclaimed
an
imperialist sport suited for espionage. Golfers were bully into not
going to the golf
course any more. Two years later, the soviet army marched onto the Szécheny-hegy
golf course and annexed it to a newly built radar station that remained
in operation there until 1992.
Golf was then totally prohibited in Hungary until the late seventies,
when Dr. Ferenc Gáti after returning home from Cuba tried to
reintroduce golf to Hungary and formed Blue Danube Golf Club in 1979.
Despite political opposition they started to build a new golf course
and were later able to establish the Hungarian Golf Federation in 1989.
Today seven professional golf courses in beautiful surroundings await
lovers of the sport of golf. And why should you come to Hungary to play
golf? Because golf is about relaxation, and Hungary is not only renowned
for its excellent courses, but also for its cuisine and thermal springs,
providing a perfect opportunity to combine a round of golf with a good
meal and some wellness – at practically every golf club.
GOLF HOLIDAYS
Holiday type:
