Prague, Czech Republic
6-10 June 2013
Shankers & Staropramen... What else could a man want?
In the year 300 B.C. a Celtic tribe called Boii settled in the Czech lands and gave the country its first name – Bohemia. Over 2000 years later Team Celt extend an invitation to Team England to join them in what is now the Czech Republic for Shankers 2013 A.D.
The Team Celt crusaders will pay homage to their forefathers and from this historic connection draw strength, inspiration and benefit from a 'home' advantage due to the fossilisation of ancestors underfoot. The Team Celt rot must stop here! (No pun intended.)
Climate
June weather in Prague can be very pleasant however like all countries on the continent there is always risk of a thundery downpour… so we’ll all feel at home.
The Accommodation - Hotel Otakar
4 nights accommodation B&B in 3* Hotel (CZ 3* = 1* Western Europe)
www.hotelotakar.cz/en/
This budget hotel will suit us Shankers, accustomed as we are to 'lower grade' accommodation when on tour. I am hoping it will be a step-up from the tonka-like plastic shells of Liverpool in 2012! I’m not going to dress this up lads, don’t expect Hilton standard accommodation however I am assured it’s clean and comfortable.
The hotel is in a good location only 10 mins tram ride from the city centre. Some of you will experience the joy of the tram all night depending on which room you end up in! Staropramen makes an excellent sleeping aid. Taxis to/from the centre are approximately 12euros.
The Golf
Day 1 - Friday 7th June 2013 - Konopiste Golf Resort
www.golf-konopiste.cz
Konopiste opened its first 18 holes in 2002 and is located 40 km southeast of Prague. This resort provides two high standard 18-hole courses (Radecky and d'Este). Players of all standards will enjoy the course setting which, cut sympathetically into the rolling forest and hillside, has some inventive features. The refurbished and beautiful chateau boasts a clubroom, reception, pro-shop as well as a restaurant and bar.
Day 2 - Saturday 8th June 2013 - Black Bridge Golf Resort
www.grcm.cz/en
This resort opened in 2011 and offers services both for golfers and non-golfers. The second 18-hole course in Prague is located on the Eastern edge of the city and offers interesting and quality rounds of golf with good access from the city centre. Modern clubhouse, accommodation in family style bungalows including terrace and garage and large practice facilities represent this modern Prague golf complex.
Day 3 - Sunday 9th June 2013 - Karlstejn Golf Resort
www.karlstejn-golf.cz/page.php?pageid=510
The 6,433-yard course lies in the grounds of Karlstejn Castle (which dates back to the reign of King Karel IV in 1348) and is routed over a hilly, wooded landscape with limestone outcrops, ravines and a couple of lakes. As the architects say, the holes were designed as easy to bogey but difficult to birdieť and, as a consequence, Karlstejn presents a formidable challenge to golfers of all abilities."
Prague by Day and Night
Prague is a beautiful city and well known for its romantic lure. If you've been to Prague before it has likely been with your missus, to propose to your future missus or to throw your missus off the Charles Bridge. Perhaps the River Vltava will receive 24 golf balls from Shankers standing tall, driving from the bridge?
Local currency is the Czech Crown however you will see many items quoted in Euros as the country attempts (badly) to plough head-long into Euro oblivion.
As part of our package we have secured the assistance of Abante Golf Tours including a helpful local that we can use to show us the ropes. Our rep Jan Markaius knows the courses we are playing and is also known to enjoy a Pilsner or two. We will be in safe hands.
Arrival on Thursday will undoubtedly consist of acclimatising to local conditions; strong Czech lager – lots of it. Dinner will be organised for the Friday and Saturday evenings, leave it to Uncle Gaz; maybe a goulash, Klobása or some watery soup with a cheese dipper. A final prize-giving banquet will take place on the Sunday evening to celebrate the winners and commiserate the losers.
As you may know Shankers 2013 happens to fall just prior to the marriage of my Team England adversary; James King. Yes, the Big Ginge is getting hitched! Therefore it would be sensible for us to give him a proper Shankers send-off…
Czech Lingo
Some useful phraseology, bonus marks for correct pronunciation!
Beer please! - Piva prosím!
Twenty-four beers please! - Dvacet čtyři piva prosím!
This staropramen is going down like a hairy worm! - Tento Staropramen jde dolů jako chlupatý červ!
Where is the nearest gentleman's establishment? - Kde je nejbližší pána zařízení?
Do you know any famous Czech golfers? - Znáte nějaké slavné českými golfisty?
This green is like a billiard table - Tato zelená je jako kulečníkový stůl
Where is the beach? - Kde je pláž?
Shankers 2013 Flights
Gatwick Shankers
Outbound 06/06/2013 EZY5493 Depart 09:00 Arrive 11.55
Inbound 10/06/2013 EZY5494 Depart 12:25 Arrive 13:25
Edinburgh Shankers
Outbound 06/06/2013 Jet2 Depart 14:20 Arrive 17.45
Inbound 10/06/2013 Jet2 Depart 18:20 Arrive 19:45
Copenhagen Shankers
Outbound 06/06/2013 Czech Air Depart 09:15 Arrive 10:35
Inbound 10/06/2013 Czech Air Depart 12:35 Arrive 14:20
Shankers welcome committee – Czech Republic’s Eva Herzigová
Look forward to seeing you all in Prague… let’s make it large!
Cheers, Gaz
Team Celt Crusade 2013
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