You may know the name Franz Ferdinand if you listen to pop radio, but that’s not where this article is headed. Instead, as one of the most prestigious European disc golf events rapidly approaches, we felt it’s only fair to shine some attention on this incredible course in the Czech Republic.

Home of the Konopištĕ Open, the Franz Ferdinand disc golf course is described as a gem by those who have played it, and it brings top-level players from around the world to its beautiful layout. Here’s a peek at what makes this course so special and what we can expect at this year’s event!

A Magical Wonderland

Designed by Lukas Filandr and Premysl Novak, two of the country’s top disc golf promoters, Franz Ferdinand was installed in 2013 for the inaugural Konopištĕ event. The property features some of the most spectacular layouts imaginable, with lush trees and rich meadows providing a feeling of truly being one with nature.

For several years the course remained relatively unchanged, but in 2015 when the Konopištĕ Open became a stop on the PDGA European Tour, locals asked Discmania CEO Jussi Meresmaa to provide his input and rework some of the holes. The result was spectacular, with an 18 hole set-up that’s second to none.

As if that wasn’t enough, the course also plays alongside the Konopištĕ Castle and makes you feel like you’re living a fairy tale. However, once you reach some of the course’s par 4’s and 5’s, you may be brought back to reality and the understanding that this course is extremely challenging.

What Does 2018 Have In Store?

Only a handful of the sport’s top players make the long journey from the US tour overseas to the Czech Republic, but of those who do attend, there’s an immense pool of talent and determination to perform well. To date, this year’s Konopištĕ Open will see the likes of Ricky Wysocki, Paul McBeth, Eagle McMahon, Nate Sexton, Catrina Allen, and several others.

The event calls into question the idea of “home course advantage” not only when thinking about the actual course itself but the greater location as well. Those traveling from the US have to deal with hours-long flights, changing several time zones, and ensuring they arrive early enough to get in practice rounds before the event.

On the other hand, the bulk of the competitors are from Europe and perhaps can adjust to their travel schedule a bit easier. Of course, those who live in the Czech Republic stand to have the most advantages, but that didn’t stop Wysocki from winning the event last year.

All in all, a course like Franz Ferdinand is something special that you only find in a few places throughout the world. The hard work and expertise needed to not only design and install but also maintain a layout of this magnitude are truly impressive. If you ever find yourself headed overseas, be sure to make a pitstop to the Czech Republic and get around in – it’s something that most disc golfers can only dream about!