www.bulgariatravel.org GOLF IN BULGARIA multimedia Operative Program Regional Development 2007-2013 www.bgregio.eu We invest in your future! The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget of Republic of Bulgaria Grant Scheme BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008 Support for Effective National Marketing of Tourist Product and Improvement of Information Service, Contract No BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008 /001-5 Multimedia Catalogue of the Tourist Sites and Electronic Marketing of Destination Bulgaria This multimedia brochure is created within the framework of the project Multimedia Catalogue of the Tourist Sites and Electronic Marketing of Destination Bulgaria, Contract No BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008/001-5, which is performed with the financial support of Operative Program Regional Development 2007 2013, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The entire responsibility for the contents of this multimedia brochure is brought by the beneficiary The Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, and under no circumstances it can be considered that this multimedia brochure presents the official position of the European Union and the Managing Body.
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GOLF IN BULGARIA general information Bulgaria is more and more often mentioned as one of the best destinations for golf tourism in Europe. Only for a few years in the country were built world-class golf courses, and the incredible combination of beautiful scenery, favorable climate, spa pleasures and active holidays turn the golf complexes into oases of the sport. The golf courses in Bulgaria are located close to the beaches and the mountains, so you can choose from a combination of playing golf and tanning, or you can choose the coolness of the mountain scenery. The golf resorts in Bulgaria also offer very good conditions for accommodation and are equipped with modern SPA centers and relaxation options. Golf resorts are equipped based on the highest standards and offer a variety of services. 3
www.bulgariatravel.org In Bulgaria currently operate eight golf courses, which offer golf instructors certified by the Professional Golf Association. On the Black Sea coast, near Kavarna and Balchik there are three very attractive golf courses - Black Sea Rama, Thracian Cliffs and Light House. The golf legend Gary Player designed the golf course Black Sea Rama, which is located at a distance of about 5 kilometers from Balchik. The course has 18 holes with spectacular views, and the golf academy offers indoor and outdoor courses all year long. The residential part of the complex consists of oneand two-storey villas. 4
GOLF IN BULGARIA An outdoor amphitheater was built on the territory of the complex. Its capacity is 150 seats. Besides golf, the complex visitors can practice tennis, cycling, diving, horse riding, hunting and fishing. The complex operates a massagetherapy center, where you can relax after an active sports day. 5
www.bulgariatravel.org The other golf course in the region, designed by Gary Player, is called Thracian Cliffs. The course covers an area of 4.5 square kilometers, and all the 18 holes of the course offer a wonderful sea view. Very few courses in the world can be proud with such views. There are 159 apartments available for golf players. They are divided into two villas. The complex also offers a spa center, gym, restaurants and stores. 6
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www.bulgariatravel.org Ian Woosnam designed the golf course of Lighthouse Golf & SPA Resort. The golf course is a Links type with 18 holes and is suitable for both professionals and beginners. There is a training ground at the disposal of the guests. The golf resort also offers a SPA center, restaurants, a casino, a piano bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a private beach. There are three other golf courses in the region of Sofia which offer very good conditions for sports and recreation. 10
GOLF IN BULGARIA In the village of Ravno Pole, about 20 minutes from the center of Sofia, is the St. Sofia Golf Club. The golf field of the club, which has 18 holes, was designed by the famous Irish player Paul McGinley. The club has an academy and offers golf lessons; there is a football ground near the golf course. Part of the complex is occupied by a modern SPA center. 11
www.bulgariatravel.org About 50 km from Sofia, near the town of Ihtiman, is the oldest golf club in Bulgaria - Air Sofia. The golf course has 18 holes and is suitable for beginners and advanced golfers. Besides golf, here you can practice other sports, such as football, volleyball, horse riding, etc. A gym, a sauna and other relaxation and recreation services are available at the hotel part of the complex. 12
GOLF IN BULGARIA About 70 kilometers from Sofia, traveling along Hemus highway, in the town of Pravets, is one of the newest golf courses in Bulgaria - Pravets Golf Club. It has 18 holes and was designed by the renowned architect Peter Harradine. The golf complex has a modern golf academy and an extensive training area for short and long games, 11 indoor training bases and a vast training area for short and long games, which has night illumination, so the golfers can train until the late hours of the day. From the golf course one can see spectacular views of the Balkan Mountain. A modern spa center functions in the hotel part of the complex. 13
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www.bulgariatravel.org Pirin Golf & Country Club is located near the ski resort of Bansko. The whole golf club covers an area of 150 hectares with a golf course and it offers five star accommodation options. The golf course has 18 holes and was designed by Ian Woosnam as well. The second course - Pirin Pine - has five holes. The training area is situated between the two courses. There is an academy with modern training and video equipment available for the golfers. In the club building the players can find peace and comfort. The proximity of the course to Bansko turns it into a preferred golf destination. 16
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www.bulgariatravel.org Another golf course with 18 holes is located very close to the town of Sliven. The course is suitable for beginners and advanced golfers. The course offers professional instructors. Golfing here can be combined with a tour of the Sliven Balkan quite near is located the natural park Sinite Kamani and the area Karandila. The location of the golf courses in Bulgaria allows the golf lovers to try and explore the opportunities of sea and mountain tourism. The golf courses at the coastline are located near Balchik and Kavarna - small towns with great charm. They are near the sea capital of Bulgaria - Varna and near it are situated the worldwide famous sea resorts Albena and Golden Sands. The charm of the Bulgarian mountains can t remain unnoticed. 18
GOLF IN BULGARIA This is the reason for some of the golf courses to be built there. The proximity of some of the golf clubs to the capital Sofia and the convenient transport are also a prerequisite for the transformation of Bulgaria into an increasingly preferred golf destination. 19
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Operative Program Regional Development 2007-2013 www.bgregio.eu We invest in your future! The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget of Republic of Bulgaria Grant Scheme BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008 Support for Effective National Marketing of Tourist Product and Improvement of Information Service, Contract No BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008 /001-5 Multimedia Catalogue of the Tourist Sites and Electronic Marketing of Destination Bulgaria This multimedia brochure is created within the framework of the project Multimedia Catalogue of the Tourist Sites and Electronic Marketing of Destination Bulgaria, Contract No BG161PO001/3.3-01/2008/001-5, which is performed with the financial support of Operative Program Regional Development 2007 2013, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The entire responsibility for the contents of this multimedia brochure is brought by the beneficiary The Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, and under no circumstances it can be considered that this multimedia brochure presents the official position of the European Union and the Managing Body.