When travelers think about Slovenia, there are certain images that come immediately to mind: the towering Alps, beautiful Lake Bled, and the ancient seaside town of Piran, to name just a few. What they probably don’t think about is golf. But they should…

Regarded as a restricted, upper-crust sport as recently as five years ago, golf in Slovenia is undergoing an explosion of interest. Part of the reason is the Slovenes’ natural athleticism and love for the outdoors. Part is the world-wide fame of Tiger Woods and others. But a major reason for the increased interest is the beauty and variety of Slovene golf courses, which are growing in number seemingly every year.

The grand dame of local courses is the Lake Bled Golf and Country Club. Located just a few kilometers from the lovely mountain lake it is named for, the Bled golf course is the oldest and – arguably – the best course Slovenia has to offer. Best of all, the course is usually in impeccable condition and is infinitely playable: wide, receiving fairways, true but not lightening fast greens, and a backdrop of alpine beauty that is truly breathtaking. Teeing-off on the first hole in late April, with snow still capping the mountains, you’ll find it difficult to concentrate on your shots. With 27 holes (a newer, ‘lake’ course was added a few years back), the variety of elevations and vistas will keep you coming back again and again. Not surprisingly, Bled is also the most pricey of the Slovenian courses. Eighteen holes will set you back around 10000 SIT ($45) on weekends. For tee-times call (04) 537-7711.

The next oldest course is the Lipica Golf Club, located (not surprisingly) in the Karst town of Lipica – home to the world-renowned Lippizzaner stallions, and not far from the Italian border and the coast. Due to its location, golfers can enjoy the sport at Lipica virtually all year round. The recently expanded 18-hole course has a bit less personality than Bled, the conditions can be less than ideal, particularly in the coldest winter and hottest summer months, and the vistas are not so spectacular. Nonetheless, at just under 3000 meters long and generally wide-open, Lipica is also very playable, and the costs are a bit more reasonable (6,300 SIT weekends). For tee-times call (05) 734 63 73.

The course nearest to the capital city of Ljubljana is the Arboretum Golf Club in Volčji Potok, about 20 minutes outside the city. Constructed just four years ago, the Arboretum course is a tough test of placement golf. You may never take your driver out of the bag, particularly if you tend to hook or slice. Narrow, tree-lined fairways make any mistake of direction a major one. Luckily, the course is not long (2630 meters), so good iron play can save the day. Conditions are usually very good, and a mountain backdrop doesn’t hurt the scenic attraction. Arboretum only offers nine holes at the moment, but soon (2002?) a second nine will be completed. Fee: 4,900 SIT (9 holes, weekends); Tee-times: (01) 831-1550.

If playing around (and, with an errant shot, into) a medieval castle appeals, then the Mokrice Golf Course is just your cup of tea. Located in Mokrice, near the Croatian border on the road to Zagreb, the course features blind shots, hilly lies, and the occasional stream and pond. At roughly 5900 meters it’s not the longest course around, but it boasts enough surprises to keep it interesting. Best to play in May-June, before the hot summer sun bakes the fairways. Fee: 7,400 SIT weekends; Tee-times: (07) 457-4240.

Slovenia’s newest course is the Ptuj Golf Course, located in the ancient town of Ptuj, just south of Maribor – the nation’s Second City. The opening drive -- over water -- will test your nerve, but most of the rest of the 5800 meter layout is relatively benign. Conditions are usually quite good, and when you finish playing you can always visit one of the excellent vineyards in the area. Fee: 8,800 SIT (18 holes weekends); Tee-times: (02) 788-9110.

And speaking of vineyards, you really should visit the 9-hole layout at Slovenske Konjice. Located among the vineyards of a producing winery, it gives a whole new meaning to the word "rough." If you’ve never tried to chip out from among rows of grape vines, you don’t know what you’re missing. And when you finish, visit the restaurant high on the hill above the course. Good food and a great view. Tee-times: (03) 758-0362.

Several of the local toplices (thermal spas) feature a few holes for practicing. Among them, the most interesting are at Atomske Toplice. Set in a narrow valley, the mini-course is in good condition and worth a play if you’re in the neighborhood. Call: (03) 582-9408.

If rumors be true, several new courses are on drawing boards throughout the country, but even without the newcomers, a dedicated golfer can see a lot of Slovenia and enjoy a good deal of enjoyable and reasonably-priced golf on the varied and beautiful courses of Slovenia.