The 5,905-yard, par 71 layout is located 18km east of Paphos on the Mediterranean Sea near the famous Rock of Aphrodite, an area known locally as “Petra tou Romiou”, said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

With two major titles, seven Ryder Cup appearances as a player and four as a non-playing captain, the last three of them successful, Tony Jacklin was the most successful British golfer of his generation.

Secret Valley opened in 1996. In 2013, when the current layout was unveiled, the 1969 Open Champion and 1970 U.S. Open winner lent his expertise, following collaboration with course architects Hans-George Erhardt and Snorri Vijhalmsson (Golf and Land Design).

Set in a scenic valley surrounded by mature trees, beautiful flowers, natural rock formations and spectacular vistas towards valley and sea, the course provides perhaps the most challenging test of skills of all the courses in Cyprus. Indeed, it is “a thinkers course”.

An added attraction unique to Secret Valley is a floodlight three hole loop, situated at the sea end of the golf course, which proves popular for summer evening play.

Managed by Troon Golf, lush Bermuda Green fairways and greens considered the equal of anything in Cyprus are other lures while TaylorMade M2 golf clubs are available for hire from the fully stocked
pro-shop, mean you can travel light if desired.

Secret Valley Golf Resort also offers a state-of-the-art Troon Golf Academy and magnificent 300-metre driving range located close to the clubhouse with grassed tees as well as 22 covered bays. There’s also large putting, chipping and pitching greens and indoor solutions with a golf simulator and swing studios.

PGA Golf Professional Paul Dyer and his team are available to give tuition for all ages and abilities, whether for a complete beginner, an experienced golfer or a large group.

After the play, guests are welcomed to the friendly atmosphere of Secret Valley’s stunning clubhouse with its balconies overlooking the tranquillity of the valley and sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea.

An extensive list of refreshments is available to accompany world-class Greek and international cuisine, all delivered with the friendly service unique to Cyprus. The clubhouse boasts extensive and well-appointed conference facilities and caters for seminars, business meetings, private or social functions, christenings and weddings for up to 400 guests.

www.secretvalleygolfclub.com

The post Travel Guide 2018: Secret Valley Golf Resort appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Eléa is acknowledged as Sir Nick Faldo’s ‘Mediterranean Masterpiece’. At 6,900 yards from the black tees, the course commands a striking location above the Mediterranean Sea and has been meticulously crafted through rolling countryside, featuring imposing weathered outcrops of limestone that offer a unique character across the property.

The challenging layout circulates through groves of mature carob and olive trees and the dramatic outcrops of weathered limestone strikingly contrast with the dark green paspalum grass fairways and semi-rough, which on a number of holes are fringed by Mediterranean grasses and an abundance of wild herbs and native flora.

Eléa is a course that offers not only strategic golf in a beautiful setting but is also very sympathetic to its environment with minimal water usage and a concentration on native plant species. This is a golf course that sits comfortably and in harmony with its landscape.

Eléa’s designs present situations that may not be what they seem at first glance. This course will reward golfers who consider their options carefully and experiment with very different ways to play some holes due to the well-bunkered nature of the course.

After driving into the Estate, visitors will be welcomed in a beautiful tiled plaza area, which leads into a stunning clubhouse featuring multiple terraces overlooking the course. Inspired by traditional Mediterranean architecture, Eléa Estate’s stylish clubhouse incorporates several terraces and balconies offering unrivalled and uninterrupted views across the course and down to the Mediterranean. Taking advantage of the unique Cyprus climate, blending indoor and outdoor space is a key Eléa Estate element, which creates a warm and inviting stylish atmosphere.

The clubhouse boasts a number of exclusive member’s only spaces, as well as a golf shop with globally recognised apparel brands, a relaxing lounge area, library, and extensive food and beverage facilities featuring internationally experienced staff and renowned liquid refreshments along with traditional Cypriot dishes.

The course is supported by the Eléa Golf Academy that sits alongside the clubhouse. It features a full-length driving range complete with target greens and bunkers, a short game practice area and a stunning putting green, which commands an imposing location overlooking the whole course. Eléa has three PGA professionals who have designed a variety of packages to introduce golf to beginners of all ages and all abilities.

Our Vision is for Eléa Estate to be a place where people enjoy life and relax. A place where perfection and attention to detail are the norms, where traditional values and modern life meet and mix.

www.eleaestate.com

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