Royal Bled- King's Course

 Royal Bled- King's Course: hole 6

 

After the first World War, Yugoslav King Aleksander Karadordevic chose Bled as his summer residence

It was a popular choice!

Golf came to Bled in 1937 when The King's Course was commissioned by Prince Regent Paul (of Yugoslavia)

However World War Two intervened and golf at Bled became a 'casualty of war'

 

Royal Bled- Kings Course- original 12th tee

It took until 1972 for the course to come back to life.

Donald Harradine completely reinvented the course making the most of the stunning mountain back drops to produce a championship course.

Whilst the resulting course is eminently walkable, it does make the most of the movement in the property.

There is enough elevation change throughout to provide the variety needed to elevate the course from 'good to great'.

Elevated tees at holes 7, 9, 10 & 14 enhance the impact of the surrounding scenery and make for some thrilling tee shots!

 

Royal Bled- Kings Course- hole 9

Bled is a thinking man's course.

From the championship tees the course measures 6563 metres, and provides a stiff test for low markers.

Each hole is framed by forest, and defends par robustly with strategically placed bunkering or water or both.

But while Bled is a challenge for all, it is quite playable (and enjoyable) for everyone off the appropriate tees

 

In 2017 the King's course was extensively renovated by Swan Designs who lengthened the course, and rebuilt tees, greens and bunkers in what was a comprehensive overhaul

 

 

 

More recently Bled's status was recognised when the Royal Karadordevic family formally ordained the club 'Royal Bled'

Long live the King!

 

 

Notable holes include:

- hole 6, a short par 4 with water restricting the tee shot to 220 metres from the members tee, leaving an approach over water to an elevated and convoluted green (pic top of page)

- hole 7, a mid length par 3 down hill 

- hole 8, a shortish par 4 where the tee shot needs to carry a mini gorge to set up a short iron approach to a beautifully bunkered green

 

- hole 10, a short island green reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass 17

- hole 14, a longish par 4 with water in play down the left side

 

 

- hole 15, a shorter par 4 with green perched by a lake

- hole 16, a par 5 with water in play left for the entire hole

 

Royal Bled also has a nine hole course called The Lake's Course.

 

Royal Bled is one of the most romantic golfing destinations in Europe.

The setting is picturesque, and the newly refurbished rooms in 'The King's House' are worthy of royalty- as are the dining and other services.

The golf is sublime- both the championship King's course and the nine hole Lakes course are nicely manicured, world class courses in that 'picturebook setting'.

And after golf a visit to Bled Castle or a cruise on the lake can be recommended

 

Royal Bled is the perfect destination for a lad's  or lasses golf trip, but for the sake of ongoing marital harmony I suggest you take the better half and stay a few days...

 

We rate Royal Bled a Travelling Golfer "must stay & play!"