Cyprus Golf Courses offer Panoramic Views and All Year Round Sunshine..

Cyprus Golf became popular during the 1990's. The Golf Federation of Cyprus was founded in 2000. Its main objection was to promote and monitor amateur golf on the island. Since then, golf in Cyprus has exploded and has become one of the many visitor attractions on the island.

The island's Meditteranean climate, all year round sunshine and scenic panoramic views attract professional and amateur golfer's. The standard 18 hole courses are situated in peaceful surroundings with breathtaking landscaped hills and illuminating coastlines.

There are four main golf courses in Cyprus, which are located near the hotels or are part of the resorts, tennis courses, fitness facilities, villas, shops and restaurants. The greens and courses have modern clubhouses overlooking the grounds and majestic surroundings.

Address: P.O Box 62085, Paphos 8062, Cyprus

Telephone Number: 357 26 274000

Par: 72 (5,904m) Handicap: Men 28, Women 36

Prices: From Euros 49 per round

Difficulty: Back 9 holes are very challenging

The aptly named Secret Valley Golf Course is tucked away in a superb valley just 18 kilometres east of Pafos (Paphos) near “Petra tou Romiou”, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the mythical goddess of love. It is set in scenic hills surrounded by mature trees and dramatic rock formations offering panoramic views.

The Cyprus Golf course plays to a par 71 and measures 5.989 metres. The front nine offers four nice holes for warming up, two birdie opportunities and an easy dog leg. The back nine plays longer than the first nine and the challenge starts immediately. Practice facilities include putting greens, chipping areas, fairway bunkers and a large driving range.

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Tuition by a PGA qualified resident golf instructor can be tailored to suit the individual and can be either private or in groups.

The clubhouse has recently been refurbished to the highest standards and has a well-stocked sports shop with equipment for sale or hire, locker rooms, bars and a restaurant with verandas overlooking the artificial lakes and the golf course.

Address: 4, Aphrodite Avenue, Koulia 8500, Cyprus

Par: 70/71 (6,269m) Handicap: Men 28 Women 36

Prices: From Euros 49 per round

Difficulty: Challenging Pot Bunkers

Aphrodite Hills, near the legendary birthplace of the Greek mythological goddess of love, is an award-winning integrated golf, leisure and real estate development.

With spectacular views over the Mediterranean and dotted with native olive trees, the course is built on two plateaux separated by a dramatic ravine.

This Cyprus golf course was designed by acclaimed course architect, Cabell B. Robinson, who is said to have created the perfect mix of challenging pot bunkers, manicured fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generous tiered greens. It is an 18-hole championship standard golf course and features one of the most spectacular par 3s in Europe, which can be found on the 7th hole.

A signature hole, it plays steeply down across a canyon onto a large green nestled in a grove of olive trees. The course also has a double ended 350 metres practice range, 4 target greens with bunkers, short game practice facilities and 3 academy holes.

There are three residential professional golf instructors available for individual or group lessons and a three-hole academy course.

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A beautifully appointed clubhouse with bar, restaurant and terraces overlooks the green and is an ideal location for hosting special events and private parties.

The resort also includes a five-star deluxe Intercontinental Resort Hotel, a tennis academy, fitness facilities, luxurious villas, junior villas and apartments for sale or rent, a spa and a village square with shops and restaurants.

Address: P.O Box 62085, Paphos 8062, Cyprus

Telephone Number: 357 26 642774

Par: 72 (6,060m), Handicap: Men 28, Women 36

Prices: From Euro 42 per round

Difficulty: Challenging due to sloping hills

The Minthis Hills (formerly Tsada Golf Course) golf course can lay claim to being the first grass Cyprus golf course built on the island. Completed in 1994, it is located 20 minutes from Paphos and is elevated 550m above sea level, ensuring a calming cool breeze during the warm summer months. This 18 hole golf course, designed by Donald Steel, blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings.

The fairways, lined with numerous fruit trees and grape vines, mostly have uphill, downhill or side hill slopes. The golf course measures 6,060m, plays to a par 72 and accommodates players of all abilities.

The facilities at the Minthis Hills clubhouse include a restaurant, bar, ladies and gents changing rooms equipped with showers, an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, a driving range, putting green and pitching and chipping area.

The pro shop offers clients other facilities such as golfing accessories, a boutique, electrically powered golf carts and trolleys, and there is help at hand in the form of tuition and guidance for those who feel they need it, given by a PGA professional.

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Many British people have chosen to buy their Cyprus holiday villas close to the Tsada golf course in areas such as Tala, Tremithousa, Peyia and Konia. In addition, Minthis Hills is the closest golf course to the popular Coral Bay where you are still in striking distance of the course while being able to enjoy one of the best beaches in Cyprus.

Address: Vikla Village, Kellaki 3508, Limassol

Par: 68 Handicap None Required

Prices: From Euros 25 per round

Difficulty: Intermediate

The Vikla Golf and Country Club was founded in 1992, designed by Robin Houry. It is situated near the village of Vikla in Cyprus, close to Larnaca and a 20km drive from Limassol. For €34 you can play all day, and this price includes club hire, balls, tees and water.

This Cyprus golf club is one of the more relaxed on the island and prides itself on customer service; the dress code here is casual and a handicap certificate is not required.

The clubhouse at the Vikla Golf and Country Club has an excellent standard of drinks and bar snacks to offer at affordable prices, and, for those who are not golfers, there is a swimming pool and outside terrace overlooking the green to enjoy. The pro shop has clubs and trolleys available to hire and an excellent

Cyprus Golf Packages are available during high and low season in Cyprus. Discounted green fees, tuition packages, hotel and guest accommodations and group deals. Inquire with the Golf Course customer service well in advance of booking your trip.

Planned Upcoming Courses: There are currently several other Cyprus golf courses in development and construction stages. One in Tersefanou Golf and Country Club in Larnaca is scheduled for completion in 2010. It is expected to be PGA approved and will have luxury villas and apartments surrounding the course.

In the picturesque village of Argaka Paphos, a planned course is in the development stage and will be a welcome attraction to the already popular holiday village.

Cyprus Golf Annual Events:

The 4th Cyprus Amateur Ladies Open

The 8th Cyprus Mens Amateur Open

Cyprus Senior Ladies and Mens Amateur Open Championship

Sce: CTO, CgC.UK