Debrecen4U February 9, 2026

A Practice Course for Golfers May Soon Open in Debrecen

Debrecen-born Soma Dala, President of the Hungarian Golf Federation, spoke about plans and the state of golf in Hungary on the program Esti Közelkép of Médiacentrum Debrecen. “Golf has accompanied my entire adult life, with smaller and larger interruptions,” said Soma Dala. “In the United States, in Oregon, I chose golf over baseball. Although after returning to Hungary I was unable to continue for the following five years, the sport always remained close to my heart. Two years ago, I was also invited to take on the position of president of the Máriavölgyi Golf Club, and then in May 2025 I became head of the Hungarian Golf Federation.”

Currently, there are approximately 1,800 active golfers in Hungary, and the goal is to increase the number of players to six to seven thousand over the next four years, involving all age groups.

“Many people think that golf is a gentleman’s sport, where players arrive in suits, with cigars and sports cars, but this is not true. The reality is that the sport belongs to everyone; every generation of a family can play it together, and it does not require a wealthy background. That is why it is important to create an accessible practice course in Debrecen,” the expert pointed out.

They plan to create a modern driving range, a complex practice area, and three par-3 holes, while also bringing a level of quality to Eastern Hungary that has previously been missing. The federation would develop the facility in cooperation with the University of Debrecen and local sports clubs.

“Last September, three classes started golf courses at Győr University, and they filled up with oversubscription. This is of historic significance for the sport in Hungary and we hope that the same can happen in Debrecen if we are able to open the practice area in cooperation with the local university,” the president emphasized.

The federation’s plans include promoting the sport for all age groups, involving young people, and expanding the golfing community so that golf truly becomes a sport accessible to everyone.

Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Pixabay