The original Marianske Lazne 9-hole golf course and clubhouse were opened in 1905. It was a great achievement of the towns representatives, who had responded to numerous requests of western spa guests. The course was built according to plans of Scottish Professional Robert Doig of Musselburg. From the very beginning the course and the club became exceptionally popular particularly between the English and American guests. HM Edward VII, the King of The United Kindom together with the British ambassador in Vienna became two of the first club members. Edward VII is known to have financially supported the club from the beginning. The first game at the newly opened 9-hole course was played on the 1st of June, 1905, while the clubhouse still had not been finished. The official clubhouse opening ceremony took place on the 21st of August 1905 with the presence of the King. A tournament had been organised, with prizes donated by the King. This day is commemorated every year on the same date since then. The popularity of golf grew constantly. Finally, the course was extended to 18 holes in 1923.
The course was successfully presented at the Austrian Exhibition in London, where the special Marianske Lazne section featured a relief model of the course. Many outstanding guests could be met at the course in the summer months, among others David Lloyd George (1863-1945), the British Prime Minister in 1916-1922, or his friend, later Lord Reading. The course was also twice visited by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936).
Twice in the thirties the course was visited by Henry Cotton, who set the then course record of 68 (2 under). The club engaged another known Englisman - Arthur Lees - as a club Pro. Arthur Lees used to come back to visit the Marianske Lazne golf club over the years, in the sixties and for the last time in 1983.
In the summer of 1934 the memorial plaque of Edward VII was revealed near Tee 1. Edward VII used to visit the town and later the golf club repeatedly, first in 1897 as the Prince of Wales, in 1903 first as the King of Great Britain. He stayed once in the hotel Klinger, and eight times in the hotel Weimar, for the last time was in 1909.
The 1935 season culminated in three championships. The historically first Open Championship of Czechoslovakia was attended by the best European professionals. The winner was Scot Mark Seymour, followed by Arthur Lees and Henry Cotton (1934 British Open Champion). The best amateur player was H.C.Bentley. The Open Championship 1937 was played again in Marianske Lazne. Among the participating 18 professionals and 14 amateurs the winner was Henry Cotton (then 1937 British Open Champion).
The most difficult time for the club came after World War II. For the next few decades it took the enormous effort of a group of enthusiasts to protect the course from destruction, planned by the communist rulers of the country. Golf, being officially considered "a game unsuitable for the working class" had been subject to suppression. Still, after the social relaxation in 1968 the members of the club succeeded in sending a representative team of players to several international championships. This was practically the only allowed contact with international golf in the seventies and eighties. The European Junior Championship 1978 was the first important event in the clubs history after World War II. It was the most important golf event of Czech golf at that time. Such a championship was organized for the first time in Eastern Europe under the communist regime. Holes No.2 and No.3 had been rebuilt for this occasion. This championship was the first occasion to meet young players, who have later succeeded in turnaments og PGA European Tour. One of them, Ronan Rafferty acquired third place in PGA Volvo Tour tournament 1995 in Marianske Lazne.
The European Junior Championship 1978
was the first important event in the clubs history after World War II. It was the most important golf event of Czech golf of that time. Such a championship was organized for the first time in Eastern Europe under the communist regime. Holes No.2 and No.3 had been rebuilt for this occasion. This championship was the first occasion to meet young players, who have later succeeded in turnaments og PGA European Tour. One of them, Ronan Rafferty acquired third place in PGA Volvo Tour tournament 1995 in Marianske Lazne.
Professional golf exhibition `93
at the beginning of our journey to professional golfing was an exhibitional tournament featuring several golf stars - Ian Woosnam, Marc McNulty, Frank Nobilo, Roger Davis a Robert Allenby."You have a beautiful course and a lot of golf enthusiasts - it assures, that we will return here" said I.Woosnam at a press conference. His words fulfilled in just next year.
Chemapol Trophy Czech Open `94
has become the first professional tournament from PGA Volvo Tour series organized in Eastern Europe. It`s prize money was five hundred thousand pounds and it served also as a qualification to The Ryder Cup. Greatest stars were Bernhard Langer, Severiano Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Miguel Agel Jimenez, Robert Allenby, Sam Torrance, Frank Nobilo or Ronan Rafferty. At the tournament beginning Ballesteros said "The course is very good, but also difficult. I`m looking forward to the tournament. May God give us better weather". Viewers will not forget, what an outstanding experience this tournament was, although the weather was not good. The winner was Per-Ulrik Johansson with 237 strokes (-11), the second was Eriksson with 240 (-8), the third Nobilo and Claydon 241 (-7).
Chemapol Trophy Czech Open `95
thanks to the successful organization of the 1994 tournament it was possible to organize it in much better term in 1995. Again it was a qualification to Ryder Cup. According to the previous Order of Merit these players from the first 20 took part: third Rocca, fourth Torrance, seventh Walton, eighth Gilford, nineth James, then Rivero, Deren Clarke, Lane, Fulke, Claydon, Forsbrand, Clark, Struever. The winner was Peter Teravainent by 268 (-16). In second place Clark 269 (-15), third Rafferty and Hedblom 271 (-13). The tournament was successful. It became historically most observed sport event in Czech history, half a billion viewers watched it thanks to satellite television.
Chemapol Trophy Czech Open `96
just as in the previous case The Czech Open in 1996 had one of the highest prize monies in Europe. The winner was Jonathan Lomas by 272, second Daniel Chopra, 273, third Domingo Hospital, 274. In the years 1995 and 1996 the tournament was enriched with the presence of Ivan Lendl, world tennis legend. This fact was appreciated especially by czech visitors and viewers.
Dresdner Bank Final
with the presence of important personalities and celebrities of international, political, cultural and sporting life, Marianske Lazne Golf Club takes part in organizing this prestigious tournament. Metternich Cup - the same can be said about this tournament of having a high sport and social importance, which is organized in Marianske Lazne to full satisfaction of both organizers and participants.
European Senior Team Championship 2001
- had been hosted by our club together with the Karlovy Vary Golf Club on 25. - 29. June 2001.
The Royal Golf Club title 2003 and royal visit 2005
The greatest moment in our history came in 2003, when HM Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, had granted the Golf Club in Marianske Lazne the right to use the title Royal Golf Club. In 2005, it had been a great honour for us that the Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne could welcome the visit of HRH The Prince Edward.
St. Andrews & Jacques Leglise Trophies 2006
It was a great honour for us to serve as host to the St. Andrews and Jacque Leglise trophies, the match between the best amateur players and juniors of the european continent against their best counterparts of the UK. This outstanding event allowed us to see the future of european golf; many of the participant now do achieve outstanding achievements. Hope to see you again in Marienbad, Rory McIlroy !
