The PGA has extended its influence in Europe and increased its portfolio of prestigious branded facilities by licensing Aphrodite Hills Resort to become the PGA National Cyprus.
The resort, located in the hills overlooking the site where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have emerged from the Mediterranean Sea, features a 6,200 metres plus championship course that was opened in 2002.
Designed by Cabell Robinson, the course is currently undergoing a €2.5m upgrade to coincide with the facility’s elevation to the status of PGA National Cyprus.
The PGA National Cyprus joins the PGA’s family of other National level resorts including The Belfry in England, Gleneagles in Scotland, Zavidovo in Russia, The Oaks in the Czech Republic and the recently announced PGA National Turkey at Antalya.
Aphrodite Hills also houses a golf academy complete with an academy practice course and 350 metre double-ended driving range.
It all adds up to a facility that, staffed by five fully-qualified PGA Members under director of golf Andrew Darker’s leadership, is perfect for both beginners and experienced players to learn and improve their games or just play in the sunshine.
In addition to its golfing attributes, the resort boasts the five-star 290 room Aphrodite Hills Hotel operated by Atlantica.
And, with additional accommodation in holiday residences that range from large villas to luxury apartments, its award-winning Retreat Spa, and its dedicated Kids Club team offering crèche and babysitting services, Aphrodite Hills Resort is perfect for a couple’s getaway, family holiday or a dedicated golf trip for groups or individuals.
Commenting on his facility becoming the PGA National Cyprus, Darker said: “Over 15 years Aphrodite Hills has built a strong reputation as both a course and resort. We strongly believe by becoming the PGA National, Cyprus we will strengthen our brand profile, raising awareness for the resort and our long-term strategy to promote golf in Cyprus. We look forward to developing our relationship with the PGA to maintain Aphrodite Hills as the leading golf facility in the region.”
PGA chief executive Robert Maxfield said: “We are delighted Aphrodite Hills has become the PGA National Cyprus. Doing so reflects its outstanding and recently renovated golf course in addition to its existing five-star hotel and leisure facilities.
“The PGA is proud to promote the PGA National Cyprus alongside its other national facilities. In joining our portfolio, the PGA National Cyprus further strengthens The PGA’s brand globally as well as providing employment opportunities to our Members, 13 of whom are currently working on the island.”
The PGA restricts the PGA National brand to only one resort per country, all of which offer some of the very best golf, leisure and accommodation possible.
Hamish Ferguson, PGA executive director – commercial, added: “We are rightly proud of our association with Aphrodite Hills Resort and warmly welcome them to our collection of branded facilities. We are committed to building a portfolio of the world’s leading golf courses and are actively engaged in discussions with golf facilities globally.”
The PGA branded properties collection consists of 14 outstanding golf properties in nine countries spanning three continents. Each PGA branded property offers outstanding yet accessible golf facilities ranging from standalone golf academies to integrated golf and leisure resorts which help grow the game of golf through the expert tuition and service of their PGA professional staff.
There are three levels of licensing opportunity: National, Academy and Golf Course. Contact Hamish Ferguson, executive director- commercial for further information. Hamish.ferguson@pga.org.uk
PGA News www.PGA.info
Aphrodite Hills www.aphroditehills.com