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Latvia may be a small country but its castles, impressive scenery and allure of
the coastline hold a promise of a grand time in the heart of the Baltic region.
The capital
Riga boasts an enormous amount of Art Nouveau architecture within
its old-world confines - atmospheric in every sense with its cobblestone
streets, medieval castles and Baroque churches.
One of Latvia’s gems is
Jurmala, the renowned resort city in the Baltic! Long
stretches of white sand and pine trees provide a relaxing sight along with the
mild climate. Taking in a therapeutic mud bath or a soak in the mineral waters
can leave anyone feeling energised. Found on the coast of Riga Gulf, Saulkrasti,
is another sandy heaven for beach-lovers! Another lovely tourist spot is Sigulda,
where verdant parks lie and more stately manors and old castles can be visited.
For some rocking time whilst on holiday, head for
Liepaja on the western
region. The city has an edgy, hip character perhaps due to the popularity of its
annual music festival.
The eastern part of Latvia is home to the country’s stunning lakes Rezna and
Ezezers found near Rezekne. |
Golf in Latvia
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Ozo Golf Club - the first 18-hole golf course in Latvia - is one of the
most technologically advanced courses in Northern Europe. It is equipped
with Rain Bird watering system and quality course maintenance by John Deere.
The course has 18 holes, with a total distance of 6400 meters from the
back tees, and can surprise everyone with its variety. Denver (Colorado,
USA) based designer Rob Swedberg has managed to implement the accents of his
native Rocky Mountains, widely adapted the banks of the nearby Lake Kisezers,
as well as formed 16 ponds and 50 sand bunkers in the course.
Other facilities include: a driving range, conveniently situated in front
of the club house, as well as chipping and putting greens. Club restaurant
Bloom is well known among both, golf players, as well as gourmet cuisine
lovers.
The club operates according to the semi-private club principles. While
any golfer can use the course, the club members have a number of other
infrastructure privileges, such as special dressing and locker room, sauna,
pool, bag storage.
In 2002, Ozo Golf Club received an award as the Best Natural Architecture
Project in Latvia. In 2004, Ozo Golf Club was named among those 365 courses
around the world which New York Times golf reporter and author of World golf
courses. 365 days (Publishing House - Abrams, Harry N Inc.) Robert Sidorsky
suggests visiting.
In 2005, Ozo Golf Club received the Latvian National Sport facility
status, becoming the main education and training center for the Latvian
National teams. Competitions of different levels take place at the Ozo Golf
Club. However, one that stands out is the professional competition Baltic
Open - one of the Telia Tour stages, a tour that is an extremely popular in
Northern Europe. Ozo Golf Club organizes this competition together with a
leading bank in the Baltic States – Hansabanka. |