One of the most important new European golf courses of recent years, The Elea Golf Club near Paphos, Cyprus, will be officially opened this autumn by the course’s designer and six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo.
The Elea Golf Club, which is situated in Paphos and 8km from the international airport, will be the centrepiece of Elea Estate, a premium development that will boast luxurious villas and apartments, a boutique hotel supported by a range of dining options and extensive spa facilities.
This magnificent par 71 golf course commands a striking location above the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and has been meticulously crafted through dramatic landscape, featuring imposing weathered outcrops of limestone that offer a unique character across the course.
The course is set in the hillside facing south with a view to the sea, and has been in the construction process since April 2007 under the control of Southern Golf who have a reputation for being Europe’s leading construction company. The irrigation system, designed by Robin Hume Associates is a Rainbird satellite de-coder full irrigation system, and is the most advanced design to meet the demands of this arid climate.
Commenting on his vision for Elea Golf Club, Sir Nick Faldo said: “This golf course certainly has the potential to play a pivotal role in establishing this part of the world as a leading European golf destination.
“When we designed the golf course at 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.”
The fascinating layout circulates through stands of mature carob and olive trees, while the dramatic outcrops of weathered limestone strike a contrast with the deep green of the seaside paspalum grass fairways and semi-roughs.
In a carefully planned ecological design, individual holes are fringed by undisturbed and un-irrigated swathes of colourful native ‘garrigue’ flora. This stunning visual effect invokes a truly Mediterranean feel, while retaining the ethos of a traditional and dramatic experience for the golfer. In addition, the wildlife of partridges, birds of prey, butterflies and lizards thrive on the benefits of this carefully protected environment.
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 into a beautiful tiled plaza which leads into a luxury Clubhouse featuring multiple terraces with sensational views over the course and down to the Med, a relaxing lounge area, library, and an international culinary and event experience which will no doubt be one of the best in Cyprus.
Ross Robertson, Director of Golf Operations at the Elea Golf Club, said: “The Elea Golf Club is without doubt a golfer’s golf course and most of all we want to deliver a golf experience where our guests can feel the spirit of the game as soon as they drive through the gates.
“For too long the international golf business has been focused on turning over numbers. At Elea we intend to change that. We want everyone, whether a golfer or non-golfer, to experience a real club; where everyone is welcomed and everyone can feel at home. Furthermore, with a brilliant golf course that blends seamlessly into the beauty of the landscape, our guests will be in awe of what is a truly remarkable place.
“Our mission at Elea Estate is to deliver a supreme experience for everyone. Whether for golfers on the course, or visitors relaxing in the Clubhouse and enjoying our world-class culinary experience, our focus will be on delivering levels of service throughout our operation which surpass all their expectations.”
The course is also 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 that commands an imposing location overlooking the entire estate.
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’ trophy bar, wonderful locker rooms, a private terrace, 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. We are keen to develop a healthy membership that will enjoy all the benefits, both playing and social, of being a part of a golf club which epitomizes all that is good about our great game.”
Faldo Design www.nickfaldo.com