Glorious golf in stunning

The oldest nine-hole course still in existence in Switzerland, which was built in 1891, stands in the grounds of the legendary Kulm Hotel St. Moritz

SWITZERLAND GLORIOUS GOLF IN STUNNING

The Engadine is home to St. Moritz, better known these days as a glitzy winter sports destination, but for much of the 19th century it was far more popular with summer holidaygoers. Hundreds of British visitors headed there for complete rest and relaxation: to breathe the crystal clear Alpine air and to bathe in the healthinducing thermal spas, with maybe a spot of outdoor painting to while away a few hours.

Naturally, due to its popularity with the Brits, the locals thought it would be a good idea to import one of their favourite pastimes to keep them entertained: golf. In the summer of 1889, Conradin von Flugi travelled to England to assess the options for building a golf course in the Engadine, resulting in the creation of a nine-hole course (no longer in existence) located between St Moritz’s main railway station and the district of St. Moritz Bad.

The oldest nine-hole course still in existence in Switzerland, which was built in 1891, stands in the grounds of

With its breath-taking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and piercing blue summer skies, Switzerland is one of the most spectacular mountain locations in which to play golf. And there is no better place to experience a round or two than at the Engadine Golf Club, the oldest golf club in the country having been founded over 125 years ago (and the sixth oldest in continental Europe).

the legendary Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, making it the perfect base from which to enjoy a golfing trip to the Engadine. At 1,860 metres above sea level, the par-3 Kulm Golf St. Moritz course offers magnificent views over Lake St. Moritz and the valley, as it weaves its way in and out of pine forests and up and down undulating slopes, making it physically and mentally challenging for players at every level of the game. A course upgrade in 2001 by local designer Mario Verdieri improved the quality of the greens whilst bringing the layout up to date in order to keep pace with the recent technological advances in golf equipment.

In addition to complimentary green Main pic: Kulm Golf Course. Top: Zuoz Golf Course. Above left: Tiger Woods & GM Heinz Hunkeler. Above right: Kulm Golf St Moritz. Above centre: Kulm Hotel – Chesa al Parc Golf Club House. Above: Samedan Golf Course.

fees, guests staying at the Kulm Hotel benefit from access to the driving range and practice facilities as well as priority tee times and golf lessons.

® Cyrus Saedi

Top: Kulm Hotel St Moritz. Above: Kulm Golf St Moritz Above right: Zuoz-Madulain’s Hole 16, Par 3 and below Paddle boarding at Kulm Hotel St Moritz.

For those wishing to play at the Engadine Golf Club, which is less than a 30-minute drive from St. Moritz, the hotel concierge will happily arrange discounted green fees.

The Engadine Golf Club has two courses: Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain. The 18-hole course at Samedan is the historic one, having been established in 1893. It is a classic parkland course with an interesting flavour of links. Though mainly set on the flat valley floor, the course does offer some gently undulating holes as it winds its way in between valley streams and ponds that ensure a testing round of golf. Uniquely, its wide fairways are flanked by imposing giant larch trees, some of which are over 700 years old.

Sister course at Zuoz-Madulain – or simply Zuoz – presents a totally different experience. Opened in 2003, it is one of only five courses that the prolific Canadian architect Les Furber has designed in Europe. This relativelyyoung course is a challenging prospect that places a premium on course management and distance control. Golfers face demanding elevation changes, undulating fairways fringed by delightful meadow flowers and an array of tricky doglegs as it weaves its way along the side of the mountain through pine forests and past a fast-flowing river. After the trials and tribulations of the various golf courses, the Kulm Hotel provides a welcome retreat in which to relax and recuperate. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property has 164 luxurious rooms and suites and a lavish 2,000 square metre spa that includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a whirlpool, various steam and sauna rooms (perfect for easing aching muscles after a round or two), relaxation areas, treatment rooms and a gym with studio room.

Sporty all-rounders might also want to have a game of tennis on the hotel’s private courts or make the most of the sensational Engadine landscape, which presents numerous opportunities for hiking and biking up mountains or sailing, swimming, paddle boarding and windsurfing on the various lakes that line the valley. For those in search of a less active holiday, there are designer shopping streets to be browsed in St. Moritz, 64 art galleries and museums for those seeking a little culture and sightseeing to be done on any of the open mountain railways and buses in the Engadine/St. Moritz region, as their use is complimentary to Kulm Hotel guests. The summer season is also peppered with interesting events, such as British Classic Car meets and a well-established Festival da Jazz. The perfect spot for your next golf break: spectacular views, testing courses and pure relaxation in the sun-filled and tranquil surroundings of the Engadine Valley.

Throughout the summer season (19 June to 6 September 2020), the Kulm Hotel offers packages (as well as half-board rates) to suit couples, families and groups who love the game of golf.

Further information on the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and the Kulm Golf St. Moritz is available at www.kulm.com or email info@kulm.com