Crete Golf Club

Despite the rapid expansion of the golf industry throughout Europe, Greece remains behind with investments in golf courses, a national study reported recently.
Greece currently has only six golf courses, although – based on the number of arrivals and courses in competitor destinations – it should have 46, according to the study by the Association of Hellenic Tourism Enterprises.
The golf courses in the country – according to the aptly named Golf and Tourism in Greece magazine, currently include two in Crete – Crete Golf Club, the island’s only 18-hole course, and the 9-hole Porto Elounda Golf Course. Greece’s four other courses include one each on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu and two on the mainland, in Glyfada and northern Greece.
Harry Zervos, general manager of the Crete Golf Club, is a strong supporter for the construction of additional golfing facilities in Crete.

“I don’t see more golf courses here as competition, but rather as supportive of golf tourism in general,” Mr. Zervos noted. “When golfers go on holiday, they tend to choose a place where it is possible to play several courses during their stay, not just one or two.”

The construction of several additional courses in Crete is currently being planned, including the controversial link at Cavo Sidero, which is facing stiff opposition from local residents.

According to industry statistics, golf is estimated to directly contribute some 15.4 billion euros to the European economy every year, with a total of 6,300 courses and 4.1 million registered players. Most of the golf courses are located in Northern Europe, and an average of 83 new courses is created each year on the continent.