I wonder and stare, how Bulgaria is emerging on the global golf map from almost nothing. Currently 8 golf courses are operating in Bulgaria, where 3 of them on the Black Sea cost (Black Sea Rama, Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort and Light House).
Needless to say that Bulgaria is not the wealthiest EU country. According to the European Comission, Bulgarian economy in 2014:
- likely grow by cca. 1.7%,
- inflation rate will be around -0.8%
- unemployment rate: cca. 12.8%
These are not too rosy figures. However it is good to see that Bulgarian tourism is growing. In 2013 it grew by 5.8%.
In addition to these, Bulgaria does not have significant golf history and tradition. But Bulgaria has very advantageous climate and long seacoast (ideal for links golf courses). What I have not seen in other Eastern European countries is the ability to attract such big names as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Ian Woosnam to build golf courses.
Thracian Cliff Golf & Beach Resort is a masterpiece work of Gary Player. Since the opening in 2011, it achieved quite a lot:
Thracian Cliff Golf & Beach Resort successfully hosted the 2013 Volvo World Match Play Championship, scooped the 'European Golf Resort of the Year 2014' award (from the International Association of Golf Tours Operators: IAGTO).
At this moment Bulgarian golf depends on golf tourists and expatriates who came to work in Bulgaria. Nevertheless the proximity of Turkey can be an opportunity to convinces golfers to try their golf courses. I think it is more pleasant to play golf in Bulgarian climate than in Belek for istance…
Hence it is a great news for Thracian Cliff Golf & Beach Resort that they were invited to join IMG Prestige. I think it can help this golf club to ensure more guests and golfers.
Thracian Cliff Golf & Beach Resort will be on the list among such prestigious golf courses as:
- Kingsbarns, Scotland; Carton House, Ireland;
- Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand;
- Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa;
- Yas Links, Abu Dhabi;
- Le Touessrok, Mauritius;
- Bro Hof Slott, Sweden;
- and the Montgomerie Links, in Vietnam.
Nevertheless, Bulgaria in general have to work on golf education to develop as much local golfer as possible. This is one of the reasons why golf and golf business is not successful in Hungary.