Introduction
When you think about the history of golf in Poland, it probably seems like a short and fairly recent story – something that only appeared in the 1990s with the return of a market economy. The truth, however, is far more fascinating. Lower Silesia and the city of Wroclaw played a key role in this story, although that chapter was largely forgotten for many years. Before golf became the sport we know today, it had to survive a period of pre-war growth, communist suppression and finally a difficult return to normality. Discover the history of golf in Poland without the dry, encyclopaedic tone. If you would like to see where it all began, explore the history of golf around the world.
Lower Silesian Roots
Where was golf born in Poland? Although Warsaw and the Baltic coast are often considered the centres of Polish golf today, at the beginning of the 20th century the heart of the game was beating in Lower Silesia. Thanks to its proximity to Germany and the region's faster economic development, it was here that some of the first golf facilities were created.
Royal Ambition in Szczawno-Zdroj
The most important location on the pre-war golf map was the course in present-day Szczawno-Zdroj, known at the time as Bad Salzbrunn. The project was initiated by Hans Heinrich XV, Prince von Pless, together with his famous wife, Princess Daisy, both closely associated with Ksiaz Castle.
The course was designed by Scottish architect William J. Rusack and officially opened in 1924. Its quality was recognised immediately, and prestigious professional tournaments, including the Silesia Open, were held there. Who played golf in Szczawno-Zdroj? Mostly wealthy spa visitors, business owners, doctors and bankers. The course remained active until 1945, when World War II brought this remarkable chapter of golf history to an abrupt end.
The Forgotten Nine Holes of Wroclaw
Few people realise that Wroclaw had its own golf course as early as 1927. It was a 9-hole course designed by Bernhard von Limburger, a legendary golf architect and three-time German champion who was only 26 years old when he created the project. The Wroclaw club started with almost one hundred members, an impressive number for that era. Although the course was closed in 1933 for reasons that remain unclear, local golfers did not give up. Instead, they packed their clubs and travelled to nearby Szczawno-Zdroj to continue playing. Historical records also mention a private golf course near Glogow dating back to 1912, further confirming that Lower Silesia was one of the earliest centres of golf in this part of Europe.
Pre-War Golf for... Miners?
Within the borders of pre-war Poland, four major full-size golf courses operated: in Powsin near Warsaw (home of the famous Polish Country Club), Gdansk, Lancut and Katowice. A common myth suggests that golf before World War II was played exclusively by diplomats and aristocrats. The Katowice course, built by American engineers, proves otherwise. For a symbolic fee, ordinary people could play there, including Silesian miners, factory workers and local residents. Golf was slowly taking root in Polish society, and in 1932 the country's first official golf handbook was even published by Adam Gubatt.
The Communist Reset...
How was this tradition destroyed? After World War II, the curtain came down with force. The new communist authorities viewed golf as a symbol of bourgeois privilege and aristocratic leisure, something that had no place in a workers' state. Golf courses were closed, ploughed over, converted into pastures or repurposed for other recreational uses. It was during this period that the powerful stereotype emerged that golf was a sport reserved exclusively for the wealthy and inaccessible to ordinary people. The golfing tradition that had developed during the interwar years was effectively erased for nearly half a century.
The Great Comeback and a New Era
Golf began to emerge from its long hibernation only after the fall of communism in the early 1990s. The first true post-war golf course was First Warsaw Golf & Country Club in Rajszew near Warsaw, opened in 1992 and host of one of the country's first official tournaments. Shortly afterwards, Amber Baltic Golf Club was established in Kolczewo, followed by a wave of new golf developments across Poland. One of them was the charming 9-hole course in Lukecin, a place I remember fondly because it was there, at the age of 26, that I first picked up a golf club and realised this was the sport for me. Soon after came Postolowo near Gdansk, the now-defunct First Wroclaw Golf Club in the Zlotniki district of Wroclaw, and the Knights' Golf Club in nearby Krobielowice. Today, Poland is in a completely different league. The country boasts dozens of modern golf courses whose quality rivals those found across Western Europe. It is remarkable to think how long and turbulent the journey has been from the windswept links of Scotland to modern golf in Poland. Read the history of golf around the world.
PGA Poland and the Polish Golf Union
When did golf in Poland become truly professional? In 1993, two key organisations were established. The Polish Golf Union (PZG) became responsible for the administration of the sport and the development of amateur golf. PGA Polska was created as the official organisation representing golf professionals and coaches. Since April 2000, PGA Polska has operated as a full member of the Professional Golfers' Association of Europe, a network representing thousands of golf professionals across the continent. Since 2007, the organisation has also awarded official coaching qualifications. What does this mean for you? By choosing a PGA-certified golf coach and PGA member since 2008, you can be confident that you are learning from someone who has completed a rigorous international training and certification programme.
History of Golf in Poland – Q & A
Was there a golf course in Wroclaw before World War II?
Yes. Wroclaw had its own 9-hole golf course as early as 1927. It was designed by Bernhard von Limburger, one of the most respected golf course architects of his era.
Why did golf disappear from Poland after World War II?
After the war, the communist authorities regarded golf as an elitist and bourgeois sport. Golf courses were closed, destroyed or repurposed, and the game virtually disappeared from Poland for several decades.
Where were the first golf courses in Poland?
Before World War II, major golf courses operated in Szczawno-Zdroj, Warsaw, Katowice, Gdansk and Lancut. Lower Silesia and the area around present-day Wroclaw played a particularly important role in the early development of golf in Poland.
Was golf once a sport only for the elite?
Not entirely. Although golf was often associated with aristocracy and wealthy business circles, there were also more accessible clubs. In Silesia, for example, miners, factory workers and local residents played the game as well.
When did golf return to Poland?
Golf began to return to Poland after the fall of communism in the early 1990s. One of the first modern courses was First Warsaw Golf & Country Club near Warsaw, which opened in 1992.
What's Next?
Would you like to become part of this story? Golf in Poland has come a long way – from exclusive pre-war clubs in Lower Silesia, through decades of communist suppression, to a modern sport open to everyone. Today, you do not need to be Prince von Pless to start playing. If you would like to experience modern golf without the stress or stereotypes, take a look at the 📗 Golf Green Card or visit Golf Wroclaw for beginner-friendly information about learning golf and getting started.
If you would like to enter the world of golf without stress, unnecessary bureaucracy or stereotypes, I would be happy to help you get started. Send me a WhatsApp message, give me a call or get in touch below and discover what modern golf really looks like.
Feel free to call or message me from Monday to Sunday, at any time — even late at night. I mute my phone overnight, but I’ll reply or call back as soon as possible.