Skalica is a city known not only in Slovakia, but also far beyond its borders. It is admired for its wines, delicious Skalica trdelník, rich history and valuable historical monuments. Personally, I am convinced that it is also gaining favor thanks to the atmosphere, hospitality and a diverse range of activities that tourists can try in Skalica. And just three years ago, golf was added to the list of leisure activities offered by the city.
Katarína Chovancová for UnitedLife
For those who have not been to Skalica yet and are planning to, but also for those who have not heard of the course – Skalica is the first urban golf resort in Slovakia with a full-fledged infrastructure of an 18-hole course, located in the wine-growing part of the free royal city of Skalica. The Skalica course offers golfers the best training areas in the country, a pleasant homely atmosphere, beautiful views of the Skalica vineyards and of course a top-quality course that is a challenge for all age and handicap categories. Since we have moved into the last third of this year, I think it is the right time to recapitulate and evaluate the slowly ending 2013 season.
From my perspective as a domestic player and a player with a plus handicap, the season in Skalica was different from the previous one. The first reason for this statement is the quality of the course. The greens were a stable 9 feet not only during tournaments, but also during the season, which I appreciated especially when preparing for valuable foreign tournaments. My second reason was the decision and subsequent implementation of the water well. All golfers who played in Skalica last summer and found their way there this summer must agree with me that it was an incomparable difference. The third reason for my bold statement is the riffles. The decision to let them grow was, in my view, one of the best that could have been made. Not only did the course get new contours thanks to them, but it also became much more attractive for the game. Even the player on the tee realizes that it is not enough to just stand up, hit and "I'll find it somewhere". He has to think a lot more, play tactically, choose different sticks and maybe even change his game strategy compared to last season.
The Skalické course organized countless commercial tournaments throughout the year. It was the organizer of the Slovak Junior Championship, the Slovak Senior Championship, association tournaments, and hosted the prestigious PilsnerUrquell Czech PGA Tour, which, in addition to professionals from all over Europe, also allowed Slovak amateur players to participate.
However, what the course had been preparing for all year was the tournament under the auspices of the European Golf Association (EGA), the European Boy's Challenge Trophy 2013. 11 countries, including Slovakia, participated in the tournament and the top three qualified for next year's European Boys' Championship under 18. I participated in this tournament as a referee and one day as a starter. Personally, I consider this tournament not only a very interesting experience, but also a great one.
This was the first time I participated in a tournament like this, not as a player, but as part of the organizing team. The entire tournament took place in a peaceful atmosphere and despite the lower temperatures, the weather was kind to the players, the field was in top condition and everything went without the slightest problem. Not only the players, but also the captains of the individual teams confirmed that the tournament was a success beyond expectations and that everyone was extremely satisfied.
Behind the success of the entire tournament is the entire greenkeeping team of Vojtech Mrňa, the referees led by the head referee Ján Peč II., the entire team of Golf Resort Skalica and especially every single volunteer who decided to come and help in their free time.
Photo: archive Golf Resort Skalica