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.

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.