Mediterranean marvel

CYPRUS may be the birthplace of many of the Mediterranean’s most famous gods and goddesses, but there is nothing mythical about this country’s devotion to the Royal and Ancient game. Less than two decades ago, Cyprus was a golf-free zone, but having developed three courses in 14 years, government officials are being urged to pass a motion that will see 11 more built in the not too distant future.

Having experienced two of this island’s beautiful layouts, it seems clear any decision to build more will prove inspired. Put simply, Cyprus offers everything that any travelling golfer would wish to discover. Year-round sunshine, stunning scenery, friendly locals and golf courses which play as if they were centuries old, not merely a decade.

After a comfortable four-and-a-half hour flight from Manchester, my partner and I arrived at a sun-drenched Paphos Airport. A comfortable and scenic journey ensued before we arrived at the gates of Aphrodite Hills – the island’s most awe-inspiring, exclusive resort.

Situated just 10 miles from the airport, Aphrodite stands in a beautifully scenic setting on two gently sloping plateaus.
Overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, where goddess Aphrodite rose from the waves, this 578-acre resort is a haven of luxurious leisure set in tranquil surrounds.

After a glass of champagne on arrival, we were escorted to a fabulously appointed suite, which boasted a contemporary living area, comfortable bed and spacious bathroom. After taking time to settle in, we were then treated to a traditional Cypriot meal at one of the resort’s five restaurants.

Chefs at the Pithari Taverna cooked us an array of authentic island dishes and I am able to declare that each one tantalised the tastebuds. After eating, it was time to take on Aphrodite’s well-renowned championship-standard golf course. I met my playing partner, Nuno Bastos, at Aphrodite’s well-stocked pro shop and, after pleasantaries had been exchanged, it was time to venture out onto the course.

Aphrodite’s stunning example of course design is dotted with olive and carob trees and is home to manicured fairways, challenging bunkers and undulating greens. It boasts stunning views out to sea, especially from the 8th, which meanders towards the water.

Also, Aphrodite’s dramatic ravine means this glorious course is unique, not to mention exotic. We started our round at the 10th, where I got things underway with a steady tee shot. Unfortunately, that effort wasn’t a sign of things to come as I struggled for the first few holes. But, I managed to get things together by the time we ventured out onto the front nine, our back nine.

I arrived at the 1st after enjoying one of the finest finishing holes in golf. Aphrodite’s 18th is a testing par five which starts with a challenging blind tee shot. An effort out of the middle of the driver should mean a second shot from the middle of the fairway – and this, believe it or not, is where the fun really starts.

The green, which lies in front of Aphrodite’s glorious clubhouse, is protected by a large water hazard, which also guards the right side of the fairway. A safe shot to the end of the short stuff is the sensible option, but anything right, or left, where there are further hazards, including thick bushes, spells trouble.

For those playing off the whites, the 3rd is home to a frightening tee shot. In order to make the fairway, you need to carry what looks like a canyon for over 200 yards. Luckily, we were playing off the yellows. After that, the 7th is a stunning par three and the aforementioned 8th boasts the most magnificent views out to sea. From the tee, fairway and green, this really is a stunning golf hole that the gods themselves would have felt privileged to play.

After enjoying a relaxing drink and light lunch in the clubhouse, it was on to The Elysium – a five-star hotel situated on the road back to Paphos, just a stone’s throw from the Tombs of the Kings. Hotel manager Kurt Schmid welcomed us and from then on, he and his wonderful staff saw to our every need.

We ate at Cava – The Elysium’s most exclusive restaurant – on arrival and enjoyed a magnificent meal accompanied by exemplary service. The next day it was on to Tsada Golf Club – a Donald Steel-designed layout which lies in the foothills of Troodos Mountains, some 500 metres above sea level.

Although still a work-in-progress, Tsada boasts a back nine worthy of envy. The 12th and 13th are testing long holes and the 14th, which is played from an elevated tee, is a true sight to behold. Here, a drive to the tight right hand fairway is required, otherwise a ball lost in a huge ravine will be the result. Big hitters may look to get close to the green, which is cleverly positioned on the edge of a hilltop.

Clearly, Cyprus has a lot going for it. And, provided it can produce courses which match Aphrodite’s surroundings and Tsada’s back nine, I see no reason why this beautiful country can’t compete with the likes of Portugal and Spain and become a European golfing hot-spot.

More information about Cyprus can be obtained via www.visitcyprus.com