Tee off in Greece - Europe’s Emerging Golf Destination

Greece as a nation loves it’s outdoor pursuits - and now they are beginning to develop a reputation as a golf destination. While you are unlikely to visit Greece on a ‘golf only’ ticket, it is more than possible to complement visits to the famous ruins or sailing in the glittering Aegean Sea with some golf.

With only a handful of courses, golf holiday makers have limited choices at present. Though ambitious plans by the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) have targeted the creation 46 new courses by 2010. Greece has tremendous growth potential, as well as new courses the Aegean Pro-Am tournament is now firmly in place. On that note, let’s take a look at some courses available currently.

Out of all the existing courses one of the oldest is the 18-hole Afandou Golf Club, a championship course opened in 1974. Located on Rhodes, the island sacred to the sun god Helios, this Donald Harradine designed course is one of the more popular inclusions in Greek golf packages. It warrants it inclusion in your golf travel itinerary for its moderately challenging layout, affordable fee of approximately EUR 20 and a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. Add to that a trip to nearby Temple at Lindos and a walk around the old city of Rhodes and it could be a day well spent.

One of the first courses you should play on your golf tour would be the Glyfada Golf Course in Athens. Glyfada, a links style course designed by Donald Harradine is home to PGA’s office and to several international events like the annual International Amateur Golf Tournament. Playing this 18-hole, par 72 course located in the up-market Glyfada suburb of Athens is a pleasure mainly because of the captivating view of the Saronic Islands it affords and for its well kept greens. But don’t let the view fool you for Glyfada has lots to challenge.

Your golf holiday wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Crete Golf Club at Chersonissos. Opened in 2003, this 18-hole championship course hosted the first Aegean Pro-Am tournament in 2006 and is a sight to behold. This course must be included in your golf vacation as it is one of the few in the country that really qualifies as a modern course. With a well stocked bar and restaurant, this Bob Hunt designed course makes for a true getaway.

You can either walk it or cart it on the Crete Golf Club although walking would help you soak in the beautiful mountains of Crete on the front nine and a breathtaking view of the Aegean on your way back. You’re not really in for any hardships traversing the layout and it is really more of leisure golf but at EUR 67 per person the Crete Golf Club does deserves a place on your golf tour checklist.

While you are in Crete, take some time to play the nearby Porto Elounda resort’s 9-hole course too. Other courses available are the Corfu Golf Club and The Porto Carras Country & Golf Club in northern Greece.