GOLF IN BULGARIA

Bulgaria is experiencing a boom in golf-course development as international developers see the potential that Bulgaria holds as a top European golfing destination. Currently there are only three golf courses in operation in Bulgaria. But at least five more are under construction and about twice as many are currently at design stage.

The Northern Black Sea coast in Bulgaria has taken the road of the Spanish sea resorts, with various courses (under construction) within very close proximity of each other.

With investment on the northern Black Sea coast amounting to approximately 150 million Euros, the season is expected to be extended by at least 8 or 9 months per year through golf tourism alone. But most of the golf courses will operate all-year-round.

Golf Real Estate

Black Sea Rama (Topola / Balchik)

Two Gary Player signature world class golf courses are now under construction on the beautiful black sea coast. “Blacksearama” is the first gated seaside community featuring an 18-hole championship golf course situated on a large plateau offering spectacular views across the sea.

This is an exclusive development whereby furthering its appeal to a niche market of golfers, investors and holiday makers seeking a secure and up market environment. It is ideally situated between the picturesque Balchik and the up and coming resort of Kavarna, and is just 30 minutes drive from Varna International Airport.

The legendary Gary Player is not only a leading figure in the golfing circle, he has already designed over 200 golf courses worldwide and he ranks Blacksearama as one of his best projects to date.

The famous “black knight”, so called for his choice of clothing during tournaments, has visited the site on numerous occasions and on his last visit was extremely impressed with the progress. Gary Player said: “Over the past 50 years of playing professional golf, I have visited and studied most of the great golf courses of the world, and have been fortunate to apply my experience in the design of over 200 golf courses worldwide. The design of a golf course is a far more sophisticated process than many people would ever imagine as it requires not only an understanding of the game, but a great deal of vision and clever planning. To a large extent the topography of the land one works with will determine how the golf course is to be laid out and in this regard it is always my objective to work as much with the natural topography, environment and features of the site as is possible”.

The par 72 course will feature a luxuriously designed clubhouse in a prominent position to take full advantage of the vast panoramic sea views and will contain all the typical facilities such as locker rooms, pro shop, restaurants, bars and lounges. There will also be an extensive outdoor seating area where the players can sit and have a meal and drinks whilst watching the play on the 18th hole.

The award winning golf course will benefit from a long summer season starting from the end of March running through to November, although the course will be open all year round. The project also provides other sports facilities including tennis courts, spa and fitness centres, swimming pools and football playgrounds.

Blacksearama is seen to be at the higher end of the property range offering 5 star properties and first rate amenities that would need to be quadrupled in price if the location was in Marbella.

Black Sea Rama – due for completion: Summer 2008

Thracian Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort (Kavarna)

This is the second 18-hole championship golf course situated on the black sea coast designed by the legendary Gary Player, winner of 163 professional tournaments and being the most sought after designer of golf courses worldwide.

Having designed over 200 golf courses on all continents, having Gary Player on board with Thracian Cliffs is unquestionably a recipe for success.       

Located between the picturesque seaside town of Balchik and the up and coming town of Kavarna and just 40 minutes drive from Varna International Airport, the setting for this golf course is truly spectacular and the views are breathtaking.

The resort ranges through 145 south facing hectares. The major components will be the 18-hole golf course, 4 and 5 star hotels, villas, apartments, driving range, Thracian style marina, Italian piazza, diving centre, indoor heated swimming pools, infinity pools, spa centres, tennis courts, restaurants and bars . The main buildings will be based upon the villages of the Thracian coastal region, which date back thousands of years.

Thracian Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort (Kavarna)

The master plan is being developed by Wimberley Allison Tong and Goo (WATG) who have undoubtedly one of the best reputations for the architecture of golf courses worldwide.

Under construction are three superb apartment complexes offering unrivalled views: Marina View, Hillside View and Golf View.

There will be 9 holes front line to the beach making this one of the most beautiful courses to play on in Europe.

Gary Player is clearly looking forward to playing his course: “Thracian Cliffs without question has the potential to be the best golf course I’ve ever been involved in,” he said. “When people in Britain and Europe see this course, they’re going to be flabbergasted.”

Thracian Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort (Kavarna) – due for completion: 2008 / 2009

  Ibar Golf and Country Club (Dolna Banya near Borovets)

This is the one and only Nicklaus designed championship golf course in Bulgaria. With an unrivalled location, the course is set at the foot of the Rila mountain range and only a fifteen minute drive away from Bulgaria’s most established ski resort of Borovets.

Only owners and their guests will have access to this private gated luxury complex which will offer discounted golfing rates and pre-bookable tee times. It also has the advantage of being only a forty minute drive from Sofia international airport.

The Nicklaus designed golf course is scheduled to open for play during 2008 and will represent a challenging layout for the novice and experienced golfer alike. The area is one of great natural beauty and the closeness of the capital city, ski resort and extensive range of amenities will ensure a relaxing holiday for all who visit.

