Golf Travel Guide: Cyprus

Written by Andrew Wild on Sunday, 25 September 2011

Golf Travel Guide: Cyprus

Basking in the Mediterranean sun, Cyprus' warm climate and beautiful landscapes have been attracting visitors from the UK for many years. Although popular amongst tourists who are after a relaxing beach holiday, the island has a lot to offer golfers too.

Aphrodite Hills

In the South West of the island is the famous Aphrodite Hills golf resort, which incorporates a luxury 5* hotel with a spa, restaurants, and a beach, or if you're in a larger group then there are apartments and villas for rent in the area too. The course itself is perhaps best known for hosting the EuroPro Tour finale last year, and a visit is a must if you're heading to Cyprus. While some of the distances between holes may put players off, the fantastic views and overall setting more than make up for it.

Green fees

18 holes: €105/€150 per person for on/off season, includes a buggy based on two people sharing
9 Holes: €54/€75

Accommodation

The Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel is the obvious choice for somewhere to stay on your visit, and you can expect to pay around €300 for a guest room or junior suite, with prices going up to €400 to €600 for suites with sea views and private pools. Alternatively, you can also rent a villa. Prices start at €1260 for a weeks' rental of a two bedroom apartment with communal pool to sleep 4 people. At the other end of the scale you can expect to pay €3290 for a villa with a private pool to sleep 10 people for a week.

Elea Golf Club

Elea Golf Club is in the same region of the island, which makes it also conveniently close to one of Cyprus' larger cities, Paphos. Designed by Nick Faldo in late 2010, the course is part of the Elea Estate which boasts excellent facilities. The course is pleasantly challenging - in particular the fiendish 17th - and as you would expect there are some fabulous views to enjoy too.

Green fees

€115 (€95 online) high season
€80 (€65 online) low season

Accommodation

There is no hotel on the estate, but plenty of options for accommodation in nearby Paphos. The Apollonia holiday apartments offer a great solution with options ranging from studio apartments to accommodate one to two people for around €65 per night, to two bedroom apartments for five people for around €130 per night.

Secret Valley

Another popular course in the area is in the Secret Valley, just East of Paphos. Set in the gorgeous valley with its mature trees and incredible rock formations, this course is almost worth visiting just for the scenery alone, but tee up on the back nine and you'll realise that the Secret Valley Golf Club is more than just a pretty face - there are some challenging holes to enjoy, too. Villas and apartments are available to rent if you're looking to stay for a few days.

Green fees

€48 for one round until the 30th of September
€43 for three or more rounds

Accommodation

You can expect to pay around €130-€150 per week per person (starting at €800 total per week) for the more luxurious villas for rent in the Secret Valley, which typically have three bedrooms (to sleep around 8 guests), fantastic views and private pools.

Transport

The best way to see Cyprus is by renting a car while you're there: not only do you get all the freedom to journey around the island as you please, but it also means that you'll get to sample many of the best golf courses in the area much more easily. What's more, they drive on the left - so no need to get used to driving on the other side of the road. Look out for deals that hotels and courses may offer with regard to car hire too, as many offer discounts if you book your car with your holiday.

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Andrew Wild

Andrew manages all aspects of Sandford Springs including Food and Beverage, Golf, Finance and Memberships.

Andrew originally met the Chairman, Paul Gibbons, when he was an assistant Golf Pro at Reading Golf Club 28 years ago.

Interestingly, 15 years later Andrew was giving Paul a series of lessons, during which he mentioned there was a club in Hampshire which was up for sale. After going to visit the club, Mr Gibbons ended up buying Sandford Springs.

Andrew joined the company a couple of years later and six years on, he became the General Manager at the club they had first discussed all that time ago.

Andrew has a deep passion for the game of golf, which aids his enthusiasm in all his endeavours at Sandford Springs. Aside from playing, he enjoys simply being around the golf club and takes a great interest in looking after his members.

He believes that the atmosphere at Sandford Springs is second to none and finds it such a pleasure to be involved with the club that, in his own words – "Sometimes it doesn't even feel like work".