The Address Sept-Oct 2013

— Czech Krumlov architecture; View of Prague’s Old Town Square by night
As its most popularly visited attraction, the castle (570 metres
long, on average 128 metres wide covering an area of
7.28 hectares) was constructed back then by Prince Boøivoj,
but has been added to and transformed over the centuries.
Today, its imposing form has gone through four major reconstructions
but it kept to the classical facelift that was effected
during the reign of Maria Theresa in the 18th century.
That the city sounds big is only imagined. Prague is barely
496 kilometre square with a population of 1.2 million bustling
around, mostly in its very efficient metro and subway system.
Nevertheless, there is much to see and do in the beautiful city.
Unless you live in Europe, Prague and pretty much the rest
of Czech Republic is not your regular vacation spot. And
that is the wonderful thing about it. Caught in the middle of
en-masse commercialism and old-world charm, the hitherto
communist country previously named Czechoslovakia (now
democratic Czech and The Slovak Republic), presents a myriad
of activities and attractions for the tourist.
One of which is the Prague Castle, which had been the seat
of power for all past Czech monarchs dating back to 850 AD.
Today, the landmark that is the world’s largest existing castle
complex can be distinctly seen from all of Prague – the centre
of political and commercial activities for the last millennium
and now tourism as well.
G O L F I N P R A G U E – Golf here is primarily dictated by two
fine establishments, the Golf Resort Konopiste and Golf Resort
Karlstjen.
Konopiste opened in 2002 with two courses to suit every
need. The first is its championship course, Radecky, which
is a par 72, 7,091-yard, 18-hole parkland layout defined by
beautiful flora and steep slopes.
It is a fine test of golf for strong hitters but also serves to
put higher handicap players at ease with various options
off the tee. Its fairways are undulating and in certain areas,
are bordered by thick, lush forest with large greens that are
well-manicured and true.
The other course, the D’Este is less trying but nevertheless,
a fun round of 18 holes at 6,086 yards. The main reason why
this is a walk-in-the-park is due to the fact that when it was
built in 2005, 70,000 saplings were planted throughout the
course, and many of which are still very young and gentle.
Golf Resort Karlstjen, on the other hand, has held The
Czech Open and is well-regarded as one of the best tracts in
Central Europe. Opened in 1993, it is spectacularly set against
the ancient fortress of Emperor Charles IV (circa 1348). Hilly
with water hazards sprinkled all over, Canadian architect Les
Furber made a point to use the natural surrounds to the benefit
of the beauty and yet, bring out a testing resolve in this relatively
short 6,480-yard, par 72 course. The broken terrain,
natural gorges, two lakes and many sand traps create a visual
challenge for players seeking to get risky here.
Combined with Karlstjen castle, the hills, limestone outcrops
and rich flora and fauna makes this a perfect visit just
minutes from the city. ➢
SEPT/OCT 2013 | TA 71