Ryder Cup stars re-unite at Royal Bled anniversary

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Kings Course, August 7: Ryder Cup legends Sam Torrance OBE and Costantino Rocca were reunited in Slovenia as Royal Bled Golf Club marked its 80 year Anniversary.

The Ryder Cup stars were joined by honorary guest HRH Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia and 5-time European Tour winner Marcel Siem, to officially re-open the iconic Kings Course.

Originally constructed in 1937 and re-designed by Donald Harradine in 1972, the Kings Course has undergone an extensive renovation that has seen the course extended to Championship length with redesigned and rebuilt greens, tees and bunkers, ten new water features and state-of-the-art irrigation system.

Extensive new practice facilities have also been added as well as the addition of 2 new performance studios, featuring the latest club-fitting and swing analysis software and hi-tech simulator experience.

Gordana Solak, owner of Royal Bled, commented:

'The golf course was like a sleeping beauty which had been neglected over many years. We wanted to wake it up and present it to the whole World like a jewel and a great addition to European golf. We are honoured that HRH Princess Elizabeth has bestowed on us Royal Status, and delighted that she was able to join us today in celebrating the rebirth of this great Club."

The new layout was met with widespread approval by amateurs and professionals alike, with a superb new course record of 69 being set on the day by European Tour star Marcel Siem. Surrounded by the Julian Alps and overlooking the spectacular town of Bled with its historic castle, the course has long has been regarded as one of Europe's hidden gems.

Sam Torrance, the 2002 Ryder Cup Captain and honorary member of The European Tour commented;

"I've been to some of the finest golfing venues around the World and this is right up there with the best of them. We play some great courses on the European Tour but this is very special and could host a European Tour event tomorrow - if not a Ryder Cup!"

The historic Kings Clubhouse which dates back to 1938 and is under national protection, has also been extensively but carefully renovated, returning it to the glory of its former days. 10 new luxurious rooms, all with private terraces overlooking the Alps and golf course, are now available within the Clubhouse, further reinforcing its status as one of Europe's most desirable golfing destinations.

Throughout the re-development, the Club has been working with IMG Golf to ensure that the quality of the experience, on and off the course, matches the unparalleled surroundings.

Russell Hannah, Director of Operations for IMG golf commented, "From the outset, the Owner's passion for the Club and their commitment to quality has been very clear. It has been a privilege to be part of the journey and I have no doubt that Royal Bled will become recognised Internationally as one of Europe's great golfing venues."