FROM THE FIRST TEE OFF TO SUNSET
Set against a backdrop of greens, glacier, mountain, and lake, what does a perfect day of golf look like? We asked Magdalena, a passionate local golfer who has been hooked on the game – more or less – ever since she could walk, and who lives right opposite the Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Course. Find out what tips this true insider has in store for you.
CHALLENGING AND FULL OF CONTRAST
Golf enthusiasts can play a total of 36 holes on two courses at the Leading Golf Club Zell am See-Kaprun. Providing a magnificent panoramic view, the courses are named after the region’s two local mountains ‘Kitzsteinhorn’ and ‘Schmittenhöhe’, which surround the facilities. “For me, that’s exactly what sets this golf course apart – it’s challenging and full of contrasts at the same time. The ‘Schmittenhöhe’ course is mentally very demanding – for women, it’s extremely long to play and often requires precise, long shots onto the green,” says Magdalena, describing the challenges, and adds that the difficulty really steps up a notch towards the end, particularly at holes 17 and 18. The ‘Kitzsteinhorn’ course offers a stark contrast. The Kaprun Glacier towers in the background as surely the most loyal spectator and fan. You might even think the snow-capped peak is competing with the brilliant green of the fairways and roughs on the course. “Kitzsteinhorn may be shorter, but it’s also a bit ‘tighter’ with the water hazards, so you need even greater precision when playing.”
Golftime = familytime
I started out in the club’s junior golf squad back then,” recalls Magdalena with a smile. The young woman from Zell has been playing golf for as long as she can remember, and always enjoyed the fun training sessions, held once or twice a week in a large group of children. Today she has a handicap of 2.4. “We were soon allowed to play right on the course – that was great fun.” As Magdalena’s brother also played golf, and is still very good at it, and both her parents share her enthusiasm for the sport, golf has always been a real family activity.
A PORTION OF CHIPS IS A MUST
How does Magdalena spend her perfect day of golf? “On a hot summer’s day, it’s definitely worth getting up early, because the early tee times (18 holes) in the morning are the best, with the peace and quiet and wonderful atmosphere on the golf course.” It’s the combination of this with a refreshing dip in Lake Zell afterwards that really makes Magdalena happy. “Sometimes I also go on a mountain hike and then play a leisurely 9-hole round of golf in the afternoon.” That’s exactly what makes the Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Course so special – you can experience “snow”, “mountain”, and “lake” all in a single day. “After a round with my flight, a portion of chips or a good meal at the golf restaurant is simply a must for me.”
Event tipS
For anyone who’d like to experience the combination of snow and golf first-hand, the Ski&Golf World Championships are an absolute hot tip. Whether as part of a team or on your own, anyone with a handicap of 18 or less can take part. First the giant slalom, then a round of golf – a world championship combining these two disciplines is truly unique!
As another event at the Zell am See-Kaprun golf course, Magdalena also recommends the Pro Shop Tournament in August: “It’s a really friendly affair, with music, a great atmosphere, and some brilliant prizes.”
If you fancy the experience of your perfect day of golf in Zell am See-Kaprun, you’ll find all the details here: https://www.zellamsee-kaprun.com/golf
Have fun with your next tee off! Feel free to share your photos on our Instagram account
