There are three outstanding golf courses in Cyprus and with the golf craze gripping the island, plans are underway for more within the next few years. Currently the three are situated in the same area of Paphos, with three more 18-hole golf courses planned in the districts of Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta (Ayia Napa) by the consortia of local authorities and hoteliers.
With regard to Ayia Napa, the government has decided to offer public land to the consortium on a long-term lease basis. Environmental impact studies have already been instigated.
The Cyprus Golf Federation, which was elected as a new member of the European Golf Federation in 2001, has joined 31 other countries in promoting the sport in Europe, and is now actively organizing local golf tournaments and matches with British golf societies. Meanwhile the PGA has been to Cyprus to inspect the golf courses.
Over the last two years, the Federation has organized the first and second annual Cyprus Amateur Golf Open Championship Tournaments which took place at the golf clubs of Tsada and Secret Valley and attracted golfers from 15 countries in Europe and the US. Golf properties in these areas have meanwhile doubled in value.
EXISTING COURSES
The three existing courses golf courses on the island are all in the region of Pafos.
- Tsada Golf Club
Is an 18 hole golf course, located on the Northern outskirts of Paphos, at an altitude of 550 metres above sea level, and set in the grounds of a 12th century monastery which lies in a valley near Tsada village. Designed by Donald Steel, it plays to a par 72 and measures 6,060 metres. This course has been operating since 1994.
- Secret Valley Golf Club
An 18 hole golf course, 18 km east of Paphos near the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It lies in a lovely valley, amidst beautiful rocks and forestry. Secret Valley plays to a par 7 and measures 5,904 metres - operating since 1996.
- Aphrodite Hills
This renowned internationally 18 hole integrated golf resort is around 20 km east of Paphos on 2 plateaus, next to Secret Valley, 300 metres high and overlooking the supposed birthplace of Aphrodite. Designed by Cabell Robinson, it plays to a par 71 and measures 6,232 metres. An Inter-Continental 5-star hotel, a health spa, a tennis academy, and other types of real estate development are on the drawing board. It has been operating since 2002.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COURSES
Based on the recommendations of a recent study, the Cypriot Council of Ministers has approved a strategy for the development of at least another four or five international golf courses on the Island over the next few years.
The government has also approved the appropriate selection criteria, which will serve as a basis for the examination of golf course development applications. The development of golf courses will certainly contribute towards the enrichment and diversification of the tourist market, the alleviation of the seasonality problem, the attraction of a quality special interest market segment and the upgrading of the image of Cyprus as a quality tourist destination in the international market place.
In addition to the Strategy for Golf Course Development, the Tourism Strategy Plan to 2010 evaluates golf courses as supplementary tourist projects which add value to the tourist product and contribute towards the increase of per capita tourism expenditure and improvement in hotel occupancy rates, which in turn will improve their financial viability. Taking into consideration all relevant factors and constraints regarding the development of golf courses such as the use of land, water, environmental concerns and other factors, the strategy suggested the development of four to five international standard, 18-hole courses in Pafos district, and one each in Limassol, Larnaca, (Tersefanou) Nicosia and the free area of Famagusta, (Ayia Napa).
FUTURE PROSPECTS In light of the attractive investment climate that Cyprus has to offer, as well as the potential benefits resulting from the island's accession to the EU, potential investors are undoubtedly presented with a window of opportunity not to be missed.
Considering that golf development on the island is at its embryonic stage, future potential investors could reap the benefits that will result when Cyprus completes its golf infrastructure and thus becomes a golfing destination.
There is a defined future for golf in Cyprus. A definite plus is the all year sunshine of the island, which means that golfers who find they cannot play in their own countries in winter, when their own courses are closed by ice and snow, can come to Cyprus. Their season ends around October, just when the golfing high season in Cyprus is getting under way.
The eventual aim of this Golf committee is to participate in all major travel markets and golf fairs (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Britain) and organizes familiarization visits to the island for golf journalists and tour operators.
"We are confident that within a comparatively short period of time, Cyprus will occupy an elevated spot on the world's golfing map. Who knows, in a few years' time, we could be looking at a Cyprus Open on the European PGA Tour and a new Mecca for wandering golfers on the lovely Mediterranean island where Aphrodite made her home".
