BULGARIA

Bulgaria is swiftly gaining a reputation for quality golf courses, probably owing to the fact that two top names - Gary Player and Ian Woosnam – are responsible for the leading layouts on the Cape Kaliakra coast.

Player’s contribution is the spectacular clifftop layout at Thracian Cliffs which overlooks the Black Sea – in view throughout with the front nine holes tightly hugging the coastline. It’s awesome and will take your breath away, especially the memorable tee shots on the 6th and 7th holes – the first a par 3 to the green at the foot of the cliffs while the opening drive on the next calls for an intimidating tee shot over the beach to reach the safety of the fairway.

Earlier, Player had created nearby Blacksearama, a slightly more forgiving layout though still providing stunning views from its clifftop location.

Woosnam’s handiwork is a short drive away and is Lighthouse, a linksy/parkland combination which gets better the longer the round progresses and signs off with a trio of strong holes.

If you elect to make it a twin-centre break, there are three excellent courses within striking distance of capital Sofia including St Sofia and Pravets. Pirin Golf & Country Club is a little further south in the beautiful Razlog-bansko valley.