Golfing in Croatia 

     For a thriving Mediterranean tourist destination, Croatia has surprisingly few golf courses--three, to be exact. You have the Novi Dvori course in Zapresic near Zagreb, the new Golf and Country Club Zagreb (nine hole, PAR 30) near the Zagreb Fair grounds and Croatia's oldest golf course in the Brijuni Islands (18 holes).

     Concern about water consumption on Croatia's relatively dry coast has hampered construction but the prospect of luring big-spending golfers to the country has largely trumped environmental concerns. Now there are several large golfing projects in development. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has recently signed on to the design of the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Istria. Located between Rovinj and Pula on the Istrian coast, the Porto Mariccio Resort will consist of a luxury hotel that will include a spa, wellness center and meeting facilities; a variety of residential offerings totaling more than 460 units; a 350-berth marina; and the 18-hole golf course. Construction begins in 2007 and should be finished in 2009.

     Dalmatia will not be left out of Croatia's future as a golf destination. Golf courses are planned for Cilipi, near Dubrovnik's airport and two other destinations near Dubrovnik. The Split and Zadar regions have also been targeted for golf resorts. So, stay tuned!

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