Danny Lockwood travels to Cyprus and finds a golfing gem with plenty of home comforts and Mediterranean sunshine
How on earth did I not know about Cyprus – especially golf on the Mediterranean island?
This might be the furthest east of all the EU states – geographically speaking it’s arguably in the Middle East – but for a Brit abroad, it feels more English than many of the parts of England I’m acquainted with.
Indeed, for a Yorkshire-based golf writer abroad, the courses in the south-west of the island felt very much like a home from home. That said, I’ll admit something didn’t feel right driving out of Paphos airport, we were on the wrong side of the road! Or rather, we were on the right side – the left – as many traditions from Cyprus’ British Empire days endure. You can also leave the travel plug adaptors at home – they use the three-pin versions here too.
The eastern Mediterranean island may still have political tensions between its Turkish and Greek claimants, but in its post-colonial present Cypriots tend to rub along just fine.
The third largest island in the Med is so much more than a beautiful fusion of the ancient and modern with an idyllic climate. With English as the official second language (after the local Greek or Turkish), and it being a popular redoubt for British ex-pats, it stands to reason that golf would have a strong presence here – and it’s very high quality too.
Eléa Golf Club
Eléa is the relative new kid on the block among the four premier clubs within 10-20 minutes of the tourist hub of Paphos. Branded as Sir Nick Faldo’s Mediterranean masterpiece, it has a very distinctive design imprint.
Cyprus is a hilly – nay mountainous – island and once you head inland from the beaches it rises sharply to the north. Eléa is situated towards the foot of this landscape and enjoys slightly elevated views over the Mediterranean. Nick enjoyed creating the bunker complexes here – there are 83 traps across the course – but there is ample driving space on most holes too.
Clever use of the indigenous carob and olive trees, combined with generous use of local limestone to create an effective pathway around the course, gives the par 71 track a distinct feel of its own.
The greens are huge and quick, and they run true as you would expect. There are also runoffs aplenty, and water comes into play on several holes.
As Nick said: “This golf course has the potential to play a pivotal role in establishing this part of the world as a leading European golf destination. When we designed the golf course at Eléa, we decided to put the emphasis on thoughtful, rather than big-hitting, golf and there are plenty of strategic riddles for the golfer to explore and unravel.”
The course is eminently playable from the yellow tees at around 6,000 yards, though there is scope to stretch it to a very intimidating 7,400 yards. From any tee, the 17th and 18th holes are as tough as any closing par fours you’ll face.
With a stunning clubhouse, 300-metre driving range, short game area, PGA-staffed academy, and all the amenities you would expect – including GPS-equipped buggies – Eléa ticks all the boxes right on the doorstep for visitors to Paphos.
Minthis Resort
Driving up to Minthis, you may be tempted to wonder ‘How on earth could anyone build a golf course in an area like this?’
When you stand on the 10th tee, you’ll be torn between gazing at the distant fairway below and taking in the stunning landscape of the surrounding mountains.
Having climbed around 1,800ft from Paphos town, in 1994 esteemed architect Donald Steel crafted a delightfully compact 18-hole layout in the valley which winds around a 12th Century monastery complete with olive groves, grapevines and dedicated wildflower areas.
More recently – in 2006-7 and 2017-9 – the architects Mackenzie & Ebert oversaw renovations and established a new layout with new holes. In 2020, Minthis’ owners committed to 18 new USGA specification greens and five practice greens – including the signature island green at the par three 15th. In addition to all the expected amenities, there is a driving range and three-hole academy course here too.
As central as golf is to the Minthis Resort, it offers so much more as a destination with its luxury apartments and suites, and fabulous five-star spa. As with everything about Minthis, the stunning views on all sides are put front and centre of what can be an overwhelming sensory experience. However your golf goes, you’re assured a memorable visit to a very special place.
You might also listen out for the dulcet tones of golf general manager Adam Davison. Although Cyprus has been his home for some time, Adam started his golfing journey at Normanton, moved to Wakefield at the age of 12, and did his PGA training at Waterton Park – where he worked for several years before moving abroad.
Secret Valley Golf Club
There’s something of a clue in the name of this high-quality golf venue. If you didn’t have directions, there wouldn’t be much chance of stumbling across this secluded course nestled in the foothills well south of the Troodos mountains. Indeed, some of the best views of Secret Valley can be found on the fairways of Aphrodite Hills, which are high above to the east.
The club has a strong ex-pat membership, and proof of how small a world we live in came while chatting with PGA professional Adam Collinson – who started swinging a club on the same par three municipal course in Thornhill’s Rectory Park as I did before he graduated to playing at Dewsbury & District. Adam now oversees world-class academy provisions, including a 300-metre 22-bay covered range, two indoor bays, and an exceptional short game area.
Out on the course, Secret Valley follows a traditional out and back layout – the front nine heading towards the Mediterranean before players turn back towards the clubhouse. A distinct feature is the gorge which meanders along the middle of the valley providing a variety of hazards. In addition, water comes into play on the 11th and 12th holes.
The Bermuda fairways and immaculate Bent grass greens are an absolute delight to play on. Surrounded by Cyprus’ natural vegetation and rock formations, it’s not surprising to learn that Tony Jacklin was part of the design team.
Aphrodite Hills Resort
Acclaimed golf architect Cabell Robinson indulged his imagination when he was presented with the challenge of creating a prestigious golf course at the heart of what would become a five-star resort. The opportunity came at the turn of the century and the golf course opened two years later, rapidly establishing itself as one of Europe’s must-visit destinations.
On the course, which has hosted DP World Tour events, it’s sometimes difficult to focus on your golf as picture-perfect photo opportunities are everywhere. In pristine condition, there’s something new to admire on every hole and a terrific closing challenge in front of the majestic clubhouse.
Being the mythological home of the Greek goddess of love, down the hill from the resort you’ll find Aphrodite’s Rock – and the myth says that if you swim around it three times you are guaranteed eternal youth.
The signature hole at Aphrodite Hills is the seventh – a daunting par three played across a deep chasm – though you’re spoilt for choice when choosing a favourite hole here. The greens and bunkers are maintained to the highest possible standards, and as challenging as some of your shots will inevitably be, Cabell’s design ensures they are always fair.
Away from the golf, the resort has a nine-court tennis academy, soccer school, padel and basketball courts, plus a luxury spa – all set around a village with a wide choice of restaurants which makes Aphrodite Hills a destination in itself.
Destination Paphos
Just a 15-minute drive from its own airport, Paphos combines the very best of the ancient and modern. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to latterly discovered large and elaborate Roman villas and an archaeological site known as the Tomb of the Kings, all within easy reach of the bustling modern harbour – itself home to an ancient castle.
Visitors are spoiled for choice in terms of food and drink, and accommodation. Constantinou Bros Hotels is Cyprus’ premier provider of luxury accommodation – offering four beach-front properties just along the coast from Paphos harbour. The Asimina Suites Hotel is a five-star adults-only resort ideally situated between the airport and Paphos town. Sharing the beach path into town is the Athena Beach Hotel, which has been renovated recently and is a large and buzzing family-friendly destination. Its neighbour, the Athena Royal Beach Hotel, is another five-star adults-only destination. Finally, Constantinou Bros’ Pioneer Beach Hotel is a wellness/fitness four-star adults-only resort with a popular outdoor bowling green and tennis courts. The hotels pride themselves on the exceptional quality of their hospitality and offer different levels including all-inclusive and Elite Class stays which includes a private cabana on the beach among other benefits.
