Eléa Golf Club, Sir Nick Faldo’s highly acclaimed ‘Mediterranean Masterpiece’ in Paphos, Cyprus, introduced a touch of Scotland to its fairways when it welcomed an eight-man team from Dun Whinny Golf Club, based at the world-renowned Gleneagles Spa & Golf Resort, home of the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Continuing Eléa Golf Club’s ongoing strategy to create associations with the world’s leading golf clubs – last year it announced a reciprocal partnership with Mission Hills in China, the world’s largest golf club – members welcomed the team from Scotland, the ‘Home of Golf’, to experience everything Eléa and Cyprus has to offer, wrapped around two-days of competitive golf.
Ross Robertson, Eléa Estate’s Director of Golf Operations, said: “Aligning ourselves with world-renowned golf clubs has always been a significant part of our strategy and, as a Scot myself, it was a pleasure to welcome Dun Whinny Golf Club from Gleneagles to showcase what we have to offer.”
To herald the start of the official visit, the Eléa management team surprised its VIP visitors with a special welcome – a lone piper playing the bagpipes from the tower of the imposing Eléa Estate clubhouse, which enjoys panoramic views of the golf course.
Ross added: “We like to make every guest feel at home and I can think of no better way of celebrating the arrival of our international friends from Scotland, than with a bagpipes salute to the ‘Home of Golf’. It was a special moment and something I know our visitors genuinely appreciated.”
Over the two days of competition it was the Dun Whinny GC team that eventually took charge. On Day One, Eléa Golf Club took the honours, 2.5 points to Dun Whinny’s 1.5, but on Day Two Dun Whinny dominated with a 3.5 to 0.5 points win – claiming the overall match by two points.
David Watt, Vice-Captain of Dun Whinny Golf Club, Gleneagles, said: “Eléa Estate has quickly built a reputation for
quality and service and it was a pleasure to play Sir Nick Faldo’s course and be treated to what can only be described as world-class hospitality from a very friendly and attentive team.
“We look forward to arranging the return match in Scotland and giving representatives from Eléa Golf Club a very special ‘Home of Golf’ welcome at Gleneagles.”
Since opening in October 2010, Eléa Estate has received a host of significant awards including being named one of the Top 10 New International Golf Courses of 2010 by golf.com; Best International Leisure Development 2011 and Best Golf Development in Europe 2011 at the prestigious International Property Awards.
Eléa Estate www.eleaestate.com