If you want to enjoy a game of golf all year round in picturesque scenery and the island’s ideal Mediterranean climate, Cyprus is the perfect choice. The charm of playing golf in an impressive natural environment, in combination with the possibility of a Mediterranean climate are two of the factors which make Cyprus ideal and attract golfers from all over the world.
APHRODITE HILLS GOLF COURSE
Located near the legendary birthplace of the Greek mythological goddess of love, Aphrodite Hills is an award-winning integrated golf, leisure and real estate development. Looking over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in addition to the presence of native olive trees, the course is built on two plateaus which are separated by an awe inspiring ravine. Cabell B. Robinson, the renowned golf course architect, was the man who designed the golf course and it has been stated that here he had created the perfect combination of challenging bunkers, perfect fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generously tiered greens. It has one of the most spectacular par 3’s in Europe (found on the 7th hole) contained within an 18-hole championship standard golf course. This signature 7th hole runs steeply down across a canyon onto a large green strategically placed in a grove of native olive trees. The course also has 4 target greens with bunkers, three academy holes, a double ending 350 metre practice range and practice facilities for short games. There are three in-house professional golf instructors available for group lessons or personal lessons plus a 3-hole academy course.
ELEA GOLF CLUB
Part of the esteemed Elea Estate, the first-class Elea Golf Club is situated in a beautiful area parallel to the Eastern Mediterranean sea and adjacent to the ancient town of Paphos. About 7,000 yards from the back tees, the Golf course, which was incidentally designed by the famous golfer Nick Faldo, is spread out through the countryside, with towering limestone rocks which lends the course a unique character. The layout has been critically acclaimed throughout the world with special mention made in Golf World Magazine and Golf Magazine US, whilst making mention of the “strategic riddles” spread throughout the 18 holes. It is a course that encompasses challenges through olive tree groves and contrasting limestone rocks with the dark green fairways, and some holes are surrounded by a beautiful assortment of Mediterranean flora. The course is supported by the Golf Academy which is next to the clubhouse. It has a full length driving range which houses bunkers and target greens, a beautiful putting green and a practice area. All this plus extensive facilities, including a spa.
MINTHIS HILLS GOLF CLUB
Founded in 1994 and situated close to a 12th century monastery and its vineyards, Minthis Hills Golf Club rests in a valley on the edge of Paphos at an altitude of 1,600 feet above sea level. British golf course architects have recently overhauled the greens, all teas being rebuilt and enlarged and new bunkers made making the course of the highest standards. The course has a par 71 measuring 5,800 metres with a club house constructed in traditional Cypriot style. Originally designed by Donald Steel in 1994, Minthis Hills is the oldest golf course in Cyprus, and has recently undergone extensive enhancement by Mackenzie & Ebert. Mackenzie & Ebert are fervent believers that golf courses should fit into the landscape and be in keeping with their setting.
SECRET VALLEY GOLF COURSE
Secret Valley Golf Course is just that. Situated in a dramatic valley very near the famous Aphrodite’s Rock, which is the mythical birthplace of the goddess of love. Surrounded by hills with trees and imposing rock formations it offers awe-inspiring views. The course has a par 71 measuring 6,000 metres. The front nine has four holes for warming up, two birdie opportunities and a relatively easy dog leg. The back nine is longer. With plenty of practice facilities and the opportunity of being taught by an instructor and a contemporary clubhouse, the course offers all the amenities necessary including a sports shop, bars and restaurant with balconies overlooking the golf course and the artificial lakes.