Whilst golf isn’t the first thing that most people think of when they think of reasons to travel to Slovenia, there are actually some superb golf courses around the country, all surrounded by spectacular nature, set among rolling hills and vineyards, below mighty snow-clad peaks, and in the picturesque Karst landscape. So it’s no wonder Slovenia is becoming increasingly popular among golfing enthusiasts, not only for its wonderful golf courses but also for the wide range of nice hotels to stay in during the visit.
Golf has been present in Slovenia since 1937, and today you can enjoy a round on 16 golf courses across the country, Many amateur and professional tournaments – and even European championships in various categories – have been hosted by many of these courses. In 2015, Slovenia was named the Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2015 by the International Golf Travel Writers Association.
If you love golf, it would be remiss to travel to Slovenia and not incorporate at least a couple of rounds during your trip. In Slovenia, you can combine golf and swimming in the sea, golf and hiking, golf and horse-riding, golf and sightseeing, golf and culture with many castles and museums, and golf and relaxation in thermal spas. Fancy a round of golf in Slovenia? These are the best golf courses in the country!
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Overall Rating: Royal Bled Golf is the oldest and the largest golf course in Slovenia and one of those must play courses in Europe. The facility comprises the 18-hole King's Course and the 9-hole Lake's Course. The 18-hole King's Course is pretty challenging and plays host to several tournaments and other events during the year, while the 9-hole Lake's course is a bit easier option for those whose handicap is too high, or those with not-so-deep pockets. Club membership is invitation only, but both courses are regularly open to the general public with advanced booking. |
Overall Rating: Diners CUBO Golf Ljubljana is a beautifully manicured and well-maintained 18-hole course situated only a 15 minute drive from Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Opened in 2008, it is one of the newest courses in Slovenia and the only 18-hole course that is open throughout the year. It features fast greens, wonderful fairways and wide teeing areas. The terrain is very flat and without trees or other natural obstacles, which allows extremely dynamic play. |
Overall Rating: Diners CUBO Golf Ljubljana is a beautifully manicured and well-maintained 18-hole course situated only a 15 minute drive from Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. Opened in 2008, it is one of the newest courses in Slovenia and the only 18-hole course that is open throughout the year. It features fast greens, wonderful fairways and wide teeing areas. The terrain is very flat and without trees or other natural obstacles, which allows extremely dynamic play. |
Overall Rating: Famous for its castle photogenically located on an island in the middle of the Krka River, Otocec also offers a fine 18-hole golf course designed by a well-known British golf course architect Howard Swan, who has an extraordinary feeling for placing dynamic golf courses amid unspoilt countryside. With its 49 sand bunkers and three water hazards, the course measures 6,189 metres (6,768 yards) and derives much of its challenge from the undulating terrain over which the holes flow. |
Overall Rating: Situated in the small spa town of Moravske Toplice in the very northeast corner of Slovenia, at the edge of the vast Pannonian Plain in Slovenia’s Prekmurje region, the 18-hole Livada golf course is a welcome addition to the vast Terme 3000 thermal bath complex. At 6,236 metres (6,819 yards), this lovely golf course stretches across 59 hectares and boasts the longest hole in Slovenia - the signature 596-metre par five 9th hole. When building the course, special attention was paid to the preservation of the original flora and fauna of the area, which has led to some quite uniquely-shaped and very challenging greens, fairways and sand bunkers. |
Overall Rating: Already a very popular destination on account of its stud farm with beautiful white Lipizzan horses, Lipica also offers a lovely 9-hole golf course built according to the designs of famed golf course architect Donald Harradine. It's one of only the two golf courses in Slovenia that's officially open 365 days a year, as it has a warm Mediterranean climate. The course stretches out to 3,174 metres. Although there are no water hazards, the course is heavily wooded and abounds with sand bunkers, which are well placed to come into play for short and long hitters alike. |
Golf courses in Slovenia on the map. There are now 16 courses in the country, nearly all of which are within a one-hour drive of Ljubljana. (Kartografija)
In mere seven days, you can see the most beautiful corners of Slovenia and play golf at a different location every day. Upon arrival, you can spend a night at Lake Bled and play golf on one of those must play courses in Europe. On the next day, you can visit Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and its charming Old Town and play golf at two nearby golf courses in Arboretum Volcji Potok and Smlednik (Diners CUBO). The next destination is the Littoral region with Postojna Cave and Lipica which has a golf course next to its famous stud farm, home of the acclaimed Lipizzaner breed (beautiful white horses). You can then visit the coastal towns of Piran and Portoroz and play golf at the nearby Adriatic golf course. The experience is topped with delicious seafood and great wines. Then, you can head to the eastern half of Slovenia and visit the oldest town in the country, Ptuj, which has a nice golf course. Golfing enthusiasts can also play a round of golf at Moravske Toplice, where most people come to relax at thermal spas. Before you say goodbye to Slovenia, perhaps the best thing to do is to spend a night at the Otocec Castle hotel, because just a stone’s throw away is one of Slovenia’s longest and most attractive golf courses, Golf Grad Otecec.
Slovenian golf courses are among the most stunning in Europe due to the country’s remarkably diverse landscape. (photo: Ales Fevzer, slovenia.info)
King’s Course at Royal Bled Golf. (photo: Ales Fevzer, slovenia.info)
Arboretum Ljubljana Golf Course. (photo: Golf Arboretum archive)
Diners CUBO Ljubljana Golf Course. (photo: Matic Klansek Velej, Sportida d.o.o., slovenia.info)
Lipica Golf Course. (photo: Matic Klansek Velej, Sportida d.o.o., slovenia.info)
Otocec Golf Course. (photo: Matic Klansek Velej, Sportida d.o.o., slovenia.info)
Livada Golf Course. (photo: Matic Klansek Velej, Sportida d.o.o., slovenia.info)
