This week marks an important landmark in the development of golf in Cyprus and its ambition to be recognised as a premier golfing destination, with the official opening of the highly anticipated Elea Golf Club. This development reaffirms Cyprus’ ambition to become a major attraction for golfers from across the world.
VIP guests from across the world gathered at the Paphos development to witness the course’s designer – six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo – herald the beginning of a new era for golf in Cyprus.
Sir Nick Faldo said: “I would like to thank the entire team here at Elea and, of course, in particular Zenon Eliades, whose relentless dedication and vision has made this stunning project possible.
“All of us at Faldo Design are proud of our own achievement here. We have created 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.
“I’m certain that this course will become a real talking point in the Mediterranean – and the Elea Estate certainly has the potential to help develop the perception of Cyprus as a special golfing destination.”
The Elea Golf Club, is the centerpiece of Elea Estate, a premium development owned by Nicosia-based company, S.Z. Eliades Leisure, that, on-completion, will boast luxurious villas and apartments, a boutique hotel supported by a range of dining options, and extensive spa facilities.
Ross Robertson, Director of Golf Operations at Elea Golf Club, said: “Our mission at Elea Estate is to deliver a supreme experience for everyone. Whether golfers are on the course, in the Clubhouse or enjoying our world-class food and beverage options, our focus will be on delivering above-expectation levels of service throughout our operation.
“The Elea Golf Club is without doubt a golfer’s golf course. From the moment you play your first tee shot you are met with a multitude of challenges that will make this course a test for every level of player. Already, the course is receiving critical acclaim from the world’s golf media.”
At 6,900 yards from the back tees, the signature golf course commands a striking location above the shimmering eastern Mediterranean Sea and has been meticulously crafted through rolling countryside, featuring imposing weathered outcrops of limestone that offer a unique character across the course.
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.
One of the significant features of Elea Golf Club is the 2,260sqm Clubhouse that also boasts underground parking facilities.
After driving into the Estate, visitors will be welcomed in a beautiful tiled plaza area which leads into a luxury Clubhouse featuring multiple terraces overlooking the course, a pro shop featuring globally-recognised apparel brands, a relaxing lounge area, library, and extensive food and beverage facilities featuring internationally renowned beers, wines and spirits along with traditional Cypriot dishes.
The course is supported by the Elea 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.
Although Elea Golf Club will undoubtedly attract visitors from across Europe and beyond, the management team is also keen to develop a club-style atmosphere for the residents of Cyprus.
With this in mind, a limited number of annual memberships will be available and successful candidates will enjoy a host of benefits, including a members’ bar and locker room, preferential tee times and unlimited access to the golf academy, which will also offer the very latest computer-aided swing analysis equipment.
Ross Robertson added: “We have a responsibility to serve the community in Cyprus as well as attracting visitors from overseas and we are keen to develop a healthy membership that will enjoy all the benefits, both playing and social, of being a part of a traditional golf club.”
Elea Estate www.eleaestate.com