Bulgaria: A Surprising Golf Destination?

With the likes of Portugal and USA often taking the top spots for golfing holidays, alternative countries are often overlooked. This is where Bulgaria comes in; it is one of the freshest, up and coming and somewhat surprising golf destinations around. Take a swing at one of the golf courses on offer and even the most practised golfer won’t be disappointed. For the travelling golfer, here’s a pick of some of the top courses to test your skills on the turf in this historic and perfectly formed country.

Pirin Golf and Country Club

Located just 15 minutes from the town of Bansko and set amongst the Pirin Mountains, this golf club is one of the only ones in Europe that offers skiing, golfing and a spa all within the same resort. The perfect place therefore for a group with mixed interests! The two onsite courses take in wondrous views of the Razlog Valley and you tee off from fairways flanked with pine trees. The larger course was designed by Ian Woodsman and incorporates 18 holes where as the smaller currently comprises of 5 holes, rendering it ideal for a quick game. Truly get the most from your break and travel 90 minutes to the idyllic coastline on a sunny afternoon.

Thracian Cliffs Resort

Featuring The Signature Course designed by Gary Player, Thracian Cliffs is undoubtedly one of the best resorts on offer in Bulgaria. Nestled atop craggy cliffs and overlooking the beautiful Black Sea, it is described as enthralling and dramatic and hard to surpass elsewhere in the world. With the beach just a stone’s throw away, and an onsite spa, revel in luxury and enjoy plenty of afternoon games on the 18 hole, par 71 course or fine tune your swing at the driving range.

St Sofia Golf Club and Spa – Bulgaria

Renowned for its frequent tournaments and on site academy, it truly appeals for all levels of play. The course itself is beautiful in its own right and boasts great views with a variety of challenges along the 6683 yard expanse. For those who prefer an urban atmosphere, St Sofia Golf Club and Spa rests just a few minutes’ drive from the city limits so you can combine the excitement of the city with the relaxing atmosphere of the green.

Pravets Golf Resort and Spa

Pravets Golf Resort is located around 50km from Sofia meaning its easily reached in well under an hour, but also far enough away to truly feel as though you have exited the hustle and bustle of the city. Truly a resort that has it all, visitors can enjoy time on the par 72 championship golf course designed by Peter Harradine, but also spend time in the spa, swimming pools, on site casino and numerous restaurants and bars. The driving range means that you can still get some practice in night or day with its special lighting and on the course, the 8th hole with its challenging island green and par 3 is particularly worth mentioning.

BlackSeaRama

BlackSeaRama was one of the first courses that Gary Player completed in Eastern Europe back in 2009 and it was presented with a prestigious award; Best New Golf Course in the World of that year. It is constructed on relatively flat terrain and as such has a relatively classic feel with water hurdles dotted casually across the course; with endless views over the Black Sea your games are accompanied by the scent of the sea air. The city of Varna is easily reached allowing you get the most from your golfing holiday here.

A country that offers golfing resorts that are mature above their young years and plenty more to see and do, when it comes to planning your next golf escape, why not consider Bulgaria?