Cabell Robinson - Course Designer

"Some golf courses take longer to materialise than others. Sometimes these delays turn out for the best. I first visited the site nearly 20 years ago and was immediately impressed with the inherent potential of this land to become one of Europe’s great golf courses.

"Apart from the wonderful views out to sea from so many holes, the striking feature of the site is the deep canyon that separates two plateaux. The problem was how to incorporate this gorge into the course design, and how to cross it! A clever network of cart paths solved this problem and in addition, the descent down to the 7th tee is an adventure in itself.

"We were fortunate in that the site was fairly well covered with carob and olive trees, and fine native grass out in the rough, which turns golden in late summer; this completes a simple but elegant landscape palette which I found extremely pleasing to the eye. With a little additional planting, the holes were “Mediterranean mature” on completion.

"I have kept the fairways spaciously wide between the trees, the greens on the large size, and both men and women have two sets of tees to choose from to match their capabilities. Challenge it from the very tips however, and in a bit of a breeze - and that can be a whole different story.

"People often ask me what my favourite hole is. Just as often I try to dodge the issue diplomatically. Favourite golf holes are subjective choices, just as the beauty of one woman attracts a man more than that of another. But I will offer some suggestions.

"If you can carry 200 metres with your driver, you should try the back tee on the 3rd. It looks forever over the gorge, but it is only that far to reach safety. It is a thrill of a lifetime shot if you succeed. The 7th deep within the bowels of the canyon is another dramatic shot, while fantastic sea views are to be had at the 8th and 15th. Personally I think reaching for the back pin position on the 12th needs the most courage, while the 16th is my pick for the toughest par 4, and the 18th is a reachable and wonderful par 5.

"Aphrodite Hills is the culmination of my 35 years designing courses, and I rate it among my very best work. But you the golfer, will be the final judge. Above all, take in the views, the landscape and the tranquillity. Too often we forget that golf is but a game - and one to be enjoyed."

Cabell Robinson
Course Designer