In its inaugural year, the D+D REAL Czech Masters has proven a resounding success, with players praising the infrastructure, the facilities but most notably the beautiful, pristine Albatross Golf Resort course.
The conditions of the course, just outside Prague, have come in for particular adulation, with Grégory Bourdy putting the greens among the top three he has played on The European Tour.
Having built their experience from the foundation by hosting four Challenge Tour events - three in Czech Republic and one in Slovakia - promoters RELMOST have stepped up to the plate in marvellous fashion with a European Tour event which has combined a superb golf course and facilities with a festival atmosphere.
After the specular cabaret dinner on the historic grounds of Trojan Castle in Prague on Tuesday, a glamourous Pro-Am party on Wednesday night was followed by music concerts every night on the clubhouse grounds, with one of the biggest acts in Czech pop music – Eddie Sloilow – proving a real crowd-pleaser on Friday night.
But the golf was not to be removed from centre stage as World Number 29 Jamie Donaldson showed his class in the first three days of the tournament.
The lay-out and the conditions at the Keith Preston-designed Albatross Golf Resort have been a regular topic of conversation among the players and Frenchman Bourdy was particularly blown away.
“I really enjoy this course and enjoy this place so that’s why I’m feeling confident here,” said the four time European Tour winner. “I like almost everything about this place.
“I like the design and when I arrived on Monday and played Tuesday I was surprised it was so good, especially the conditions. I think the greens are probably in the top three we have on The European Tour.
“They are quick and great conditions. The whole course is very good and the practise facilities are probably some of the best we have on tour. I feel good here and also to be in Prague, it’s a lovely city and we’re staying in town so I'm enjoying every moment here.”
World Number 34 Stephen Gallacher agreed: “There are a few holes you have to look out for. The scores are low and it’s testament to the conditions. The greens are pure and there are a lot of long irons into the par threes and the roughs hard as well so you’ve got to play well around here. It’s a great event and a great course.”
