GOLF is proving popular at Elea, the new Nick Faldo designed golf course in Paphos despite the town’s lacklustre economy.
With its economy reliant on tourism and construction, Paphos has been the worst hit by the recession, but according to Pauline Gabriel, the course’s golf sales and marketing manager, membership sales have already exceeded expectations.
“We have been open for only four months and in that time we expected to meet our target of 50 memberships, but we have already sold 150,” she told a press conference this week.
With a price tag of 2,750 euros a year for a single member and 5,000 euros for a joint membership, it seems that golf is something that people are willing to pay for, even in a crisis.
Gabriel explained that membership means that players have unlimited access to the course and many play every day. Most of the membership’s sales have come from the British expat population with only around 10 memberships so far being taken up by Cypriots.
“We are hoping to now also target the local market and get them interested in playing golf,” said Gabriel.
New golf pro, Scottish-born Chris Campbell arrived in Cyprus two weeks ago and is providing lessons for everyone who is interested. He is also dedicated to teaching youngsters the sport and recommends children should start lessons at around the age of six.
“I started when I was 13, which is actually quite late to come to the sport,” he said.
Campbell is a former Scottish Boy, Youth then Men’s International player; he was also the Scottish under 16’s champion.
The ex-professional player believes that he can teach anyone to play golf but a lesson with him will set you back 60 euros.
The 18 hole Par 71 course is described as ‘challenging’ and has superb views across much of Paphos and out to the Mediterranean.
The golf course forms part of the Elea Estate and the first residences are scheduled for release this year. These will include apartments, villas and luxury residences which will directly overlook the golf course.
The golf course and the restaurant are open to members of the public, but there is also an exclusive member’s only area.
