Nina Caldwell
Greece may be known for its ancient temples, but it is quickly becoming a destination for golfers as well. While the country only has a handful of courses, they are notable not just for their design but also for their beauty and location. From the historic Corfu Golf Club, which is nestled in the Ropa Valley, to the Glyfada Golf Club in Athens, which is surrounded by pine, cypress, olive, and fig trees, Greece has a little something for every golfer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses in Greece | 9 |
| Number of 18-hole golf courses in Greece | 7 |
| Number of 9-hole golf courses in Greece | 1 |
| Notable golf courses in Greece | Glyfada Golf Club, Athens; Costa Navarino, Peloponnese; Afandou Golf Course, Rhodes; Crete Golf Club; Corfu Golf Club; Porto Carras Golf and Country Club, Halkidiki |
| Golf in Greece | Enjoying increasing popularity, with the addition of award-winning courses and the renovation of classic golfing haunts |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in Greece is gaining popularity
One of the most renowned golf destinations in Greece is the Costa Navarino resort in the Peloponnese region. Covering 2,500 acres, it features four award-winning 18-hole golf courses, including the Dunes Course, Greece's first signature golf course, and the Bay Course, which offers panoramic sea and mountain views. The resort has elevated Greece's reputation as a world-class golfing destination by hosting major international tournaments such as the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am and the Messinia Pro-Am.
Athens, the country's capital, is also home to several notable golf courses. The Glyfada Golf Club, founded in 1966, is the oldest and largest golf club in Athens, offering an 18-hole course in the southern suburbs of the city. Another prominent golf course in Athens is the Glyfada Golf Course, known for its lush greenery and thick shrubbery.
The Greek islands also offer unique golfing experiences. The Corfu Golf Club, located on the island of Corfu, is designed by renowned architect Donald Harradine and blends seamlessly into the natural features of the picturesque Ropa Valley. The Afandou Golf Course on Rhodes island is another popular spot, presenting an 18-hole challenge for players of all levels with its well-maintained course.
In addition to its golf courses, Greece also provides golfers with a range of luxury accommodations, exquisite cuisine, and cultural experiences. The sport's growing popularity has attracted golfers seeking to combine their passion for the game with the country's rich history, stunning beaches, and charming coastal towns. With its diverse offerings and increasing focus on golf, Greece is becoming an increasingly desirable destination for golfers looking for their next great golfing adventure.
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Top golf courses in Greece
Golf in Greece has gained popularity in recent years, with the addition of new courses and the renovation of classic golfing haunts. The landscape is part of the experience, with courses surrounded by natural habitats for birds and animals, as well as spectacular sea views.
The top golf courses in Greece include the Glyfada Golf Club, the Costa Navarino resort, the Corfu Golf Club, the Crete Golf Club, and the Afandou Golf Course.
The Glyfada Golf Club, regarded as the oldest and largest golf club in Athens, was founded in 1966 and has over 450 members. It is located on a 125-acre site next to the old Athens airport and offers an 18-hole parkland course designed by Donald Harradine. The course is flanked by pine, cypress, olive, and fig trees, providing a picturesque setting for golfers.
The Costa Navarino resort features two awarded courses with spectacular sea views in the Peloponnese region. The first 18-hole course, The Dunes, was designed by Bernhard Langer and opened in 2010. A year later, the Robert Trent Jones Junior-designed Bay Course opened, offering one of the most beautiful golfing experiences in Greece with stunning waterfront holes and views of the Bay of Navarino.
The Corfu Golf Club, located on Corfu Island, is another top golf course in Greece. Designed by Donald Harradine, the course blends seamlessly into the picturesque Ropa Valley, with sand traps, lakes, sinuous streams, and tree-lined golf links. The hazards on the course provide a solid and fair test for both low and high handicap players.
The Crete Golf Club, designed by Bob Hunt from PGA Design Consulting in the UK, is laid out over rugged mountain terrain to USGA standard.
The Afandou Golf Course on Rhodes Island is an 18-hole golf course designed by the famous golf course architect, Donald Harradine. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all levels and is known for its extensive maintenance, making it ideal for year-round play.
These golf courses in Greece offer a combination of stunning landscapes, high-standard facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere, providing an unforgettable golfing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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Golf clubs in Athens
Golf has gained popularity in Greece, with several golf courses operating throughout the country. Athens, in particular, is home to some of the best golf clubs in the country. Here are some notable golf clubs in Athens:
Glyfada Golf Club
Glyfada Golf Club, located in the southern suburbs of Athens, is regarded as the oldest and largest golf club in Athens. Founded in 1966, the club is based on the 18-hole Glyfada Golf Course, which is known for being one of the greenest links in Europe. The course is surrounded by pine, cypress, olive, and fig trees, adding to the beauty of the landscape. Glyfada Golf Club offers individual and group lessons for golfers of all levels through the Aegean Golf Academy.
Lane Creek Golf Club
Lane Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course located just outside of Athens, Georgia. The course, designed by Mike Young, features Champion Bermuda greens and a spacious practice facility, including a putting green and a fully-stocked golf shop. Lane Creek Golf Club provides excellent customer service and dining options, making it a popular choice in the area.
Corfu Golf Club
While not directly in Athens, the Corfu Golf Club is worth mentioning. Located on Corfu Island, this golf club blends the natural features of Ropa Valley with man-made facilities, offering a unique golfing experience. Designed by renowned architect Donald Harradine, the course includes sand traps, lakes, streams, and a variety of hazards, making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
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Golf resorts in Greece
Golfing holidays in Greece are centred around islands such as Corfu and Crete, with their small, cosy villages and stunning scenery. The country offers serene golf experiences alongside its historical marvels and delightful hospitality.
The top golf destination in Greece is the Peloponnese peninsula, particularly the Messenia region around Costa Navarino. This area features several world-class, championship courses designed by acclaimed architects such as Bernhard Langer and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Costa Navarino has four 18-hole signature golf courses in idyllic settings next to a range of mixed-use resorts, high-end private residences, wellness centres, tennis courts, and gastronomic venues. The golf courses are:
- The Dunes Course: Greece's first signature golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, with stunning sea and river views and links-style holes near the coast.
- The Bay Course: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course offers one of the most beautiful golfing experiences in Greece with its seaside holes and views of the Bay of Navarino.
- The Hills Course: This course is elevated above the resort, offering spectacular inland views.
- International Olympic Academy Golf Course: Designed by José María Olazábal, this course is located at Navarino Hills, an innovative recreation resort offering wellness and countryside activities.
Costa Navarino has been ranked as one of the top golf resorts in Europe and has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the Aegean Messinia Pro-Am and the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy.
Another notable golf resort in Greece is the Glyfada Golf Club of Athens, a 125-acre site featuring an 18-hole parkland course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Donald Harradine. The Crete Golf Club is also worth mentioning, with its 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Bob Hunt, offering luxurious suites with views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains.
Greece truly offers a golfer's dream, with world-class courses nestled among ancient ruins, picturesque coastlines, and breathtaking islands.
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Golf in Greek islands
Golf has gained remarkable popularity in Greece, with several golf courses operating throughout the country. The country's mild climate and numerous sunny days make it ideal for a round of golf all year round.
There are currently seven 18-hole golf courses and one 9-hole course in Greece. Some of the golf courses in Greece and the Greek islands that meet the international standard of 18 holes are located in Athens, Corfu island, Rhodes island, Halkidiki, and Crete island.
The Glyfada Golf Club in Athens is regarded as the oldest and largest golf club in the city, with over 450 members. It was founded in 1966 and is located in the southern suburbs of Athens. The 18-hole golf course is easily accessible from the city centre and is known for being one of the greenest links in Europe.
The Corfu Golf Club on Corfu Island is another notable course. Designed by renowned architect Donald Harradine, the course blends the natural features of the picturesque Ropa Valley with man-made facilities, including sand traps, lakes, and sinuous streams. The variety of the course makes it an outstanding golf destination for players from all over the world.
The Afandou Golf Course on Rhodes Island is an 18-hole golf course presenting an interesting challenge for players of all levels. The course is well-maintained and offers a range of services and items for players at reasonable prices.
In addition to these courses, there are also notable golf courses in Costa Navarino, in the Peloponnese region, and Crete Golf Club, which was laid out over rugged mountain terrain to USGA standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several golf courses operating throughout Greece, where thousands of golfers enjoy the sport all year round.
Some of the top golf courses in Greece are located in Athens, Corfu island, Rhodes island, Crete island, Costa Navarino, Glyfada, and Halkidiki.
Golf courses in Greece are notable for the standard of their fairways and greens, as well as the beauty of their locations. The landscape is part of the experience, with courses surrounded by natural habitats for birds and animals, olive groves, and sea views.
