Why 2018 is time to visit the jewel in the Balkans

In November 2011, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) named Bulgaria the ‘Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year’.

Not bad going for a country that only took its first golfing steps at the beginning of the new millennium. The Bulgarian Golf Association was established in 2001 and, soon thereafter, courses started to pop up.

Seven years on from that award, Bulgaria is one of the world’s most exciting, culturally diverse and entirely unmissable holiday hotspots, with the Cape Kaliakra region and its three courses offering a golfing experience unlike any other.

A long, narrow headland in the Southern Dobruja region, it sits up against the Black Sea Coast and is characterised by steep, rugged, vertical cliffs, located just a 45-minute drive from Varna airport.

Thracian Cliffs is, by some distance, the most famous of the courses here. Designed by nine-time major winner Gary Player, it hosted Bulgaria’s first-ever European Tour when it staged the 2013 Volvo World Match Play Championship, where Graeme McDowell defeated Thongchai Jaidee in the final and described the course afterwards as ‘like Pebble Beach on steroids’.

As a result of the increased coverage, the following year saw more than 10,000 golfers choosing the Black Sea coast for their annual golf vacation – a number that has continued to rise year-on-year since.

Another Gary Player course awaits visitors at BlackSeaRama. Named the world’s ‘Best New Course’ by a top US golf magazine in 2009, its sea views are truly majestic, whilst the on-site accommodation, dining and leisure facilities complete a superb experience.

Last but by no means least is the Ian Woosnam-designed Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort, which is another fine example of a modern championship links.

With these fantastic courses and the fact Bulgaria boasts exceptional value for money – dinner with drinks barely registers more than €15 – it’s little wonder the country is causing such a stir.

Last minute deals

Book your 2018 golf break to Bulgaria by March 31, 2018 for some incredible savings*.

• 7 nights + 3 rounds at Thracian Cliffs: From €449

• 7 nights, 3 rounds at Thracian Cliffs + 1 round at BlackSeaRama: From €541

• 7 nights, 3 rounds at Thracian Cliffs, 1 round at BlackSeaRama + 1 round at Lighthouse: From €636

The package also includes accommodation at the five-star Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort with bed and breakfast, airport transfers and golf transfers.

*Prices based on a group of eight golfers travelling together. For more information, visit golfinbulgaria.com.