Historic Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne remains a draw in the western Czech Republic's spa region

MARIANSKE LAZNE, Czech Republic -- Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne received its "Royal" status in 2003 from Queen Elizabeth but the club's roots date back to 1905 when Kind Edward VII conducted the grand opening, making it the only golf course in central Europe with such a distinguished past. The course was even a favorite of General Patton's soldiers, whom he would often have to search for personally when they would sneak away for a round.

Even today the club is still frequented by celebrities and dignitaries from around the world and had the distinction of hosting the inaugural Czech Open in 1994, the first European Tour event to be played on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain.

The golf course is situated in the Czech Republic's second largest spa town, sometimes known as Marienbad. With more than 40 mineral springs, Marianske Lazne became one of Europe's most important spa centers and with the addition of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne, the town has become even more of a destination.

The golf course stretches uphill across a plain that is situated more than 700 meters above sea level. Stately pine trees are scattered across the varying elevation changes, creating a parkland course that is as scenic as it is challenging. This formidable layout will test your driving skills and accuracy with your irons.

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - no. 1

Thick woods and bunkers are the primary defenses at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - no. 2

The par-5 second hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne has one of the course's largest greens. There is an undulation in the middle from left to right.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - hole 3

Many consider the third hole to be the most difficult at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 4th green

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne's par-4 fourth hole has seven bunkers.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - no. 5

A view of the fifth hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 6th green

A view of the sixth green at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne, the oldest golf course in the Czech Republic.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 7th hole

The par-4 seventh hole is one of the most scenic at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 8th hole

Trees and two large bunkers protect the green on the par-3 eighth green at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 9th hole

Shoot for the green on the par-3 ninth, the shortest hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - hole 10

Dense woods like the 10th fairway at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne. Water also runs along the left side.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 11th green

Water guard the right side of no. 11, perhaps the most difficult hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 12th

A stand of chestnut trees border the right side of the fairway on the par-5 12th hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 13th hole

At 201 yards from the back tees, the 13th hole is the longest par 3 at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 14th green

A bunker protects the left side of the green on the par-4 14th hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

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Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 15th tee

You'll need to thread the needle off the tee on the par-4 15th hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 16th tee

At Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne's 16th tee, take care to avoid the double water hazard on the right side.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 17th hole

Bunkers guard the green front-left and front-right on no. 17, the longest hole at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne

Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne - 18th hole

A view of the approach to the 18th green at Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne in the Czech Republic.

Courtesy of Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne