Did you know that there is golf in Bulgaria? Entire settlements with SPA treatments, beaches and hotels, aimed at lovers of fine sports. Golf clubs are located in the most picturesque places in the country - in the mountains and on the coast. The locations, of course, were chosen with tourists in mind.
Today, there are two clubs operating in Bulgaria, both with pretensions to luxury, but in reality very far from a “luxury” holiday: either the staff is rude, or the dishes are chipped, or the Bulgarian negligence suddenly takes the guest, who was relaxed, by surprise. Well, okay, but the prices are low, which allows almost everyone to join the aristocratic sport.
In this article we will talk about a golf club located on the Black Sea coast, in the area of the Thracian Cliffs, hence the name “Thracian Cliffs” (Thrace in Bulgarian “Thracia”). It is worth noting that the club’s emblem is based on one of the famous Thracian jewels - a golden horn, discovered in the area of the village of Panagyurishte in 1949. The cup is also known as a rhyton or cornucopia. Historians believe that at one time it was not only used by the nobility as a vessel, but was also used in sacrificial rituals.
The Panagyurisht Cup is kept in the National Historical Museum of Sofia
Location
Golf club "Thracian Cliffs" is located in the Dobrich region, 50 km from Varna on the coast. This place is known for its picturesque views of rocky cliffs; the famous Cape Kaliakra is located nearby. Entry to the club territory is open to everyone; in addition to the fields, there are the Marina and Hillside hotels, a SPA complex, a golf equipment store, 2 restaurants (Geti, Olivo), 2 beaches - Bendida and Argata, 2 beach cafes of the same name. Moving guests between points is carried out using free transfers (but only until 8 pm). Real estate is sold on the territory of the club, which gives the right to membership, which in turn gives a discount on golf.
Where is Thracian Cliffs Golf Club?
Golf
The total volume of the golf area is 850,000 m2: 18 holes + practice fields. The project was created by Gary Player, one of the champions of England. From time to time, Thracian Cliffs hosts championships under the auspices of major brands for everyone (Green Card holders). The prize fund amounts to millions of euros.
In addition to the picturesque location of the holes, a special feature of the club is the opportunity to practice long shots on live grass. Unfortunately, the driving range does not have a canopy; training players are forced to bake in the sun. The club provides lessons for beginner golfers, but by local standards it is a bit expensive - 70 levs/1 hour. We are forced to note with regret that the manners and qualifications of Bulgarian teachers leave much to be desired.
Golf etiquette, for those who are just planning to join the game:
- To play on the field you will need special or sports shoes with flat soles.
- Cap, polo, trousers, visor - dress code for men (jeans cannot be played).
- Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the field (but if unnoticed, then it is possible).
- Persons with a Green Card (who have completed a course of training) are allowed to play on the main fields; beginning players practice on the training fields.
- Walking on golf courses is prohibited and is not safe.
- Golf car is prohibited for use by persons under 18 years of age.
- You cannot park a golf car on the playing field.
Prices in Thracian Cliffs
The table shows prices for golf, equipment rental, hotel accommodation, and the estimated cost of meals in restaurants.
| GOLF | COST |
| 2-seater golf car | 40 € (80 levs) |
| Set of clubs | 30 € (60 levs) |
| Golf game, 18 holes | 109 € (218 BGN) |
| driving range, long shot training / 20 balls | 2 € (4 BGN) |
| Lesson with a trainer, 1 hour | 35 € (70 levs) |
The most popular hammock on the beach
| BEACH | |
| Visit to the beach, toilet, shower | free |
| Argata Beach: Two sun loungers and an umbrella, 2 towels | 35 lev |
| Bendida Beach: Two sun loungers and an umbrella, 2 towels | 35 BGN 25 BGN (for hotel guests) |
| Transfer on the map from the parking lot to the beach | free |
| RESTAURANT | |
| Soup, salad | 7–17 lv |
| Main courses | 47–56 lv |
| Desserts | 7–15 lv |
| ACCOMMODATION | 1 NIGHT / 2 PEOPLE |
| Studio in Marina Village | 282 lv |
| Suite in Marina Village with sea view | 423 BGN |
| SPA | |
| Visit to the SPA area, exercise bikes (for hotel guests) | free |
| Different types of massage | 45–100 lev |
| Manicure, pedicure | 40–60 lev |
Features
The opening of “Thracian Cliffs” took place only 8 years ago (June 4, 2011), however, due to negligent Bulgarian management, the club is already falling into disrepair: inattentive and arrogant staff, average quality food in restaurants, rooms require cosmetic repairs, while how the prices are still “luxurious”. The owner of the club, Krasimir Gergov, is undergoing a major restructuring of his assets, as evidenced by several abandoned unfinished buildings at the entrance to the club. We advise you to hurry up and visit before the Bulgarian golf dream is shattered by the realities of local management.
In Bulgaria there is another golf club “Pirin Golf”, located in a gated village near the town of Bansko, you can read about it in previous article.
Have you played golf in Bulgaria?