Glyfada Golf Club of Athens

The history of sport (ie: ancient Olympics) in Greece reaches as far back as 776 BC, the history of golfing...only about 55 years.

Years ago (1994-2003) Athens was a regular stopover when I travelled between the Arabian Gulf and Canada. Golfing Glyfada then was convenient as it was within walking distance of the now closed Ellinikon International Airport.

Glyfada is an easy walking course with fairways lined by mature native pines and plenty of doglegs left and right. The greens lean towards being small targets to find and many are well protected by bunkers, particularly the par 3's. There are few straight putts so if you can master the greens you can pencil in a birdie or two. Some would consider the maintenance to be a bit on the scruffy side but overall the course plays well. The clubhouse is original, the menu varies from traditional Greek fare to burgers, the staff and members friendly and welcoming. Glyfada GC opened with 18 holes in 1962 and for the longest time it was the only course in Greece and at present there are only 7 or 8 courses nationwide.

The majority of visitors to Athens or Greece don't make the trip to golf, but to take in the history of what is generally considered "the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization." There is an abundance of history here as you will find no fewer than 18 UNESCO world heritage sites in Greece.