Golf in Bulgaria

Spectacular clubhouse at BlackSeaRama golf course

  Although I secured what in those days was a respectable grade in ‘A’ level geography, I must confess to not knowing the precise whereabouts of Bulgaria, now emerging as a potential golf destination.

For the record, it’s just to the south of Romania, north of Greece and Turkey, east of Serbia and Macedonia and west of the Black Sea. Okay?

Oi! Pay attention at the back!

I didn’t study History for ‘A’ level but am dimly aware that the country was under Ottoman rule for a long time until the Russians defeated the Turks towards the end of the 19th century. Bulgarians, it seems, have been grateful to the Russians ever since and were a reliable ally throughout the Cold War with the West.

Our intrepid reporter tees off on a par -3 at BlackSeaRama

However, after the Revolutions of 1989, the country embraced democracy and capitalism and, despite a severe ‘brain drain’ and rampant corruption, Bulgaria has more or less prospered ever since and, though to my knowledge it has no representation on the European Tour, sees golf as a way to further promote itself.

Over five million tourists visited the country in 2007 – the year it joined the EU – making it the 39th most popular destination in the world with Greece, Romania and Germany supplying most tourists with Britain delivering over 300,000. Apparently we're attracted by the climate, scenery and cheap housing as a second home in the sun.

For a time, the country emerged from its comparative obscurity to briefly become a speculator's paradise as holiday home developments, particularly in the south along the Black Sea coast, sprang up before the recession halted the building boom. Signs that the market is stirring are evident, however and golf is becoming a trump card as developers recognise that property adjoining a course commands a handsome premium.

Golf is not part of the Bulgarian sporting tradition and Dimitar Berbatov sprints back to help out his Manchester United colleagues in defence more often than there are golf courses in his homeland! But there's an area alongside the Black Sea coast in the unspoilt north-east of the country, close to the Romanian border, that looks destined to become a mecca for golfers.

Reverse view of the 18th at BlackSeaRama from the green

Built broadly along the same lines, all have associated property for sale as well as hotels and leisure facilities designed to appeal to both tourists and those searching for a second home. And all three are co-operating to woo wealthy foreign golfers.

Working along the coast from south to north, you progress from the oldest to the newest and make your way steadily upmarket. Ex-US Masters champion Ian Woosnam put his name to the course at the Lighthouse Golf Resort and although it’s been open for a while, the eponymous lighthouse has yet to be built and a large on-site hotel is not quite finished. Both have been delayed by the recession.

Teeing off at The Lighthouse course, designed by Ian Woosnam

Right next door is BlackSeaRama. It, too, has properties for rent or sale. They don’t intrude on the golf course and the proposed boutique hotel is still at drawing board stage. What is finished, however, is one of the most gorgeous clubhouses I’ve been in. It's stunning, both inside and the views across Varna Bay and Kaliakra Cape will take your breath away.

The beautifully-prepared course is equally impressive. Gary Player has produced a masterpiece where each hole is delightfully self-contained between towering hillocks that almost perfectly re-create an authentic links. Although manufactured, the elevation on each tee is significant and adds considerably to the enjoyment of what is a truly superb layout. The several lakes – each containing a different species of fish – imposing bunkers and spectacular views all add to the considerable enjoyment.

It could well be that the developers creating the Thracian Cliffs course, just a short drive further north up the coast, were so impressed with BlackSeaRama that they, too, entrusted the layout of their course to Gary Player.

Opening next summer, the site has the considerable extra benefit of occupying a sliver of land at the foot, rather than the top, of the cliffs. The layout, squeezed between the rocks and the beach, is virtually an old-fashioned nine-out, nine-back configuration that looks really challenging with several greens and tees teetering on the water’s edge.

With echoes of Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns and other coastal classics, Thracian Cliffs could well end up in the world’s top 100 while helping to raise Bulgaria’s golfing profile.

FACT FILE

With Balkan Holidays you can stay three nights at the Lighthouse Golf Resort on a bed and breakfast basis for £285 per person, including return flights and transfers. This also includes two rounds of golf and runs until the end of October 2009 and from May 1 to June 30 next year.

For £429 per person, the same company is offering a similar three nights, two rounds of golf, bed and breakfast package at BlackSeaRama Golf and Villas. This, too, is available until the end of October and from May 1 to June 30 next year.

Four, five and seven night deals are also available for both locations. Rounds at alternative courses can also be arranged.

For further information about golf in Bulgaria visit www.balkanholidays.co.uk