Golfing in Istria
For golfers, Istrian peninsula offers something equally alluring: two exceptional courses that capture both the modern elegance and timeless beauty of the region — Golf Club Adriatic and the Brijuni Golf Course. One symbolizes Istria’s rising profile as a luxury golf destination, the other preserves a century-old link to the game’s golden age.
Whether you prefer the challenge and polish of a PGA-certified course or the quiet, natural charm of a historic fairway surrounded by wildlife, Istria offers both — within a short scenic drive or ferry ride of each other.
So pack your clubs, and experience golf as few destinations can offer it: from the modern greens of the Adriatic to the timeless tranquility of Brijuni.
The Adriatic Golf Course — Istria’s Modern Masterpiece
Perched near Savudrija and Umag on Istria’s northwestern coast, Golf Club Adriatic, also known as PGA National Croatia, is the peninsula’s first championship-level 18-hole course. Designed by Austrian architects Diethard Fahrenleitner and Barbara Eisserer, it winds gracefully through a landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and sea views that stretch all the way to Slovenia and Italy on a clear day.
This par-72 course measures 6,360 meters and challenges golfers with strategically placed bunkers, natural ponds, and undulating greens. A great combination that rewards precision and patience. The signature 13th hole — a par-4 framed by the Adriatic coastline — perfectly embodies the course’s balance between challenge and beauty.
Part of the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Adriatic Resort, the club offers top-tier facilities including a driving range, golf academy, pro shop, and a panoramic clubhouse terrace where players can enjoy Istrian cuisine and a glass of Malvazija after a round. Golfers from across Europe often praise the Adriatic Course for its immaculate maintenance and its ability to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
The Brijuni Golf Course — A Walk Through History
If the Adriatic Course represents Istria’s future, the Brijuni Golf Course embodies its storied past. Located on the main island of the Brijuni National Park, just off the coast from Fažana and Pula, this course offers one of the most unique golfing experiences in Europe.
Originally opened in 1922, the course was a favorite among aristocrats and dignitaries who visited Brijuni when it was a fashionable retreat for the elite of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, politicians, and celebrities — all drawn to its peaceful, natural beauty.
Unlike most modern courses, Brijuni’s layout remains largely untouched by heavy machinery or chemicals. The 18-hole, par-71 course stretches over gently rolling terrain surrounded by pine forests, open meadows, and the occasional wandering deer. Its fairways double as part of the island’s ecosystem, giving golfers the surreal sensation of playing in a living nature reserve.
Because Brijuni is a protected national park, the course has no artificial irrigation or pesticides, making it a rare example of sustainable golf. It’s a place to slow down, breathe the sea air, and connect with golf’s simpler origins.
