Sir Nick Faldos
thoughts on his build of this golf course:
"I would like to thank the entire team here at Elea and of course in
particular Zenon Eliades, whose relentless dedication and vision has
made this stunning project possible.
All of us at Faldo Design are proud of our own achievement here. We have
created a course that offers not only strategic golf in a beautiful
setting, but is also very sympathetic to its environment with minimal
water-usage and a concentration on native plant species. This is a golf
course that sits comfortably and in harmony with its landscape.
I'm certain that this course will become a real talking point in the
Mediterranean and the Elea Estate certainly has the potential to help
develop the perception of Cyprus as a special golfing destination."
One of the most important new European golf courses of recent years, the
Elea Golf Club located in
Geroskipou, Koloni, Paphos, Cyprus, will be officially
opened on Thursday 21st October 2010 by the course's designer and
six-time Majors winner Sir Nick Faldo. The Elea Golf Club, which is situated in Paphos
and only 8km from the international airport, will be the centrepiece of
Elea Estate, a premium development that will boast luxurious villas and
apartments, a boutique hotel supported by a range of dining options and
extensive spa facilities.
This magnificent par 71 golf course commands a
striking location above the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and has been meticulously crafted through
dramatic landscape, featuring imposing weathered outcrops of limestone
that offer a unique character across the course.
Commenting on his vision for Elea Golf Club, Sir
Nick Faldo said: "This golf course certainly has the potential to play a
pivotal role in establishing this part of the world as a leading
European golf destination. When we designed the golf course at Elea Golf
Club we decided to put the emphasis on thoughtful, rather than
big-hitting golf and there are plenty of strategic riddles for the
golfer to explore and unravel over all 18 holes."
The fascinating layout circulates through stands
of mature carob and olive trees, while the dramatic outcrops of
weathered limestone strike a contrast with the deep green of the seaside
paspalum grass fairways and semi-roughs. In a carefully planned
ecological design, individual holes are fringed by undisturbed and
un-irrigated swathes of colourful native 'garrigue' flora. This stunning
visual effect invokes a truly Mediterranean feel, while retaining the
ethos of a traditional and dramatic experience for the golfer. In
addition, the wildlife of partridges, birds of prey, butterflies and
lizards thrive on the benefits of this carefully protected environment.
One of the significant features of Elea Golf Club
is the 2,260sqm Clubhouse that also boasts underground parking
facilities.
After driving into the Estate, visitors will be
welcomed into a beautiful tiled plaza which leads into a luxury
Clubhouse featuring multiple terraces with sensational views over the
course and down to the Med, a relaxing lounge area, library, and an
international culinary and event experience which will no doubt be one
of the best in Cyprus.
Ross Robertson, Director of Golf Operations at the
Elea Golf Club, said: "The Elea Golf Club is without doubt a golfer's
golf course and most of all we want to deliver a golf experience where
our guests can feel the spirit of the game as soon as they drive through
the gates. For too long the international golf business has been focused
on turning over numbers. At Elea we intend to change that. We want everyone,
whether a golfer or non-golfer, to experience a real club; where
everyone is welcomed and everyone can feel at home. Furthermore, with a
brilliant golf course that blends seamlessly into the beauty of the
natural landscape, our guests will be in awe of what is a truly
remarkable place. Our mission at Elea Estate is to deliver a supreme
experience for everyone. Whether for golfers on the course, or visitors
relaxing in the Clubhouse and enjoying our world-class culinary
experience, our focus will be on delivering levels of service throughout
our operation which surpass all their expectations."
The Elea golf course estate is also supported by
the Elea golf academy that sits alongside the clubhouse. It
features a full length driving range complete with target greens and
bunkers, a short game practice area and a stunning putting green that
commands an imposing location overlooking the entire estate.
Although Elea Golf Club will undoubtedly attract
visitors from across Europe and
beyond, the management team is also keen to develop a club-style
atmosphere for the residents of Paphos and the island of Cyprus.
With this in mind, a limited number of
annual memberships will be available and successful candidates will
enjoy a host of benefits, including a members' trophy bar, wonderful
locker rooms, a private terrace,
Ross Robertson added: "We have a
responsibility to serve the community in Cyprus as well as attracting
visitors from overseas. We are keen to develop a healthy membership that
will enjoy all the benefits, both playing and social, of being a part of
a golf club which epitomizes all that is good about our great game."
Website: www.eleaestate.com
Email:
golfreservations@eleaestate.com
Telephone: 00357 - 26.202004
Website information on the golf course: Tournaments: Pro shop: Membership: Picture gallery: Green fees