With eight golf courses and a temperate year round climate, Tunisia has established a growing reputation as a Mediterranean golfing destination. In 2001 two new courses are to open – at Gammarth (Tunis) and Tozeur (on the fringes of the Sahara desert).
A new Professional Golfers’ Association has been set up in Tunisia and is a member of the PGA of Europe. It aims to improve golfing facilities in the country and to assist Tunisian professionals to take part in international competitions as well as helping with the organisation of professional golf tournaments for home and overseas players.
The Tunisian National Tourist Office (020 7224 5561) can supply with a comprehensive booklet entitled ‘Golf Tunisia’ which highlights different aspects of the destination, giving details of the golf courses and their location. It also describes what players of all grades should expect from a round of golf in Tunisia.
As an example, the Carthage golf course in Tunis is situated only eight minutes away from the airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre. As Tunisia’s oldest golf club, it boasts 100-year-old eucalyptus trees which shade its 18-hole, par 66 course.
The British golf architect, Martin Hawtree, designed Djerba Golf Club. Situated on the island of Djerba the course is surrounded by the sea and date palms and combines an 18-hole links course with 9 hole, par 30 ‘executive’ course. Other courses include Golf Citrus and Yasmine Golf at Hammamet, Flamingo and Palm Links at Monastir/Skanes, and courses at Port El Kantaoui and Tabarka.
UK tour operators offering golfing holidays in Tunisia include Panorama Holidays, Cadogan Holidays, Thomson Holidays, British Airways Holidays and Longshot.
Tunisian National Tourist Office www.tourismtunisia.co.uk