Playing golf in Cyprus is not just a pastime for the aristocracy or your ticket to high society; it is a way of life. What could be more wonderful than playing a round and relaxing under the glorious Cypriot sun, on modern golf courses surrounded by olive and citrus trees?
It’s worth noting that Cyprus’s golf courses are situated in the most picturesque locations, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains.
Cyprus is currently one of the most popular golf destinations in Europe. The peak season for visiting golf courses is during the autumn and winter months, when it is no longer possible to play golf in Europe due to the weather conditions.
The island’s compact size has allowed golf courses to be built close to the sea, and whichever Cyprus golf club you choose, you’re guaranteed a visual treat.
There are five recognised golf courses on the island, most of which are situated within luxury hotels and golf resorts. All golf courses in Cyprus meet international standards.
Most visitors choose Cyprus as a golfing destination because it allows them to combine the sport with an extensive sightseeing programme and a seaside holiday. Virtually all golf hotels in Cyprus offer guests package deals combining golf with an entertainment programme.
The Minthis Hills Resort golf course is situated in a historic location on the grounds of a 12th-century monastery. Players can expect a peaceful, comfortable setting and eye-catching views of the mountains, which further inspire guests to play.
The resort is situated 550 metres above sea level, and the golf course is ideal for play at any time of year: a gentle breeze makes it possible to play golf even during the hottest summer months. This is because, thanks to its mountainous location, the air temperature here is more comfortable and the humidity level is much lower than on the coast.
The original design was created by one of the finest golf course designers, Donald Steel, in 1994. As such, Minthis Hills is the oldest golf club in Cyprus.
Very recently, the company ‘Mackenzie & Ebert’, which advocates integrating golf courses with the surrounding landscape and blending them into the wider scenery, carried out a complete modernisation of the resort. The firm is world-renowned for its work on four of the nine venues hosting the British Open Golf Championship. The project leaders – Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert – have 60 completed golf projects across 16 countries to their credit.
The Minthis Hills Resort golf course is set amidst gardens: the holes are nestled amongst vines, walnut, almond and olive trees. Players of all abilities will find the course a real delight, and each hole is unique in its own way.
Guests can relax and discuss the day’s round in the luxurious clubhouse, designed by the world-renowned firm Woods Bagot.
This architectural masterpiece, with its impressive design, creates an unforgettable atmosphere: in the lounge, on the golf terrace and in the clubhouse cocktail bar, players can enjoy drinks and light snacks before and after their round, whilst the Minthis Hills restaurant is the place to savour true culinary delights.
Membership fees at Minthis Hills Golf Club are very competitive: the annual fee for an individual membership is €2,250, and for a family membership (for two people) it is €4,000.
The price also includes: a €250 credit to be used in the restaurant; an unlimited number of rounds per year; free use of all the resort’s facilities; preferential rates for hosting tournaments; a 15 per cent discount on golf lessons; the admission fee to the Cyprus Golf Federation; golf trolley hire at €20 per round; a 20 per cent discount on guest green fees; a 15% discount on food and drink; free storage of golf clubs and trolleys, and lockers.
In addition to club membership, guests may
use the resort’s facilities and play golf on a one-off basis. Players with a handicap (men – 28, women – 36) are permitted to play. Players who do not have a handicap certificate may play after 11.30 am, subject to availability. The cost of a round of golf ranges from 40 to 85 euros.
Guests at Minthis Hills are invited to make use of the pro shop and the Golf Academy.
As well as the Minthis Hills golf resort, the island is home to excellent golf clubs at the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club & Resort, Elea Estate, Secret Valley and Vikla Gulf Club.
Elea Golf Club is one of the newest golf clubs in Cyprus. It is situated 10 km from Paphos and the international airport in a magnificent location with stunning panoramic sea views, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.
The club is situated within a luxury residential complex designed by Nick Faldo, the six-time world golf champion from England.
This is the newest, yet also one of the most popular developments in Cyprus, designed by Cable Robinson, one of the world’s most renowned golf course architects. The club was established in 2002 on the
grounds of a magnificent five-star hotel, which, in addition to the hotel itself, comprises a holiday village with superb villas, tavernas and restaurants, shops and other facilities.
The club’s golf course precisely follows the contours of two plateaus, offering magnificent sea views. The club itself ranks among the top 20 most popular clubs in Europe.
So, golf in Cyprus is a wonderful opportunity to try your hand at this aristocratic sport in a peaceful setting, regardless of your income level, as prices here are quite reasonable, and the cost of an hour’s coaching is no higher than in Moscow and St Petersburg.