| Bulgaria is fast becoming first choice for many UK | | | | Pole is only a 15 minute drive from the centre of the |
| holidaymakers taking summer or skiing holidays, and | | | | Bulgarian capital and is frequently used to host |
| now it looks set to become a mini-paradise for | | | | business conferences as well as welcoming golfers |
| golfers too, as developers invest heavily in building a | | | | and holidaymakers. |
| number of prestigious signature golf courses | | | | Slightly farther away, the first course ever built in |
| throughout the country. | | | | Bulgaria is at the Air Sofia Golf Club, located 25 miles |
| Until recently there were only three 18-hole golf | | | | outside Sofia at Ihtiman, just off the Trakia E-80 |
| courses in the whole of Bulgaria, and even the oldest | | | | highway. Over the last four years the development |
| of those had only been open for seven years; but | | | | has been extensively improved and is now home to |
| now developers are actively constructing six more | | | | the prestigious Air Sofia Hotel and Country Club. This |
| quality golf courses across the country using them as | | | | par-71, 5,810-metre course is often described as the |
| the centrepiece for extensive and elaborate property | | | | Balkan's best kept secret and as well as golf, guests |
| developments. | | | | can also enjoy an extensive range of other sports |
| Several star names from the world of golf have | | | | and leisure facilities at the first-ever custom-built golf |
| become the driving force behind the new Bulgarian | | | | resort in Bulgaria. |
| developments. Ex-Ryder cup captain Ian Woosnam | | | | The only other golf course currently open in Bulgaria |
| has designed two of the new courses currently | | | | is the Sliven Golf Course which is a 55-mile drive from |
| under construction, while Gary Player has his | | | | the Black Sea coast in the heart of the countryside. |
| signature on a couple, and the remaining two have | | | | This relatively new and challenging par-71 golf course |
| been designed by less well-known golf architects. | | | | was opened in May 2004, at 6,010 yards is the |
| Of the three existing courses in the country, two are | | | | longest in Bulgaria and offers spectacular views of |
| near Sofia and the other is close to the Black Sea | | | | the Balkans from the fairways. |
| coast. The St. Sofia Golf Club & Spa in Ravno | | | | |