Secret Valley - Cyprus
Ha Potami - Kouklia,
8101 Paphos,
Cyprus
+357 262 74000
15 km SE of Paphos
Welcome - contact in advance
Not known
Iacovos Iacovou, Hans-Georg Erhardt and Snorri Vilhjalmsson
Paul Dyer
The delightful Secret Valley holiday course opened for play in 1996 and local Cypriot Iacovos Iacovou originally designed it. Voted the best course in Cyprus for two consecutive years by Golf Digest back in the late 1990s, Secret Valley Golf Club enjoyed all limelight in those early years when golf was still a fledgling Cypriot sport. At that time, the island only had two courses to choose from and the Cyprus Golf Federation hadn’t yet been founded. Home course of Nicosia Golf Club (founding member of the Cyprus Golf Federation), Secret Valley is situated not far from Paphos and even closer to Petra tou Romiou, where according to folklore, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, stepped ashore. Not surprisingly, Secret Valley plays through a valley, but this is no ordinary valley. It really is quite spectacular, with brightly coloured rock formations, which change colour in different lights. The setting really is a delight and it's definitely worth playing Secret Valley early in the morning or late in the evening when the shadows are lengthening. It's also cooler at either end of the day. In the middle of summer Secret Valley can get rather hot and sticky. It’s true, Secret Valley was a relatively ordinary members course, but everything changed in 2013 when the layout reopened after a complete redesign by Hans-Georg Erhardt and Snorri Vilhjalmsson of Golf and Land Design, with Tony Jacklin as the headline architect. The new Secret Valley layout is an integral part of the Venus Rock project, which is mooted to include another golf course, a five-star hotel and luxury private homes. The project aims to become one of Europe’s largest luxury beachfront residential developments. The Secret Valley layout itself is routed thoughtfully using the natural topography of the valley to great effect. Mature trees and shrubs are a feature within the lower valley while the steep hillside terrain of the upper slopes has allowed dramatic tee locations, which afford lovely views over the valley and to the distant sea beyond. |
Reviews for Secret Valley
Secret Valley golf course located by “Petra tou Romiou”, the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. Nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by mature trees and beautiful natural rock formations, protecting from sea breeze. In my opinion, this is one of the most picturesque, beautiful and interesting golf clubs in Cyprus, where every time you discover new challenges and enjoyment of the game. I played here three times and will definitely come back again. The staff's helpfulness and friendliness is another story, but it's an example of what a golf club staff should be. Returning to the golf course, they have really improved the quality at current time.
They have ~300 meter long wide driving range which 2 large grass tee’s, covered bays, also 3 full size practice greens (chipping, putting and pitching), 2 full size bunkers and warm up putting green next to the 1st tee. Welcoming, comfortable & spacious clubhouse, cozy restaurant with lot of varieties of local and international beers, tasty food with acceptable price.
Fields condition was very good, greens and fairways well maintained in the low season. Secret Valley truly offering one of the island’s most challenging 18-hole golf courses in Cyprus. Fields are not very long from white tee, but not easy at all. Starting from first easy par 4 hole, reachable by straight long drive with possibility of eagle or birdie, another par 5 is more challenging and forcing to think about different strategies. The 6th hole (par 3) look likes not very difficult, but shot must be accurate. The drive from 7th hole tee is absolutely blind, so you can get good position after that…or lost ball.
The 9th hole par 5 one of the best, longest and hardest in course (index 1) with a slight dog leg to the right ends with reward of good result or cold beer and sandwich at half house. Next nine is very different. Some really easy, but some with character. The drives needs to be accurate as the fairway is narrow with trees and water hazard guarding. Risky game could get award or big disappointing. The last two (par 4 and par 5) are interesting and can reward for clever and good game, but also punish for so much risk or incorrect strategy. The last par 5 allows long hitters reach green with their second shots with a chance for a birdie or an eagle depends on in lucky bounce and position of pin. Undoubtedly, in any case, it is a pleasure to return to the clubhouse for glass of cold beer with a snack. Good service provided here from arriving to leaving with friendly and helpful staff. Prices definitely one of the best in Cyprus especially in low season and Sundays.
I‘m sure every golf course rating is always a subject with a lot of subjectivity, depending on various criteria. My rating depends on following criteria: course complexity or challenging, fields condition (especially greens & fairways), service (only what you can get: buggie, club rent, condition of clubs, the amount of choice and etc. except staff and other subjective things that depends on your or staff mood), surrounding views or pleasure to the eyes and definitely value for the price. All criteries will be rating from 1 to 5 stars. Secret Valley golf club my personal opinion is the best in Cyprus and gets:
1. Challenging - 5*
2. Condition - 4* +
3. Service - 5*
4. Surroundings - 4* +
5. Value for the price - 5*
Actually could be improved some of the greens, but I hope it‘s question of time...they goes to the right direction. It's really attractive and interesting to play golf course.
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from Raimondas
Secret Valley is a really fun course and it's in excellent condition. We played off the White Tees - about 6000 yards - and it's about 6200 from the back tees. The location is spectacular, laid out in a valley, with a classic Out/In configuration. There are some beautiful drives from elevated tees and some really pretty Par 3s. The greens were in excellent condition - fast and true. Good value at 45 euros for 18 holes, a buggy and use of the practice range. I'll be back - tomorrow!
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from Peter O'Donnell
The redesign of Secret Valley has turned a pleasant holiday track into a must-play. Having visited Cyprus recently (also played Elea and Aphrodite Hills) I must say this was my favorite of the three. It may be short (5700 yds from the backs) but it’s great fun and very engaging.
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from Niall
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from malcolm roberts
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from mark griffiths
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from Ady Keeble
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from steven Baker
The course does lack investment for the simple reason that a new development has been on the backburner for the best part of 10 years. However this should hopefully change soon. With two brand new courses.