Golf

The course was redesigned four times in the 1923 – 1939 period. The biggest changes to the layout were noticed in the 1933 redesign. The task was entrusted to Tom Simpson and George Thomas, the most well-known golf architects in the world at the time. So we can say that these changes, headed by the leaders in the “golden age” of golf architecture, were the most significant in the entire history of the Brijuni course. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the construction of a golf course on Veliki Brijun. The construction of the golf course on Brijuni was finished in late 1922, and the first tournament was held on 21 March 1923. The course was claimed to be one of the biggest in Europe. More recent information suggests that the Brijuni course might have been the first golf resort in the world. The course certainly stood out, not only because of its climate and position (Mediterranean destination in “Mitteleuropa”), but also because of its good reputation. Namely, although European championships were never played here, if you were to read the newspapers and journals of the time, you would have got the sense that the course was exceptionally well-known and recognised, both among golf champions and the upper classes. In addition to world-class golfers, the course was frequented by members of the European aristocracy, the most renowned industrialists and artists. Up to 50 tournaments a year would take place on the course of Brijuni, and the trophies for the best players were finally presented at the New Year's Eve ball and gala dinner.

The course was redesigned four times in the 1923 – 1939 period. The biggest changes to the layout were noticed in the 1933 redesign. The task was entrusted to Tom Simpson and George Thomas, the most well-known golf architects in the world at the time. So we can say that these changes, headed by the leaders in the “golden age” of golf architecture, were the most significant in the entire history of the Brijuni course.

The first phase of reconstruction of the old course took place in 1991, when a group of students from the Faculty of Physical Culture in Zagreb, in collaboration with experts from Brijuni National Park, rebuilt nine holes of the old course. Referring to old drawings, they reconstructed nine holes in total. After almost 50 years, golf returned to Brijuni. The Brijuni course has since then been attracting more and more lovers of the sport. Up to a dozen tournaments take place every year. As more and more national and international golfers register each year, all 18 holes, as well as the club house, underwent reconstruction in 2007.

More information about the golf tradition on the Brijuni Islands and upcoming events can be found at the following link.

How do I get to the golf course?

Tickets (green fee) for the golf course can be purchased at the branch office for excursion tourism in Fažana. You can reach the island of Veliki Brijun by boat from the Fažana Port. In the very centre of the port of Brijuni, there is an info point where you can get additional instructions. If you wish, you can rent an electric car at the sports department or continue on foot on the road behind the Karmen Hotel. Continue following the road by the sea, and you will reach a bridge. One you cross it, you will reach your destination. On your right, you will see a golf house with a bar, reception desk and cloakroom. The starting positions for the first hole are also in the immediate vicinity.

Unlike most golf courses in Europe, playing on our course is possible all year round. Regardless of when you decide to visit, you will always be able to enjoy pleasant temperatures, which rarely drop below zero in January. During winter, there is sometimes a cold wind called bora, but this will not affect the quality of your game. Depending on the amount of rain in summer, the grass sometimes turns yellow, but the local rule that the ball can be moved allows you to still play without any problems. Regardless of the season, the Brijuni golf course will always be able to offer you peace and quiet.