GolfKings Visit Cyprus 2022

After what seems like an eternity, the GolfKings team are finally able to travel again, looking to grow our knowledge by sampling hotels and putting golf courses through their paces. I was the lucky member of staff who was venturing to the Paphos area of Cyprus, for my first ever visit to the island.

After a painless journey from Edinburgh to Paphos, my first stop was the car hire pick up. Driving in Cyprus is the exact same as in the United Kingdom (wheel on the right, driving on the left-hand side of the road), so it is the preferred choice of many of our clients. Private transfers are also an option and sometime the choice for larger groups, wishing that extra bit of luxury as well as needing that extra bit of space.

After the car hire, my next stop was one of the GolfKings team’s favourite golf resorts in Europe, Aphrodite Hills. I was lucky enough to be staying here for 2 nights, in the 5* hotel. I arrived in the early evening and had been booked into Aphrodite Hills’s wonderful Jasmine Restaurant for a much anticipated dinner. Jasmine offers cuisine from the far east Asia and is a fine dining a la carte experience. I indulged in a plethora of sushi for my starter, followed by Thai Green Curry and wrapped up the meal with a medley of deserts. The food at Aphrodite Hills is superb, with a number of menus across different dining options, every client is catered for.

It was an early rise on my first full day and I was straight to Elea Golf Club to enjoy 9 holes. This is a proper BIG golf course. Huge bunkers guarding the preferred side of the fairways and also defending the large undulating putting surfaces. Being situated relatively close to the coast and on quite an exposed landscape, there was also a bit of a gusty breeze to keep you on your toes. The fairways are a bit more generous than other Nick Faldo designed golf courses that I have played, which is always nice – especially when in the great condition that I saw.

From there, I ventured inland and northbound to Minthis Golf Club. The drive was great and you get to see some great part of “real” Paphos towns, as you make your way further from the coast. On arrival you can’t help be stunned by the gorgeous surroundings and the impressive clubhouse at Minthis. There has been huge investment recently at Minthis Resort and I was given a tour of the brand new on site suites. They are modern and homely, offering incredible views of the beautiful Cypriot countryside. With a spa and more amenities planned to open this year, it is going to be a great option for golfers who wish a bit of tranquillity, when not on the course.

The geography of the Minthis Golf Club course means there are views ready to greet you at every turn. You are 500+ metres above sea level, so there can be holes where the wind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. The fairways are a bit narrower than elsewhere too, meaning there is a premium on finding the short stuff to score well. Minthis is a very enjoyable golf course, with a great variation of hole types, the stand out being the island green par three 15^th hole.

Then it was back to Aphrodite Hills for another fantastic dinner and some much needed rest!

It was another early rise on day three and it was a short 10 minute drive next door to Secret Valley Golf Course for another 9 holes and I was taken aback again by how completely different the layout of this course is to the others in the area. Set within a valley, the clue is in the name, it is an out and back style course, playing down towards the coast for 9 holes, before turning back for home. Being protected by it’s surroundings, you are better guarded from any wind that might be trying to upset your rhythm. Some great holes around the turn and into the back 9 to enjoy, before a short par 3, “gettable” par 4 (off the yellow tees) and then a friendly par 5 to finish, before you treat yourself to an ice cold KEO.

My last stop was back for a 9 hole loop at the rebranded PGA National Cyprus at Aphrodite Hills. The course was immaculately presented, with true and very fast running greens, which can make you look very silly if you find yourself on the wrong side of the putting surface from the pin. The front 9 offers many memorable holes, highlights are the 2 tee shots over the ravine that splits the course. At the par five 3^rd hole, it is over 200 yards just to reach the fairway and have your ball not tumble all the way down the gorge, then there is the beautiful par three 7^th hole, which involves a 10 minute buggy journey down and back up after your tee shot. The European Tour is returning to PGA National Cyprus this year and it is no shock to see why, this is a true championship golf course.

Overall, I was really impressed with all 4 golf courses in the Paphos area. Each is completely different from the next in so many ways. Whether that is the layout, the views or just the overall charm of the place. With such great variation, it is easy to see why golfing in Cyprus is likely going to involve at least 1 trip to each.