Radstadt Golf Course

Radstadt Golf Course is a golf facility located in Radstadt, a town in the Salzburg state of Austria. It offers a unique and scenic golfing experience for players of all levels, with a variety of features and amenities. It is located in the heart of the Tauern region, surrounded by a stunning mountain landscape and a medieval town panorama. It consists of an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole academy course, both of which are well-maintained and challenging. One of the most distinctive aspects of Radstadt Golf Course is the world’s only golf gondola, called the Birdie Jet, which transports players from the 11th green to the 12th tee, which is located at an altitude of 996 meters. From there, players can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire course and the nearby peaks, as well as a thrilling tee shot down to the fairway 13, which is 100 meters below. Radstadt Golf Course also boasts a large driving range, a golf academy, a pro shop, a club house, and a restaurant. The golf academy, led by professional instructors Hans-Peter Bacher and Alfred Rogy, offers individual and group lessons, as well as courses for beginners and advanced players. The restaurant, Josef’s, serves regional and international cuisine, as well as snacks and drinks. Radstadt Golf Course has received several awards and recognition for its excellence and innovation, and is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in Austria and Europe.

History

Radstadt Golf Course was founded in 1988 by a group of local golf enthusiasts, who wanted to create a golf facility that would attract visitors and boost the economy of the region. The original course was designed by the Austrian architect Kurt Rossknecht, who also designed other courses in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The course was officially opened on July 1, 1989, with a ceremonial tee shot by the then-president of Austria, Kurt Waldheim.

In 1994, the course was expanded to include the 9-hole academy course, which was also designed by Rossknecht. This course is ideal for beginners and practice, as it features shorter and easier holes than the championship course. The academy course also has its own clubhouse and driving range.

In 1996, the Birdie Jet was installed, making Radstadt Golf Course the first and only golf course in the world to have a cable car. The Birdie Jet was conceived by the former president of the golf club, Franz Schilcher, who wanted to add a unique attraction to the course. The Birdie Jet was built by the Swiss company Garaventa, which specializes in cable car systems. The Birdie Jet can carry up to 12 passengers at a time, and takes about two minutes to reach the 12th tee.

In 2003, the course underwent a major renovation, which included the redesign of some holes, the improvement of the drainage system, the installation of new irrigation and sprinkler systems, and the planting of new trees and shrubs. The renovation was supervised by the German architect Christoph Städler, who also designed other courses in Europe and Asia. The renovation aimed to enhance the quality and playability of the course, as well as to preserve its natural beauty and harmony with the environment.

Radstadt, Austria