If sport is big in Cyprus, golf is huge. Golfers already flock here to take advantage of the outstanding courses and weather that enable them to play all year round. And now, with fourteen more courses planned, the island’s reputation as a golfer’s paradise will be enhanced still further.

The frst course on the island and the most established is at Tsada. The second was at Secret Valley, an 18 hole championship course that’s home to the Cyprus Open. Designed in perfect harmony with its beautiful natural environment, the famous greens are surrounded by dramatic and colourful rock formations, trees, fowers and wildlife.

But things move on in Cyprus and it’s soon to be replaced by new and even better facilities designed by Tony Jacklin and Hans-Georg Erhardt. Once complete, there will be nothing in the region to rival the spectacular scope and grandeur of the new Secret Valley Golf and Country Club. It’s set to be become an international standard golfing resort, comparable to La Manga in Spain or Vale dos Lobos in Portugal.

Set in a stunning location in the coastal hills between Pissouri and Kouklia, with spectacular views of sea and mountains, the new championship standard golf course (already earmarked for the PGA’s European Tour) is to be constructed in the hills above the original course. This will be completely remodelled, and another 18-hole course constructed alongside it. There will also be a third par-3 course, a 9-hole pitch and putt course, new driving ranges, practice greens and a golf academy with pro-shop and resident professionals.
 
Secret Valley’s coastline will also be developed to include a 500 metre long man-made beach, a major sports centre with football and tennis academies, a retail complex, and a leisure complex including bars, tavernas, restaurants and every possible water sports facility.

Already a highly desirable location, Secret Valley is set to develop and grow in value as it becomes an international centre of excellence for sport and property. With luxury villas and plots already for sale, there will be many new developments and opportunities.

Another major new course is planned at Tersefanou, just outside Lanarka. Scheduled for completion in 2010, it’s expected to be PGA-approved with five-star hotel and spa facilities. There will also be luxury villas and apartments built on and around the course.

Then there’s Aphrodite Hills golf and spa resort, a magnifcent 18-hole course designed by acclaimed course architect Cabell B Robinson. There are always new challenges as you follow the scenic contours of two plateaux through lakes, olive and carob trees. Overlooking the 18th green and the Mediterranean Sea below, the club facilities include a premier golf academy, practice holes and pro-shop.