Interestingly, golf was banned during the Communist era for being an elitist, bourgeois sport, but it is beginning to gain a foothold. Hungary currently has six 18-hole courses, and green fees cost between £15 and £40, making it an affordable golfing destination. But even the most dedicated golfer will find it difficult to resist taking time off from the fairway to take a dip in one of Hungary’s many spas, sample some fine wine, or explore the neighbouring countryside.
Birdland Golf and Country Club
Located in the spa of Bükfürdő, Birdland offers a complete package of services for relaxation junkies. Hopefully, the challenging water hazards – the course incorporates 17 acres of water – will not be too attractive for your ball, but they are certainly irresistible to a wide range of birds. For total luxury, stay at the exclusive SAS Radisson Hotel, just a wayward 6 iron from the 18th hole. The course is also lined with holiday apartments.
Pannonia Golf and Country Club
The Pannonia Golf Club is just 45 minutes outside Budapest near the Etyek wine region and recently scooped the prestigious B.I.D. International Quality award for customer service, quality and business excellence. The modern course is not only immaculately maintained, it also offers all the facilities you would expect, including a pleasant terrace restaurant. The club adds a variety of additional resort activities including riding, tennis, swimming and mountain biking.
Pólus Palace Thermal Golf Club Hotel
The nearest club to Budapest, this 18-hole course is situated in an idyllic nature reserve just outside neighbouring Göd. The outstanding beauty of the site, complete with its views of the Visegrád hills is matched by the five-star luxury of the adjoining hotel, which also offers conference facilities, tennis courts and a riding area, not to mention the thermal spas.
European Lakes Golf and Country Club
This club is situated in the town of Hencse in the beautiful surroundings of the Zselic Nature Reserve to the South of Lake Balaton. To add to its charm, the course is not fenced off, so early risers may share the course with the local wildlife. Accommodation is available in the 19th century stately home – which includes a thermal bath – and the course restaurant serves up delicious seafood and fine wine from the Villany-Siklós region to the south under the shelter of huge sycamore trees.
Old Lake Golf Club
Halfway between Budapest and Győr the Old Lake Golf Club is within striking distance of both Bratislava and Vienna and also has its own hotel complex. The course is better suited to the amateur player than its more illustrious, and expensive rivals.
To see a map of all the courses in Hungary, click here. A number of tour operators provide transfers from the airport to your hotel and golf course, as well as excursions to the neighbouring countryside.
