Golf in Bulgaria

Golf tourism is set to become one of the major growth areas in Bulgaria. There are already some excellent golf courses in Bulgaria and many more will be opening over the next few years. The first golf course to attract international attention was Golf Club Air Sofia, Ihtiman. In 2006, two further top quality courses opened; the Golf Club Saint Sofia and the Golf Club Sliven. Currently, three new championship-level courses are being built near Balchik and Kavarna, on the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Another international golf course is being constructed at Dolna Banya, between Sofia and Plovdiv. In the south west of Bulgaria, a top-level course is being built at Bansko -the Pirin Golf Holidays Club- and at least two more courses will be built in the same region. (Many golfers like to try their hand on more than one golf course, so the investors have deliberately clustered these courses in a particularly beautiful part of the country.) Several more potential golf courses have reached an advanced stage in the planning process.

Perfect Climate for Golfers

Bulgaria's climate is an essential factor in attracting golf tourism to the country. Often, Mediterranean golf destinations become too hot during the summer, making it a less than pleasant experience to be out in the sun. Golf courses in parts of Spain and Cyprus, for example, can be very uncomfortable during the summer months. Bulgaria's summer temperatures (particularly in the mountain regions) are less severe, although even the most ardent sun-lovers cannot complain about the amount of sunshine.

Bulgaria's warm, sunny weather can extend well into October. This gives golfers a long season in which to enjoy the delights of the fresh, unpolluted air and spectacular views. Property developers are taking advantage of this opportunity and are constructing high-quality apartment complexes and apart-hotels close to the golf courses. In the mountain regions, the golf resorts are close to famous ski resorts such as Bansko. This means that, in the summer, these developments will attract golfers, hikers, cycling groups, as well as those who simply want a relaxing holiday in a stunning location. Golf resorts along the coast, such as those at Kavarna and Balchik, will attract tourists who are seeking a holiday close to the beautiful sandy beaches, as well as those who come primarily to play golf. Developments in the golf resorts are designed to be all-year-round destinations. Many of them include a superb range of facilities, such as heated swimming pools, spa centres, gymnasiums, medical centres, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and childcare.

Designed by Famous Golf Professionals

It is inevitable that Bulgaria will become one of the major golf destinations for British tourists. If only half of the planned courses are built, Bulgaria will still offer a seriously attractive selection of top-quality venues. Golfers will know that, in some of the popular Mediterranean golf destinations, the quality of the golf courses can vary. The indications are that Bulgaria's golf venues will all be of a consistently high quality and that they will offer a fantastic range of facilities. World-famous golf celebrities such as Ian Woosnam and Gary Player have helped to design several of these new championship-level golf courses. Over the next few years, golf tourism must surely become a major player in Bulgaria's economy.

Black Sea Rama, Balchik

This championship-level golf course (7,218 sq m, par 72) was designed by Gary Player and has a fantastic location, sitting on the cliffs at Balchik. The clubhouse will include restaurants, bars, lounges, a pro-golf shop and locker rooms. Due to the location, the restaurant will provide panoramic views. There will also be a large outdoor seating area, where you can sit and enjoy a snack or a meal whilst watching the golf.

Thracian Cliffs, Kavarna (near Balchik)

This Gary Player golf course is located slightly north of Balchik, at the small town of Kavarna. This is also a championship-level course (7,008 sq m, par 71). Once again, it will have beautiful views and is within a few minutes' drive of some of the most popular beaches on the Black Sea Coast and just 40 minutes north of Varna. The course will form part of a large leisure park that will imclude a 5-star hotel with hydrotherapy spa, a private yachting marina, and a driving range. There will also be a residential area that offers luxury apartments and villas.

St. Sofia Golf Club & Spa

Ideally situated just 20 minutes drive from Sofia, St. Sofia Golf Club & Spa offers world-class facilities for golf enthusiasts.

Visit the official website for St. Sofia Golf Club.

Lighthouse Golf Resort, Balchik

This is another championship-level golf course (6,747 sq m, par 71) and it is also being built at Balchik. The course was designed by European Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam and it will have stunning sea views. The resort will have its own private beach, a state-of-the-art clubhouse and the Lighthouse Golf School - a golf training ground that will include a putting green, a "pitch and putt" course and a bunker area. There will be a Wellness Centre that will provide both traditional and alternative therapies. There will be indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a sports centre with outdoor pitches and tennis, plus basketball and volleyball courts. A wide variety of water sports will be available at the resort and horse riding is offered at the equestrian centre. There will also be a variety of shops and cafes.

The Northern Black Sea Coast

Balchik

Kavarna

Albena

Rogachevo