Bulgaria's Black Sea - A New First Class Golfing Venue
11/14/2016
Probably ten years ago the phrase 'Golf in Bulgaria' would have provoked a mixture of surprise and bewilderment, even from industry professionals.The Balkans (with the notable exception of Greece) was a veritable golf desert !.
Then things went a little crazy. The capital, Sofia, was the first to get a major golf course in the shape of St Sofia Golf, which is just outside the city, near Elin Pelin. This is not altogether surprising, since the large expat business community (plus the diplomatic corps), form a significant slice of the clientele.
The casual observer may have thought that that would be it for a while since it was estimated at the time, by those in the know, that there were only 200 playing golfers in the whole of Bulgaria.
Undeterred by this, Bulgarian investors began plowing multi-million investments into new golf resorts on the Black Sea coast. Not one, but three new golf courses were built virtually simultaneously. In no particular order: Thracian Cliffs, Black Sea Rama, and the Lighthouse Golf and Spa.
A sign of the commitment that the investors had to their projects, was that two of the courses (Blacksearama and Thracian Cliffs) are designed by the world famous South African Golfer Gary Player. The Lighthouse was designed by the former Ryder Cup player Ian Woosnam.All three courses have been operative for several years now, and attract a steady stream of clients.
You may ask, from my earlier comments: 'Where are the golfers coming from, if there are so few in Bulgaria ?'. The answer is multi-fold.
Firstly interest in golf from the Bulgarian middle class has risen markedly, and consequently, the number of local golfers has increased.
Secondly, some pretty effective marketing has drawn a huge number of foreign golf tourists. This was boosted massively by Thracian Cliffs hosting the Volvo World Matchplay Tournament in 2013. The tournament featured major golfers (such as Ian Poulter) and was won by Graeme McDowell, featuring on Sky TV.After that, the telephones were red hot. Thracian Cliffs was voted Best New European Golf Resort in 2014.
Thirdly, the fact that there are no golf courses in Romania (and only two in Serbia) are creating a constant volume of clients for the Black Sea courses. Romanians are now probably the biggest foreign client group for the courses on the Bulgarian coast.
Prices
Thracian Cliffs: €449-€1129 ($481-$1212) depending on the number of nights and the season (per person including B&B and use of swimming pool and Spa services). http://www.thraciancliffs.com/
Black Sea Rama: Green Fees for 18 holes, €85 ($91). Villas or apartments can be hired separately.http://www.blacksearama.com/
Lighthouse Golf and Spa Resort: Is currently offering a seven-night Unlimited Golf and Spa package from €448pp ($480). Including playing all three golf courses.Golf packages for seven nights with three green fees from €365 ($392). http://www.lighthousegolfresort.com/
Overview:
Thracian Cliffs is a truly stunning world class golf course, with 18 challenging holes. There are fantastic views of the cliffs and the Black Sea.You will be spoilt with a classy restaurant and a wide range of accommodation to stay in.As with all three courses, there is a private beach.
Black Sea Rama is an equally impressive venue.It has a particularly stylish clubhouse and a mini Romanesque amphitheater, with unique Black Sea panoramas. It proves very popular as a wedding destination, and for other occasions. The restaurant serves high-quality cuisine and is well worth a visit, especially on a beautiful summers day to soak up the atmosphere.
The Lighthouse is less challenging as a golf course, but more than makes up for that in its luxurious facilities; including a top class hotel with superb dining facilities, and an excellent spa and wellness center.
It is worthwhile noting that all three courses are virtually next to one another.Lighthouse and Black Sea Rama are just off the E87 International Highway, and Thracian Cliffs is located on the road down into White Lagoon Resort and Balchik.
Other things to do.
The historic seaside town of Balchik with its magnificent harbour and many restaurants, is just ten minutes away. Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens and the Palace of Queen Maria.Boat excursions go out to the wonderful Cape Kaliakra to see the Dolphins, or do a spot of fishing.
Getting there: Varna airport, is about 40 miles away (60km).All courses offer shuttle services. Austrian Airlines fly to Varna every day (from Vienna), as do Wizzair (from London Luton). Turkish Airways fly from Istanbul which is ideal for connections from the US, also provided by Turkish Airlines(the only direct flight) and by several others including Ukrainian, Aeroflot, KLM, Air France and British Airways. For the best fares check out http://www.paylessflights.com