The emergence of Eastern Europe as a golf destination has been further underlined by the creation of an artificial par-3 course at The Solaris Hotels Resort in Sibenik, the oldest Croatian town on the shores of the Adriatic
Described as a hybrid course by Eric Van Tassel, Mirage's International project manager, it's unusual in that all the teeing areas and putting greens are synthetic. The course has an enclosed beach-side location with ocean views, water hazards sand bunkers and a driving cage.
"The idea behind my design was to create something simple enough for first time golfers to navigate being challenging enough for more experienced players, "Eric told Golfmagic. "The course will allow inexperienced golfers to learn first, the two most difficult skills associated with the game, chipping and putting as opposed to merely concentrating on the driver."
He says that the course is condensed (average length about 40-50 yards) and has been designed so the tees are protected by trees, golfers playing short shots, threaten little danger to other players.
With seeding of the grass around the holes only recently completed, these areas will not be mature enough to play from until next year but the tees and greens are playable.
Cost of building a similar course is upto $1.3million depending on the location and the elevation required above the water table. The three acre area at Solaris had to be raised between two to three feet overall to accommodate the course.
He says each green has around a 1.5 percent slope from back to front to help drainage and to hold approaching shots, which are restricted to wedges you can hire on site, together with putters..
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