How to even begin this story or more appropriate, fairytale. Knight in shining armor with a damsel in distress; a chariot guided by the most beautiful Lipizzaner horses, picnic for two on the pristine shores of Lake Bled…though measured in greatness to anyone’s romantic standards, compared to the grounds of Royal Bled, only second place they will take.

With a chosen location by the Austrian, Rudolph van Gelmini, Drava Banovina, a province of the Kingdom of [then] Yugoslavia purchased land in the meadow not far from the waters of Lake Bled. " X" marked the spot of terrain that would avail itself for the dream of the royal family Karadordvić. To build a treasure, a golf course, the first in the region. With additional oversight by fellow architect and colleague to van Gelmini, Desedier Lauber (Hungarian), the initial nine holes were opened in 1937. Unfortunately, in 1938, though the remaining holes were completed, the dream would be dismantled due to the outbreak of WWII. After many years laying dormant, heart and soul returned to the land near the lake, spawning a new love of the game. In 1975, The Golf Club Bled was founded and in 1977 there was a grand opening with spikes hitting the hallowed grounds. But remember, this was still Yugoslavia. It wasn’t until 1991 that Slovenia broke away and claimed independence. Then in 2015, in a valiant effort to groom the course for royal standards, Howard Swan was commissioned to redesign, goals of grandeur in mind. After two years, a test of golf fit for a King and Queen reopened, and with the prestige and honor of a Royal. Recognized amidst the Top 25 in Europe with recent breaking into the World’s Top 100, it is hard to capture even a tenth of how special this place really is. But we will give it our best shot.

The journey begins as soon as you touch down in Slovenia. The sheer beauty and topography - scarped mountain faces and jagged peaked alps, genuine warmth and sincerity of the elegant and open people, and the essence of everything Old World Charm. A memory of childhood, walking into the kitchen on a flamboyant fall morning, you know…temperatures cool, Crayola-style foliage, and spiced apples ready for cinnamon sticks and marshmallows. Home. Slovenia feels, smells, tastes…envelops home. The drive into Bled takes you along darling little towns, cattle grazing in the fields, and the most effervescent glacier waters. Coming into the first roundabout a ginormous golf ball gives indication that you are close, and that there is a passion for the game amidst the ski resorts and hiking trails. Driving up a hill, gentle twists and turns, the gate to Royal Bled appears. Welcome to "Heaven on Earth."

Upon entering the gate and parking the car, the staff at Royal Bled are there, ready, inviting, and engaging. Authentic and honest, the outpouring in reception is pure pride and joy. They know that you are about to experience the sweetest dessert on the plate and they are so happy to bestow the wondrous gift.

Check-in is conducted in the beautifully appointed golf shop. A thoughtfully chosen packet attractively and specifically addressed to you is proudly presented. Inside is a personal card (we will get to that in a moment), branded tees, ball marks and divot repair tool, along with a scorecard and information. You are graciously lead through the clubhouse for a private tour, including a bit of history and possible viewings of the luxurious accommodations. The tour commences at the appropriate locker/dressing rooms specified. The card. It not only opens the door but unlocks the locker that has been designated to you for the day. The room before you includes leather couches and chairs, large screen television, treats and drinks…if it were not for the lure of the outside and what awaits, a day in the locker room, crazy as that sounds, could certainly suffice!

Whether you have time or not, take a walk upstairs to the terrace. The comfort and sophistication, menu and view, the reward after the round, a reward you will earn. A short walk to the left and the first tee of the Kings Course shines like a brand new coin. Though at first glance this straightaway, mid-length, slightly uphill par 4, may look benign, it is actually a bit of a bear. Early kudos to the highly experienced superintendent, Stephen Chappell. The fairways are carpet, they are precise with accurate moisture, rough is tough and thick but fair, and the greens intricate and tricky. Mastery of a wizard whose expertise has been requested at four Ryder Cups, in addition to receiving multiple honors from a tenure at the world renowned Gleneagles in Scotland. Take a moment, the unveiling is about to begin. After putting out on the first hole, kick it up a step and a hike up to the second tee box and a panoramic view of Bled. Beauty is beholden in every heart and gratitude is overwhelming.

Hole #2 certainly provides a storyline for what is to come. The longest hole on the course from almost every tee box. It is a beast, just shy of 600 yards from the back and 460 from the front . The round is definitely underway, and remember that terrace? Stripe it down the fairway, crush a fairway metal or hybrid and it is still a mid to long iron to a narrow and nicely bunkered green. The length continues with #3 and #4, a par 3 and par 4. Superhero powers might be needed to tackle these holes but once the cape is off the next few will tickle you silly. #5 is a slight par 5, and though it is on the slim from the tee, as long the drive stays on a string and the second shot does the same, this could be the first real opportunity for birdie. The apex of the front nine is the magnificent par 4, #6. Hard for this hole not to be at the top of the “favorite” list. A generous but streamlined fairway bellows for a "grip it and rip it" tee shot taking it deep enough for a high, soft approach into a green well defended by a flowing water feature. Looking back green to tee, the speckling of trees nestled in the mountains beyond leave an indomitable impression. Take a breath and move to the final three holes on the front. You will need a little steam and a whole lot of muster to keep focused and full of intention. Holes 7, 8 and 9 are wonderfully balanced - like a ten year old Cabernet. Bold, yet softer and calmer, quieter with a delectable finish. Walking up the 9th hole, feel all that has come before, look around and soak in this indelible moment.

After grabbing a bit of energy and perhaps a breath or two, the 10th hole is waiting. Not overly a stretch but sinister all the same. This hole reminds you of the 17th at Sawgrass, giving the knees a knock and the heart a patter. Movement with any shot may cause peril, so if there is ever a time to hit it on a rope, this is the call out. Still, an opportune chance for a healthy start for the second nine. The next several holes are like Beethoven’s orchestration of a symphony in C Minor. They are stormy and intense, and lead you to the most dramatic holes on the course. Let’s start with #14. One word. Daunting. Slightly elevated tee shot brings you to a landing defended by water to the left, continuing to the front of the green. Even a good drive leaves you with a longer club approach. #15 - blind tee shot to a dog leg left, slightly downhill. If you can bend the ball in style it will give you a little better second shot. With the green settled below, it is possible that you can club down one or two, leaving a more palatable approach. Though over 400 yards from the back and almost 340 from the front, this is the easiest of the remaining holes. #16 is a serpentine of a par 5 and easily my favorite. It lends your eye to perfection. Slender and lean, but just and honest. Rev up the engines and harness every bit left in your spirit as #17 and #18 are the crown jewels of finishing holes. Long, demanding, tiring, fulfilling, epic. Tip your hat, bow to the fairways before, express your gratitude in any way that feels good to you then linger over to the soft cushioned chaise lounges and that iced drink of choice. You survived the links at Royal Bled. Relive the memories of the day and smile. And if there is need for an "emergency nine" - the Lakes Course will continue the challenge. So if you are anything like me, there is no question of a return, it is just when and how many times. It will never be good-bye to Royal Bled and Slovenia…rather a "see you soon." It truly is “Heaven on Earth” and a home away from home.