Almost 7000 new golfers registered this year with the Czech Golf Federation and it appears inevitable that the sport’s popularity will continue to soar towards new heights.

members.jpgLike sushi, flatscreen Tvs and real estate development on the Vltava River, golf is definitely “in” these days in the Czech Republic. In 1990, there were only 2,000 registered golfers with the Czech Golf Federation, while this past year the number reached an astonishing 35,000. Overall, the growth rate has averaged about 20% over the past few years.

Originally established in the 1930s as the Czechoslovakian Golf Federation, the main objectives of today’s Czech Golf Federation are to increase the membership base annually, enlarge the number of total golf courses – currently at about 72, oversee 20-25 amateur tournaments per year, and improve and develop Junior Golf.

“The dramatic growth is always a challenge,” says Miroslav Holub, General Secretary of the Czech Golf Federation. “Everybody wants it, but on the other hand if you don’t have enough good teachers, players, service or staff, its obviously hurting that growth.”

For those who want to sample the variety of clubs throughout the country, whether they are established foreign players or natives taking up the game for the first time, one can become a member of the CGF for as little as CZK 3,000. This yearly fee allows you to play at any course or club (greens fees excluded), compete in tournaments and establish a handicap.

As far as local greens fees, prices are much more reasonable than one might imagine. “There are courses in the Czech Republic that you may not even know about that are beautiful and you can play 18 holes for CZK 400,” says Holub. “Within one hour of Prague you can play nice courses for CZK 800, and in Prague you can play 9 holes at places like Hodovicky and Hostivar for about CZK 600.” Holub and others associated with the CGF have become very creative at finding unique ways to market the game and circumvent the perceived stereotypes. Working in conjunction with some of the clubs and courses, “Open Days” are offered from time to time. Essentially anyone is welcome to play a particular course on a particular day for absolutely free. The success of these events obviously depends upon cooperation from local radio and TV, as well as strong community involvement. Free clubs, lessons and explanation of rules are all provided.

Looking towards the future, CGF has also put an extremely strong emphasis on the youth movement. They’ve developed campaigns such as “Golf Against Drugs for Kids” and the total number of registered youth golfers in 2007 was an impressive 6,000. “Junior Golf is Huge,” says an enthusiastic Holub. “We want to get into that membership base through kids. Because if you get one kid, you get two parents as well.”

In an ideal world, CGF’s General Secretary envisions more camaraderie, socializing and community involvement at the various courses and clubs. Holub, who grew up playing at Semily, a 9-hole course near Liberec, would like to see more evening barbeques and social gatherings with kids and families taking place after community tournaments.

He firmly believes that a stronger sense of fraternization similar to what occurs at old clubs in England, Scotland and the U.S. Would be fantastic for the role of golf in the Czech Republic.

Holub also stresses that the overall success and well-being of the game should truly be a concerted effort encompassing government support, the EU, local community involvement and strong investors with a great business plan. If all of these parties do their share, he believes the potential is limitless.

“I would like to see about 75,000 registered players five years from now. I think this is feasible,” proclaims Holub. “I would also like to see about 150 golf courses and a wider scale of them for beginners, advanced, and championship courses. That might be tough. But if we get to about 120, then I think we would still be doing very well.”

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