Designed by Donald Steel in 1994, the course has recently undergone extensive enhancement by Mackenzie & Ebert, famed for their work on Open Championship courses such as Royal Portrush. They are fervent believers that golf courses should fit into the landscape and be in keeping with their setting.

At Minthis, the elevated tees invite everyone to ‘have a go’ yet narrow tree-lined fairways provide an exhilarating challenge, with each shot requiring careful assessment. Few places are so tranquil for a friendly game.

The signature 13th hole is a challenging par 3 that has to be played to be appreciated; the green is on an island surrounded by hazardous water. Looks are deceiving, and although it seems relatively straightforward it requires precision and accuracy to reach the heart of the green.

Now is an exciting time at Minthis with the development of two new holes. There will be a new par 5 hole; the challenge here is to try not to be distracted by the dramatic views of the Troodos mountains as you hit the long drive towards them.  A new par 3 will also require great skill with pines to the left and a large deep bunker on the right. The two new holes have been designed by Mackenzie & Ebert, not just to improve the current layout but add distinction and variety between the holes. The new holes will be ready in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Until then the current layout of the 18-hole par 71 course will continue to stimulate and excite players of all standards.

To top it off, Minthis is a looped course, with each nine returning you to the luxurious and comfortable clubhouse where the lounge, golf terrace or sports bar offer the perfect space for pre- and post-game drinks, while the restaurant transforms the finest local and international ingredients into culinary delights.

www.minthisresort.com

The post Travel Guide 2018: Minthis Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The five-star fully integrated resort was celebrating as we went to print, having just been unveiled as the 2018 European Golf Resort of the Year at the prestigious annual International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Awards in Cannes.

When 680 golf tour operators from 65 countries cast their votes and your resort emerge from those eligible from a total of 2,000 resorts globally, you know you’re doing something right.

But far from resting on their laurels, Aphrodite Hills is nearing completion of a €2.5 million modernisation project, including the rebuilding of greens and bunkers. The temporary greens will be gone by January 19, ensuring the resort fully deserves its new IAGTO gong and the recognition as ‘Aphrodite Hills Resort – PGA National, Cyprus’, elevating its already stellar standing among Mediterranean golf.

Golf Director Andrew Darker takes up the story: “For more than 15 years, Aphrodite Hills has created a strong reputation as both a golf course and a state-of-the-art resort. We believe that collaboration with PGA will further develop our profile in the conscience of golfers and the thousands of visitors hosted daily throughout the year.”

PGA Chief Executive Robert Maxfield added: “We are pleased that Aphrodite Hills has become the PGA National, Cyprus, which exalts the quality of the remarkable and newly renovated golf course, as well as the excellent five-star leisure facilities. We are proud to promote PGA National, Cyprus alongside its other national facilities in Europe, further strengthening PGA’s global reputation.”

Nestled in the midst of a protected forest and with views of the Mediterranean Sea, Aphrodite Hills Resort spans 234 hectares of which  92 percent is an indigenous plantation, greenery and landscaping.

The prestigious Aphrodite Hills Hotel, with 290 rooms and suites, awarded Retreat Spa, 18 restaurants and bars are operated by Atlantica Hotels, Holiday Residences, offering stylish holiday villas and apartments for rent, world-class tennis and football academies, horse riding and a children’s club.

Aphrodite Hills also offers a variety of contemporary villas and apartments designed for comfortable living. All the properties enjoy the uninterrupted sea and/or golf views and, coupled with full property management services, make an appealing investment opportunity for Middle Eastern buyers.

Designed by acclaimed American architect Cabell Robinson, the 18-hole championship course is spread over 6,877 yards and challenges with lush Bermuda fairways, generous but tiered greens and challenging bunkers. The course expands through indigenous olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaus of a mountain separated by a dramatic ravine. It makes for some truly memorable tee shots. With outstanding views of the Mediterranean and five tees per hole, it is a course suitable for advanced or intermediate players.

www.aphroditehills.com

The post Travel Guide 2018: Aphrodite Hills Resort appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The Republic, the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean, is home to four international quality 18-hole courses, Aphrodite Hills Golf PGA National Cyprus, Eléa Golf Club, Minthis Hills Golf Club and Secret Valley Golf Resort.

All are in the Pafos region, all situated in tranquil surroundings and all offer just the right mix of on-course challenge and off-course facilities to appeal to the discerning golf holidaymaker. Think gently sloping hills and sparkling vistas over the Mediterranean Sea as the backdrop to equally dramatic golf.

With temperatures in the low 30 degrees Celsius in July-August, Cyprus shapes as a particularly alluring summer escape for golfers in the Middle East who don’t want to battle the rising desert mercury, yet can’t bear to down sticks for months on end.

The great news is that there is more great golf in the offing too.

The Cypriot Government has emboldened its tourism arm, The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), to bolster its existing cluster of courses by as many as 14 in the years ahead.

The CTO report promises investor interest for new integrated golf developments in most regions across Cyprus – Pafos, Lemesos, Larnaka and the free area of Famagusta – and there is already signature designs being linked to legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tony Jacklin.

Cyprus makes for a relaxing couples, retreat or larger group escapes. Organise your own itinerary with ease or have a little organised fun in a number of annual amateur competitions.

Players from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and America return to the Cyprus Amateur Open Championship year after year for the great golf and friendly comradery on the tee and long into those famous Mediterranean nights.

Look out too for a repeat of the Cyprus Amateur Men’s Open and the Cyprus Amateur Seniors in 2018 as well as a number of Pro-Ams. There’s a reason why so many blue-chip corporates hold the grand finals of their series of tournaments in  Cyprus after all.

The CTO’s aim is to bolster Cyprus’ reputation as a desired destination on golf’s global map. With the weather, quality golf, friendly hotels and all the fun you can handle off the course –think spa pampering, mountain biking, treks, wine tasting, diving, sailing to name a few – the Island paradise is already a great choice for a unique golf/adventure escape.

Cyprus was chosen by Aphrodite – the Goddess of Love – as her home. That’s a good enough recommendation for us – we’re sure you’ll love the golf too.

www.visitcyprus.com

The post Travel Guide 2018: Cyprus, a Golf Paradise Island appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.