Off the beaten track – Le Meridien Vilnius Review

The V Golf Club, located in the grounds of Le Meridien Vilnius is the latest addition to a growing number of courses in The Baltic States, and is already one of the best.  Having scooped a top 5 position in Golf Inc’s International Development of the Year in 2009 the club is opening its doors to members in 2010.  The V Golf Club opened for play in July 2009 the course is growing in reputation as a “must play” in the Baltic States, and with 2 other courses within 40 minutes drive, Vilnius is now a genuine option as a golf destination for those golfers looking for somewhere different.

The course was designed by British designer Bob Hunt of PGA Design Consulting and is the only course in Lithuania to be built with USGA specification greens.  At 6312 meters it is an excellent par 72 and features a range of different holes from long par 5s with double doglegs to tricky little par 3s surrounded by bunkers. It is set in a large silver birch forest and makes its way around a series of picturesque lakes which makes for a stunning, if challenging, setting.  With water and towering trees lining each hole, the premium is on keeping the ball on the fairway and positional play rather than long drives.  The tight nature of the course is tempered by a selection of 4 different tees however, so the course is extremely enjoyable for all standards of player.

Combine the quality of the golf course together with the facilities and it’s easy to see why people would come here for a golf break; 2 driving ranges, a short game area, putting green, clubhouse with bar & restaurant, 200 room 5 star hotel with Spa, the list goes on.  The pro shop is manned by a team of PGA professionals who offer a range of tuition from beginner’s classes to more advanced, video based analysis.
There’s no shortage of things to do away from the golf course either.  The closest city is Vilnius, Lithuania’s Capital, and offers golfers and non golfers alike a wide variety of things to do, from theatre and ballet to 15th century churches and museums.  Vilnius also has a famous mixture of nightlife so the visitor can easily find great food, lively bars and a number of nightclubs to enjoy.  Only 20 minutes away, the hotel offers guests a free shuttle service in and out of Vilnius.

Lithuania might not be on everyone’s list of places to visit for a golf break but with good quality golf courses, affordable accommodation and a beautiful climate from May to October it really does offer a fantastic alternative.  The more established destinations draw the crowds which can result in slow rounds on poorly conditioned courses but in Lithuania the courses are underplayed and well maintained. Play golf midweek and you’ll likely have the course to yourself!

Le Meridien Vilnius offers some fantastic golf holiday packages starting from just £175 per person including two nights accommodation, two rounds of golf at the V Club and airport transfers. So, if you are looking for a golf holiday off the beaten track, Le Meridien Vilnius is a great destination.