Stay and Play Golf Resort Black Stork, Slovakia Review

September 22, 2019

The High Tatra mountain range in central Europe is an extraordinary place – apart from the 25 peaks above 2500m, there are unique glacial lakes, protected plants and rare animals – all of which are spectacular. However, what lured us to the region was a gift from our friends Liz and Jen – a “Stay and Play” voucher for Golf Resort Black Stork in Slovakia.

The Black Stork golf resort in Vel’ka Lomnica has an unrivalled position on the south side, in the protected area of the Tatra National Park. Unspoiled countryside, mountain peaks and fresh air – these are all the attributes to enjoy during a round of golf, and enjoy we did!

Black Stork has 27 holes of golf (3 course combinations), a covered driving range, chipping area, putting green, and golf academy and golf simulator.

We played all three 9-hole courses (Taylor, Braid and Vardon) and found each had its own individual characteristics. They all offered resplendent views of the Tatra mountain range. Although we were surrounded by mountains, the course itself is relatively flat, plenty of wonderful views and many water features and numerous lakes. The course has parameters, which satisfy all golfers. There are four or five tees on each hole. Its par is 72+36 with a classical set of holes of par 3, 4 and 5.

The fairways were very well kept, with little to no dry areas. Although I took a trip to the mountains for this holiday, I did find myself at the “beach” more times than I care to think about, which brought to my attention there was never enough rakes in the bunkers. A couple of bunkers even had standing water from the past rain showers over the last week. And I noticed the bathroom options on the course were very limited.

The rating of the course shows that it is a medium-difficulty course. The first four holes prove it – there are water hazards straggled and biting in the paths. Nevertheless, even the other holes are not depleted. The longest hole is Nr. 10 on Braid course, par 5, 485, or 417 meters long and, on the other hand, the shortest hole is Nr. 15 on the Braid course, par 3, which is 129, or 82 meters long. The most difficult hole on Taylor course is Nr. 8, on Braid course Nr. 12 and on the Vardon course the most difficult hole is Nr. 24. Hole Nr. 22 on the Vardon course has an island green.

Overall I would score Black Stork a 72. Throughout the round, I found myself stopping to enjoy the spectacular views and be reminded of why I play this game.

Fairways and Greens….We are 18 Holes and Counting! Written by Kathy Festa

COURSE: Black Stork Golf Resort LOCATION: Slovokia DATE: September 13, 2019

HOLE	PAR	SCORE	COMMENTS
1 – Tee Time Availability	4	3	Since we were staying at the course our tee time was easy to book.
2 – Cost of Green Fees	4	4	The cost was normal for the area.
3 – Starter/Marshal	3	4	There was no starter or marshal. However, The course was not crowded and playtime was easy to maintain. We didn’t receive a pre-brief of the course. The course was very well marked making it easy to navigate.
4 – Condition of Tee Boxes	4	5	All of the tee boxes were in need of maintenance. There were many divots making a good teeing area poor.
5 – Condition of Fairways	5	5	All of the fairways were in great shape. Not many divots. Grass was cut. There were heavy grass clippings on a handful of fairways impacting our lie.
6 – Condition of Greens	4	4	The greens were in good shape and the holes were cleanly cut.
7 – Length of Course	5	5	The course layout and length was very conducive to walking. Nothing too far apart.
8 – Hazards	4	4	The hazards were will placed. Enough to make you think about and have to plan the hole. But nothing that would penalize you for a good shot.
9 – Women Friendly	3	3	Tee boxes for the women were set up well and I did not see any advantage or disadvantage for the women.
OUT	36	37
10 – Practice Area	5	5	The practice area had a driving range, putting and chipping area. There is a golf simulator in the pro shop.
11 – Locker Rooms	3	3	Everything was clean and easy to access.
12 – Pro Shop	4	4	There is a small pro shop that offers all of your basic golfing needs.
13 – Location	4	4	The course is easy to find and close to a small town with shopping and restaurant options.
14 – Rental Equipment	4	4	Rental equipment is available. The gear was in good condition. You could rent push carts, electric carts and buggies.
15 – Resturant/Food Cart	4	5	Nothing on the course.
16 – Club House	4	5	Good food. Nice and clean. The menu didn’t offer any “light and easy” meal options.
17 – Parking	3	2	There was plenty of parking located near all of the different areas of play and practice.
18 – Customer Service	5	4	Everyone was happy to help and wanted you to enjoy your day.
IN	36	35
TOTAL	72	72	Course Rater: Kathy Festa