Golf in Greece

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Corfu

Think of Greece and you’ll most likely think of golden beaches, blue skies and white villas. Well, now you can add green fairways to that list, as the sun-kissed country by the Mediterranean is enjoying an ever-increasing, ever-improving profile for golf.
Several new courses have opened across the country in the past few years with many more at either the planning, development or construction stages and so now is unquestionably the time to enjoy some golf in the country before its reputation goes through the roof.
One of the most popular courses in Greece right now is Glyfada which is found in close proximity to the capital city, Athens. Laid out on the Peninsula of Attica, the course is fringed by 15,000 tall pine trees and affords beautiful views of the Saronic Gulf islands. This Donald Harradine design, which opened in 1962, it has already attracted rave reviews from all who have played it.

Another Harradine design is found at Corfu Golf Club. The designer turned what was once nothing more than a disused piece of wasteland and turned it into a true golfing oasis. The fairways are fringed by huge eucalyptus, poplars, pines and birch trees, and they amble through a 60-acre nature preserve which is teeming with all sorts of birds and wildlife.
Harradine also weaved his magic on the island of Rhodes, creating a sumptuous treat for all levels of players. It weaves around the pebble beach at Afandou Bay, halfway between Rhodes town and Lindos on one of the most beautiful parts of the island.

The Porto Carras Golf & Country Club, meanwhile, is a smashing 18-hole feast that opened in 1979. It is found in Halkidiki, one of the country’s most popular tourist areas, and should certainly feature on any ‘must play’ list for golfing in Greece. It benefits from spectacular views over the Aegean Sea and the surrounding hills which are covered with vineyards as well as almond, olive, citrus and pine groves.

Other courses in the Hellenic country include Porto Elounda and Crete with plenty more due to open in the next few years in each and every part of the country. So, expect big things to happen soon in the Greek golf holiday market – and make sure you’re there where they do!