It’s not often you find a true links-inspired course landlocked in the middle of Europe — but that’s exactly what awaits just fifteen minutes from the centre of Prague. Prague City Golf – Lipence (sometimes known as Zbraslav) is a bold, modern layout that channels the rugged character of coastal golf while sitting peacefully within the rolling Bohemian countryside.

Designed by Jeremy Ford and Alex Čejka, with shaping by Mick McShane — the man who helped craft many of the great British links — Lipence is a course that both challenges and charms in equal measure. From the moment you step onto the first tee, it’s clear this is not a parkland stroll. Instead, you’re greeted by wide fairways framed with striking red-sand waste areas, deep pot bunkers, and greens that seem to ripple and twist under the light. It’s a course that rewards strategy and precision more than raw power — a thinking golfer’s test.

Playability and Character

The terrain is predominantly flat, but it’s far from featureless. The artistry lies in the shaping: gentle undulations, artful bunkering, and green complexes that could have been lifted straight from the coast of Ayrshire or County Clare. Fairways invite bold tee shots, but every risk has its price. Miss the ideal line and you’ll often face a tough lie or a steep-faced bunker staring back at you.

The greens are Lipence’s true signature. Dramatically contoured and beautifully maintained, they demand both imagination and nerve. Subtle breaks and deceptive slopes make two-putts far from guaranteed. Many of the putting surfaces are protected by “spill-offs” — tightly mown run-offs that gather anything less than perfect — meaning recovery shots around the green become a masterclass in touch and trajectory.

The Challenge

While accessible to players of all levels, Lipence is no pushover. From the back tees, the course stretches impressively long, and even from the forward markers it will test course management and distance control. The flat landscape leaves the holes exposed to the wind, making each round a different experience. On a breezy day, club selection becomes an art form.

There’s a psychological challenge, too. Many holes are visually intimidating, with red-sand wastes and pot bunkers dominating the player’s view. But the fairways are fair — generous enough if you commit to your line. The punishment only comes when you lose focus or flirt too closely with danger.

Key Holes and Highlights

Lipence is full of memorable holes that linger in the mind long after the final putt. The long par-4s ask for two solid, shaped strikes to reach the dance floor, while the short par-3s offer small targets guarded by unforgiving hazards. The par-5s, on the other hand, tempt the brave — reachable in two for the long hitters, but risky in all the wrong places.

The essence of Lipence is variety. No two holes look or feel alike. One moment you’re playing a risk-and-reward tee shot over a sea of sand; the next, you’re facing a delicate pitch from a tight lie into a green that falls away from you. It’s modern golf design at its finest — challenging, strategic, and visually captivating.

Setting and Surroundings

Despite being so close to the city, the setting feels wonderfully tranquil. Beyond the course boundaries, the gentle Bohemian landscape rolls toward the horizon, punctuated by patches of forest and open farmland. It’s peaceful, almost pastoral, and yet Prague’s skyline lies just beyond reach.

From the clubhouse terrace — sleek, modern, and welcoming — the views stretch across the fairways, where golfers appear as small moving dots against the backdrop of sculpted mounds and crimson waste areas. The contrast between the manicured greens and the rugged, natural look of the hazards gives the course a unique visual identity that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Value and Experience

Prague City Golf offers a quality-to-price ratio that’s hard to beat. Green fees reflect its premium status but remain excellent value compared to similar standard courses in Western Europe. Add in the convenience of being so close to the Czech capital, and you have a first-class golf experience that doesn’t require a long detour from your city break.

Facilities are top-notch: a spacious driving range with both covered and open bays, professional instruction, and a well-stocked pro shop. The restaurant delivers exactly what tired golfers need — hearty, well-presented food and a terrace that begs you to linger for a post-round beer or a glass of Moravian wine.

In Summary…

In a country better known for its castles and beer than its golf, Prague City Golf – Lipence stands out as a course of real international pedigree. It captures the spirit of traditional links golf — the creativity, the strategy, the unpredictability — and marries it with Central European comfort and accessibility.

It’s not a course you’ll forget easily. Every round tells a different story; every bounce feels alive with possibility. For visitors to Prague, Lipence is more than a convenient round of golf — it’s a destination in itself, and a reminder that world-class golf can thrive far from the sea.

Planning your next bespoke golfing getaway? Visit www.heritagegolfgetaways.com fill out our contact form or phone Niall on +353 87 3670816