Faldo Course Opens in Cyprus


Following its debut this fall, the 18-hole, Nick Faldo-designed Elea Golf Club near Paphos in Cyprus is already garnering attention.

Elea Golf Club

Golf.com has ranked it No. 9 on its list of "Top 10 New International Golf Courses" of 2010, while Golf World Magazine in the UK wrote that it is "one of the world's most exciting new courses" in its January 2011 issue.

Elea Golf Club was officially unveiled October 18 by Faldo, who designed the 6,900-yard, par-71 layout through groves of mature carob and olive trees. Dramatic outcrops of weathered limestone contrast with the dark green fairways which, on many holes, are fringed by Mediterranean grasses, wild herbs and native flora. Native species include partridges, birds of prey, butterflies and lizards.

The course is the centerpiece of Elea Estate, an upscale development owned by the Nicosia-based company, S.Z. Eliades Leisure. At completion, the property will contain luxury villas and apartments, a boutique hotel, a range of dining options, and spa facilities.

A limited number of annual memberships will be available. Members will have access to a bar, locker rooms, private terrace, preferential tee times and access to the golf academy.

During the opening ceremony, Sir Nick said: "I'm convinced this golf course will be pivotal in establishing the southwest of Cyprus as a leading European golf destination. When we designed Elea Golf Club we decided to put the emphasis on thoughtful, rather than big-hitting, golf and there are plenty of strategic riddles for the golfer to explore and unravel over all 18 holes."

Ross Robertson, director of Golf Operations at Elea Estate, added: "Our mission will always be to deliver a supreme experience for every visitor, from the moment they arrive through to the time they leave, and our Sir Nick Faldo-designed golf course is one of the important ingredients in making every Elea Estate visitor feel special.

"For the course to be receiving these accolades so soon after opening, and from the world's most influential golf journalists, is a clear endorsement of how special this experience is. By creating Cyprus' first 'golfer's golf course' we can now offer every visitor to the island the challenge of a world-class layout in first-class surroundings."

In its January 2011 issue, Golf World Magazine commented: "Cyprus is a wonderful all-year-round golf destination yet is just over four hours from the British winter. Faldo's new track adds welcome ballast to the island's portfolio of courses and it looks terrific already."

Golfers at Elea Estate have access to a large clubhouse, designed by Hart Howerton, with multiple terraces overlooking the course, a lounge area, golf shop and extensive food and beverage facilities.

The facility also offers the Elea Golf Academy; a full-length driving range complete with target greens and bunkers; a short-game practice area; and a practice green that overlooks the course.

"Since the golf course opened to the public we've been overwhelmed by the response from visitors and prospective members," said Robertson. "The feedback has been phenomenal across all aspects of our operation, from general customer service right through to the consistently high standards being achieved by our food and beverage team."

For more information about Elea Estate, visit www.eleaestate.com or call +357 26 202004.