Facilities include: • A private country club • 18-hole Nicklaus designed golf course • Large variety of restaurants • Bars • Spa centre • Indoor and outdoor mineral water swimming pools • Roman baths • Finnish sauna • Turkish baths • Massage parlours • Tennis courts • Football fields.

There is a genuine twelve month season with golf being played eight to ten months of the year and skiing for four to five months, therefore this could bring unrivalled potential for capital growth and rental returns. Shuttle buses will run regularly to and from Sofia airport and will also operate every fifteen minutes to Borovets. 

 Golf Course Ihtiman – due for completion: 2008

Lighthouse Golf Resort and Spa
(Balchik/Kavarna)

Ian Woosnam says: “I am extremely excited about this opportunity. Golf is in its early stages of development in Bulgaria and I am very keen to be involved in helping develop the resort in the country. We will create world class facilities that will only support the growth of golf in Bulgaria.”

It just doesn’t get better than this spectacular Ian Woosnam designed 18-hole golf course with breathtaking sea views. 2006 Ryder cup captain, Woosnam is not only one of the world’s greatest and most experienced golfers, but has also proven his exemplary design talent on a range of new courses around the world.

The Lighthouse course will be the championship golfer’s first project in Bulgaria. The prestigious golf course is a links style course combined with traditional design and will become the signature feature of one of Europe’s premier sport, leisure and holiday resorts.

The aficionado or enthusiast who takes to the fairways here will take advantage of the ideal temperate climate which is perfectly suited to the lush landscape of the course.

The latest technology is being used in the construction of the course, both for the design of watering and drainage systems in order to optimize water consumption and recycling, and in the use of newest breeds of grass taken from the latest agricultural research. All this facilitates a combination of sporting excellence with the highest levels of environmental conservation.

The course is in a superb location on the black sea coast, just outside the small charming seaside town of Balchik and only 35 minutes drive from Varna International Airport. Situated high on top of the cliffs only divided from the sea by a small strip of land, the site benefits from spectacular views along the coast in either direction.

Both the course and its facilities have been designed with the player in mind, the golfer who wants to play all year round therefore optimizing the golfing experience in this unique location.

Facilities include:
• Private beach • Prestigious 18-hole par 71 golf course designed by Ian Woosnam • Modern, state of the art clubhouse • Lighthouse golf school with practice ground, putting green, bunker area and "pitch and put" • Spa and wellness centre, offering traditional and alternative therapies • Indoor and outdoor heated adult and children’s swimming pools • Sports complex featuring football pitches, tennis courts plus basket and volleyball courts • Gymnasium • Sailing and a wide variety of water sports • Horse riding and equestrian centre • An exclusive selection of cafe’s and retail outlets • Owners will automatically benefit from discounted green fees and selected amenities • Business conference centre • Children’s club • A range of international restaurants offering selected Bulgarian and international specialties, including an exclusive venue at the summit of the Lighthouse building • Shuttle bus service to nearby towns of Balchik and Kavarna • Easy access to the nearby yacht marina. Lighthouse Golf Resort and Spa (Balchik/Kavarna) – Due for completion: 2008

Pirin Golf and Country Club (Razlog, near Bansko)

A unique combination of outdoor activities and personal wellness can be yours all year round at the Pirin Golf and Country Club, an exclusive development featuring a prestigious 18-hole golf course designed by Ian Woosnam, Ryder Cup captain 2006 and one of the world’s most exciting professional golfers.

One of the most ambitious projects to be undertaken in Bulgaria in recent years, the concept is to fashion a truly superior environment with unrivalled investor credentials. The golf course itself is situated at the foot of the Pirin mountain range, just 4kms from the famous ski resort of Bansko and a 2 minute drive will take you into the town of Razlog, an up and coming area which is proving popular with investors.

Pirin Golf and Country Club

Pirin Golf is a unique mountain golf course and it has recently been announced that there will be a course extension which in return will create the largest golf-ski leisure complex in Europe. With truly year round appeal, both keen experts and enthusiastic beginners will find the atmosphere that turns sport into passion: nature, peace, beauty, challenge and comfort.

It is the all season appeal that makes Pirin Golf such an attractive investment. The prestigious development will accommodate skiers, golfers and investors in Europe’s fastest growing ski and golf resort.

Five residential areas are presently under construction: Pirin District 1, 2 and 3, Downtown District and Lake District. Two more are under development: Golf District and Holiday District.

The extensive range of facilities include:
• An 18-hole championship golf course • State of the art clubhouse offering pro shop, restaurant, bar and lounge and secure lockers • Also on site will be a sports complex featuring a mini football pitch, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball playground • Horse riding and equestrian centre • Spacious landscaped gardens throughout with communal areas and open barbeques • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools • Restaurants offering international cuisine, cafes and selected exclusive retail outlets • World renowned spa and wellness centre • Beauty clinics and fitness centre.

Pirin Golf and Country Club – Due for completion: End of 2008