Mariánské Làznê Golf Club, which played host to European Tour competition in the 1990s, has been accorded 'Royal' status by Her Majesty The Queen in view of the club's historical connections with King Edward VII.
The club, opened in 1905, is the second oldest in the Czech Republic, and staged the Chemapol Trophy Czech Open in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Sweden's Per-Ulrik Johansson won in 1994, the year before he made his debut in The Ryder Cup Matches, American Peter Teravainen triumphed in 1995, and Jonathan Lomas won in 1996.
Mr Nichaneske, Manager and Head Professional of Mariánské Làznê Golf Club, said: "We are obviously delighted to be accorded Royal status and had a wonderful ceremony to mark the occasion last week. It is a great honour for our club and everyone associated with golf in the Czech Republic."
Peter Alliss, whose father Percy and colleagues Sir Henry Cotton and Arthur Lees, were regular participants in Europe in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, admitted he was thrilled to hear of the recognition.
"It was most heartening to hear that the delightful golf club at Mariánské Làznê has been awarded the 'Royal' title," said Alliss. "Arthur Lees, who played four times in The Ryder Cup, spent a number of years in Czechoslovakia and many's the time I chuckled at his stories of teaching the locals the intricacies of the game of golf."
The news ended a momentous week for the BBC's voice of golf, who earlier had been awarded Life Membership of the Professional Golfers' Association in honour of his lifelong contribution and commitment to the game.
"When I heard the news from the PGA I was totally taken aback but at the same time overjoyed," said Alliss. "Having had the privilege of being Captain of the PGA on two separate occasions, the honour of Life Membership is something extra special."
