Representatives from the four major golf courses in southern Cyprus have reached an outline agreement to form the country’s first greenkeeping association, with the aim of sharing best practice and enhancing the island’s growing reputation as a golf destination.
Peter Bradburn, a golf industry professional with 25 years’ experience of high-profile projects acrossEurope, announced the new body will be called the Cyprus Golf Greenkeepers Association (CGGA), and will initially include representatives from developments in the Paphos region, namely Elea Estate, where Peter is Course Manager, Aphrodite Hills Resort, Minthis Hills and Secret Valley Golf Club.
The CGGA’s aim will be to enhance the quality of existing golf courses on the island through a series of educational events, ongoing cooperation and regular meetings.
Commenting on the reasons for forming the CGGA, Peter Bradburn said: “Cyprus has one of the most encouraging growth prospects for golf inEurope. It will undoubtedly become a focal point for golf in the Mediterranean region over the coming years and this new association will be perfectly positioned to offer support and guidance.”
“The emergence of professional bodies like the CGGA can only benefit the development of golf on the island of Cyprus. If we are constantly assessing our product and how we can produce better golf courses, it will help grow the popularity of the sport nationwide and raise the profile of Cyprus to the international traveler,’’ added Nuno Morgado of Aphrodite Hills Resort.
The profile of golf in Cyprus has been consistently rising in recent years and with the opening of Elea Golf Club, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, in October 2010, and the announcement of plans to build an additional 18 holes at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, plus golf course development work continuing at Secret Valley Golf Club, Cyprus’ golf future looks assured.
Chris Furneaux, Course Manager at Minthis Hills added: “As golf development is taking off in Cyprus it is the optimum time to develop links between the course managers. We are all committed professionals to the game and feel it is the correct time to move forward together.’’
For further information about the CGGA email Peter Bradburn, in the first instance, at p.bradburn@eleaestate.com