4 By Gerald Bowers
Secret Valley Golf Club - Venus Rock
Secret Valley Golf Club - Venus Rock
Four of these courses are in the Paphos district namely: Elea Estate, Aphrodite Hills, Minthis Hills and Secret Valley with Vikla Golf and Country Club situated in the Limassol district. The British community make up the largest share of active golf members and players at each of the clubs in the Paphos area. Tourists are welcome as guests at all of the courses and ‘golf tours’ are becoming more popular in Cyprus as both amateur and professional players from around Europe see the advantages of the great weather and all year round playing conditions. But golf courses/clubs in Cyprus offer far more than what most people realise. Each golf club is more of a resort location offering a lifestyle many can only dream about for those coming from Northern Europe. You don’t have to be a golf fanatic to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and wonderful dining experiences. Indeed you can experience some of the very best culinary delights on offer as each club boasts about the skills of their international chef teams and fully trained catering staff. So far the only golf course offering hotel facilities is Aphrodite Hills (Sensatori Resort) some of the other courses have plans for hotel facilities in the future. But travelling distances are short between all courses with Elea Estate being located close to Paphos centre and Minthis Hills only a 15 minute drive away. Aphrodite Hills is located just off the main Paphos to Limassol road in Kouklia and next to the Secret Valley course at Venus Rock. The Vikla course is only 25km from Limassol.
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Golf in Cyprus has come a long way during the past few years. The island now has five golf courses.
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Golf in Cyprus Vikla Golf and Country Club Holes: 18 Par: 72
Nestled in the hills of the picturesque village of Vikla, 25kms from Limassol, is Vikla Golf & Country Club, where you are invited to play a round or two of golf against a backdrop of spectacular beauty. The emphasis here is on pleasure so the pace of your game should be as fast or slow as you’d like it to be. Whether you are on holiday in Cyprus, visiting friends or family in Limassol, or just passing through the Limassol region. Vikla Golf Club is a family run business that provides a facility which is not available anywhere else on the island. At Vikla you will play on quality grass greens, relax in an environment where people don’t take life or themselves too seriously, eat and drink at the bar happy that you’re paying the right price, and only pay 30 euros for golf! Vikla decided not to spend a fortune on water (which is scarce enough in Cyprus) to irrigate the fairways throughout the summer. This not only saves the island water, but also saves money meaning they can pass on these savings to you - They charge up to 75% less than other courses on the island. See: www.vikla4golf.com
Guest Policy: Guests are accepted Handicap Requirements: Everyone is encouraged to play at Vikla
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Crowning Aphrodite Hills Resort’s outstanding leisure facilities is the magnificent 18-hole golf course. Five years in the making, it follows the scenic contours of the two plateaux, its challenging fairways cutting a swathe through lakes, olive and carob trees. The course has taken its rightful place among the very best the Mediterranean can offer. No matter how many times you play the course, there’s always a new challenge. Not least the skill needed to conquer the dramatic holes that run alongside or traverse the dramatic central ravine. Celebrate your success in the sophisticated Clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean below. In the restaurant you can savour delectable Cypriot specialties, international cuisine and an extensive wine list, or just enjoy the breath taking view from the terraces. A premier Golf Academy, practice holes and pro-shop enhance your golf experience.
Designer/Architect: Cabell Robinson Guest Policy: Guests are accepted Handicap Requirements: Men 28, Ladies 36
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Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort Holes: 18 Par: 70
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Secret Valley Golf Club - Venus Rock
Minthis Hills Golf Club
Holes: 18
Par: 71
The oldest golf course in Cyprus. Founded in 1994 on the hills of Tsada, set on the grounds of 12th century monastery, in a verdant valley. Created by Donald Steel and renovated by Mackenzie + Ebert in 2006/07, it plays to a par 71 and measures 5843 meters. Situated in the village of Tsada, 15 km north of Paphos, at 550 metres above sea level ensures cool breezes during the summer months. The fairways are challenging and undulating with plenty of options. Bunkers: 35, Lakes 2 with a 16 bay Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Green. Golf Buggies, clubs and trolleys are available for rental. Great clubhouse with restaurant and café bar. Ideal for corporate events, weddings and celebrations. Business Centre facilities also available. See: www.minthishills.com/golf
Designer/Architect: Donald Steel Guest Policy: Guests are accepted Handicap Requirements: Men 28, Ladies 36
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Par: 71
The Secret Valley Golf Course at the Venus Rock Resort is a highly prestigious golf course located in the renowned area of “Petra tou Romiou”, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. It is set in a scenic valley surrounded by mature trees and beautiful natural rock formations. Consistently appearing as the preferred course amongst the island’s visiting players in terms of sheer playability and enjoyment. Located 18 km east of Paphos and 49 km west from Limassol, near to the rock of Aphrodite. The nearest village is Kouklia. See: www.venusrock.com
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Secret Valley Golf Club
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Elea Golf Club
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Welcome to Sir Nick Faldo’s Mediterranean masterpiece. Situated at the heart of the prestigious Eléa Estate in Cyprus, Eléa Golf Club offers world-class golf in a stunning setting. The challenging Par 71 course, designed by the legendary Nick Faldo, incorporates numerous natural features and boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean. A visit to Elea Estate is highly recommended. Elea has quickly developed a reputation for excellent customer service for both golfers and visitors. See: www.eleaestate.com
Designer/Architect: Tony Jacklin Guest Policy: Guests are accepted Handicap Requirements: Men 28, Ladies 36
Designer/Architect(s): Nick Faldo Guest Policy: Guests are accepted Handicap Requirements: Men 28, Ladies 36
Secret Valley Golf Club - Venus Rock