Glyfada Golf Course

Overview: Glyfada Golf Course is a par-72 parkland course with 18 holes in the Athens suburb of Glyfada, about 1.5 kilometres from the Saronic Gulf. Donald Harradine created the original layout, using a natural creek, gently rolling ground and native Mediterranean planting to make a green oasis within the metropolitan area. Robert Trent Jones later made a significant modification for the 1979 World Cup, so the current course carries the mark of two major architects. The directory lists approximately 6,800 yards. Pine, cypress, olive and fig trees line the corridors, while views toward the sea and Mount Hymettus change between the two nines.

History: The course was developed by the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the early 1960s. The first nine holes entered play at the beginning of 1962, and the complete 18-hole layout followed six months later. Glyfada became the centre of organised golf in the Athens region and was later administered through the municipality and the Glyfada Golf Club. A 1978 modification by Robert Trent Jones prepared the course for the 27th World Cup, and the venue later hosted European Seniors Tour events from 1999 through 2002. Its long history gives Glyfada a role far beyond its compact urban setting.

Did You Know? In 1966 Glyfada hosted a televised Shell's Wonderful World of Golf match between Tony Lema and Roberto De Vicenzo, with Gene Sarazen providing commentary. The event introduced Greece's first full-size course to a much wider golfing audience at a time when the country had only a small number of established layouts. The same course still sits close to the Athens coast today, linking that early television era with modern city golf.