OK, the Cyprus Golf Federation was only founded in 2000 and they don’t have the pedigree of say, the Algarve or Spain but there are a number of reasons why Cyprus is good for a golf holiday.
Cyprus is a popular tourist destination and therefore providing a number of excellent courses is a great way to boost income. Aiding its reputation as a great holiday destination is the weather and scenery. Cloudless skies, blue water, long and hot summer days, ocean views, rocky gorges, and white beaches combine to make Cyprus a great place play a round or two.
There are a growing number of golf courses in Cyprus and many are to be found close to Paphos. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore further afield for the best golf courses in Cyprus.
Aphrodite Hills Golf Course
Probably the most well-known course on the island, Aphrodite Hills is considered one of the best courses in the Mediterranean. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, Aphrodite Hills is located between Limassol and Paphos and opened in 2002.
Photo by: Joe Dejvice/Fotolia
Whilst a fairly flat course, it is split by a 100ft deep gorge which can be fairly daunting when trying to get to the 7th. In the height of summer, the grass is left a little longer than many would like to prevent it being burnt and this can make the greens slower.
Beginners are well catered for with a golf academy and driving range and there’s plenty to keep non-golfers entertained too.
Pick of the holes: 7th
The tee lies half way down the gorge and can be fairly terrifying to reach. The variable wind direction makes the hole more challenging than it first appears and you can be tricked into choosing the wrong club. When you’ve finished, climb up to the 8th for some stunning sea views.
Book at www.aphroditehills.com.
Secret Valley Golf Club
This not so secret anymore course is the home of Nicosia Golf Club and offers a great game. Narrow, tree lined fairways are the order of the day and accuracy is vital if you don’t want to search for a lost ball amongst the vipers!
Photo by: Joe Dejvice/Fotolia
It once had a reputation for patchy greens and fairways but this seems to be a thing of the past. It’s not the most challenging course in the world but sea breezes can make the back 9 pretty tricky when they work their way up the valley.
There are a number of water hazards on the front 9 which add to the spectacular scenery and will frustrate many a player.
Book at www.cyprusgolf.com.
Minthis Hills Golf Club
The 1st course to be built on the island, Minthis Hills is set in the grounds of a 12th century monastery. It’s recently undergone some renovation work but the original course was designed by Donald Steel. At 550m above sea level, the cooling breezes can make it a more enjoyable course to play in hot weather. Difficulty is varied, some holes are tree lined and frustrating whilst others are more open and suitable for any level. The 14th & 17th holes are perhaps the most challenging. The green can be reached in 2 if you’re accurate uphill over long distances.
Photo by: David Paris/Fotolia
For the less energetic of you, Minthis Hills is a looped course with each 9 bringing you back to the clubhouse.
Pick of the holes: 13th
Completely renovated, the new 13th hole is an island green just 150 metres from the elevated white tee. A cross wind makes this hole even harder than it first appears so good luck!
Book at www.minthishills.com.
Elea Estate Golf Club
Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, Elea Estate opened in 2010 and is extremely popular with people who like bunkers. There are over 60 of them scattered around so try to keep calm when you land in one. In fact, at first glance hole 4 appears to be more sand than grass so do your homework!
Elea’s reputation as a course for strategists is well deserved and further backed by the 17th which instils fear in the heart of every returning golfer.
An excellent and modern clubhouse and wonderful views help to make Elea even more enjoyable. It is certainly worth a visit.
Pick of the holes: 17th
The 17th or Bobby Jones as it’s named is a deceptive one. The fairway slopes to one side and is surrounded by bunkers. Assuming you make the fairway, you then have to land on island green surrounded by scrubland.
Book at www.eleaestate.com.
Good luck!
If you’re comparing golf holidays in Cyprus or have already played these courses, get in touch below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips. Alternatively, why not check out our other golfing posts?
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