Albatross Golf Resort has for three years now been one of the more popular host venues on tour but, with some intriguing course changes introduced this year, the Prague course has been making an even bigger impression having recently become a fully-fledged European Tour Destination.
New greenside lakes at the opening hole as well as the 12th have added a subtle but challenging new dimension to the Keith Preston-designed lay-out, which joined the prestigious list of European Tour Destinations in May of this year.
The players have certainly been enjoying what the pristine track has to offer this week, and it has been widely praised in their post-round interviews:
Matt Fitzpatrick
“It's interesting, the changes they've made. I think it makes it better. The par fives are less gettable to most people now because you can't just hit 20 yards short and get up and down because there is all water in play which is really smart.
“I like the course here and even if I have a bad one over the next day or two, I can't complain because I know I like the course, it's a nice place to come back to.”
Thomas Pieters
“The par fives aren't as easy any more. You can't just knock it next to the green, you really have to stick your wedges close because the water comes into play and some of the par threes play really long. It's set up fair.
“If they move the tees up on the par fives you can go for it with a long iron or a wood and that's where you get some risk-reward.”
Peter Hanson
“I think the changes are good. A couple of par fives have been strengthened and it looks visually better at one and 12, two beautiful holes. It makes it more interesting.
“It’s a golf course which favours long hitters and obviously Pieters won last year. It’s good to have a high ball speed here."
Bradley Dredge
“There are a few changes, most noticeably on the first and 12, both par fives, but if you’re playing good then you’re looking to score on those holes. The 12th is tough to reach in two, you need a big hit there but the first is a four and a half hole still.
“The 12th is still a wedge from the fairway so it’s a good opportunity really. It’s just one of those courses that suits my eye and I can see the lines on the greens, I just wish we had more events out here!”
David Howell
“It’s a wonderful tournament here, it’s the first time I’ve been. The sun is shining, the course is in fantastic condition and Prague is a lovely city so it was a good decision to come here.
“It’s nice to come to new tournaments and this is just a really nice European Tour event. We’re in a nice city and we’re near the airport, the course is in great shape and the fans are pretty loud and very encouraging."
