Tunisia - pourquoi pas?
Why not play golf in Tunisia? Now that Spain is too expensive, Mallorca is too crowded and Turkey has become a "no go".
The North African country, which has been depressed by attacks in recent years, is now upgrading once again and is courting an international golfing public with 10 different courses. A high standard of security precautions in the luxury hotels and on the top-class golf courses should guarantee a carefree game. We put it to the test: Bienvenue a Port El Kantaui, Hammamet and Tunis!
Short trip with mega impressions
It's a stone's throw to northern Africa with a flight time of around 2 hours - you really can't complain about that. What's more, Tunis Air transports your golf baggage free of charge. At the airport in Port El Kantaui, Enfidha or Tunis, the hotel shuttle is already waiting and in the afternoon you can tee off for the first time at one of the golf courses nearby. Perfect for a short trip or more if you want to visit the cultural highlights, such as the excavation sites of Carthage, the artists' town of Sidi Bou Said with its white and blue architecture or the Bardo National Museum in Tunis with the world's most important collection of Roman mosaics. You shouldn't miss out on this opportunity - or on browsing through the medinas or enjoying the famous mint tea in one of the local bars at the marina in Port El Kantaui.
The Californian architect Roland Fream has designed two important and completely different 18-hole courses here: while the Sea Course (par 72) stretches over a flat course by the sea, the Panorama Course (par 72) winds its way between hills with olive and pomegranate trees. You pass old fountains and historic irrigation canals or play over centuries-old palm trees. The view from above of the white houses of Port El Kantaui and the sea makes up for many a bad putt. The greens here take some getting used to and are difficult to "read". The Sea Course, on the other hand, offers a relaxed game on wide fairways with an elegant sea breeze and a view of the white palatial Hotel Concorde Green Park Palace, which shines in the freshly renovated sun. Golfers are very welcome here and enjoy the all-inclusive concept. www.kantaouigolfcourse.com
Hammamet with 45 holes is the star among Tunisia's golf regions. Not only does "Golf Citrus" offer two exceptional 18-hole courses on 173 hectares with 6 lakes, lots of forest and olive groves. In addition to "La Foret" and "Les Oliviers", there is also the 9-hole "The Executive" course. The stylish clubhouse with its excellent gastronomy and selected pro store is also a real highlight. My rental bag with Ping clubs is well stocked and I don't miss my Callaway set. We play the "La Foret" course here, which, as the name suggests, winds its way up and down the hill between flowering bushes, cacti and rocky precipices. No honey lick without a caddy. That's why they are "highly recommended" caddies here, as the handsome GM Omar Cherif tells us. Ibrahim at my side not only tells me where to go, gives me tips for the perfect swing but also shows me the ideal putting line. The 12 euros for the round were a good investment, especially as the score was impressive. www.golfcitrus.com
The Residence Golfcourse Tunis - the best in the whole country?
At least it is the newest in the Gammarth district overlooking the Gulf of Tunis. The 18 holes were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. who created this environmentally friendly par 72 course between the sea and a salt lake in the heart of a nature reserve. This is why you will encounter waterfowl and all kinds of creatures between the undulating fairways, some of which have a links character, and the 14 lakes. Despite the flat and clear layout, this course also has its pitfalls - above all the well-maintained and fast greens, which you have to reach for the first time via masses of bunkers. The architecturally wonderfully designed and huge clubhouse is not only popular as the 19th hole. Non-golfers also appreciate the food and drink here. The game is free if you stay at the 5-star hotel of the same name, a "Leading Hotel of the World". Even after 20 years of existence, "The Residence Tunis" has lost none of its Arabian-Andalusian charm. Elegant and tastefully furnished, the hotel offers a harmonious mix of Mediterranean and Oriental flair. In the well-known "Les Thèrmes Marins de Carthage" spa and thalassotherapy center, you can treat yourself to every trick in the book or simply let yourself be pampered. You can promenade to the private beach through a perfectly landscaped park. www.theresidence.com
Conclusion: For a still affordable green fee (30 - 70 euros), you can play golf here without the crowds in charming surroundings near golden beaches. Right now, most of the 5-star hotels are offering packages at sensationally low prices. For example, the 5-star "Sindbad" hotel in Hammamet is surrounded by orange trees, has a stylish lounge by the sea and spacious, newly adapted rooms - with a package from 450 euros. www.sindbadhotel.com
