PGA National Cyprus in the spotlight

Aphrodite Hills and its team of PGA Professionals have been busy preparing to welcome some of the biggest names in golf in this week as it stages two European Tour events.

The Cyprus Open takes place this week from October 29 - November 1, and the following week the Cyprus Classic (November 5-8) will also be staged at the venue.

It will be the first time any European Tour event has been played in the region. PGA Professional Andrew Darker is the Director of Golf at Aphrodite Hills. He reveals how the resort lured the European Tour to Cyprus and the role PGA pros will play.

How will hosting two ET events boost the profile of Aphrodite Hills?

Firstly, the team is immensely proud to have been chosen as a venue to host a European Tour event, two in fact! Hosting two events is very much in line with our vision as a resort, and as such, these events will strengthen awareness and the positioning of the Resort as a must visit golfing destination. We are an integrated resort and by focussing on ‘golf’ as a driver for business, our other elements will also benefit, these include the Aphrodite Hills Hotel by Atlantica, our Resort Holiday Residences, plus our other sports elements. Its great exposure and is key in aligning our vision with reality.

How did the resort persuade the Tour to come to come to Cyprus?

Since 2014, we have set out a strategic business plan for the Resort. This plan included an enhancements programme, together with branding and positioning goals. Our goal was to bring a recognised tour event to the country, so this has been a work in progress for around two years now. Fortunately, we have a great relation with ISM (International Sports Management) and it is largely thanks to the ISM team that we find ourselves in the position we are now of hosting these events. The final venue choice was a result of Cyprus’ successful handling of COVID-19, placing our island on the list of the safest countries. 

What COVID-19 restrictions will need to be in place for the two events?

The Tour has a dedicated team of experts that are dealing with the ever changing COVID-19 factors on a daily basis. We are in constant communication with the Tour, ensuring our resort meets all protocols. One big difference with the rescheduled events is there will be no spectators. As a resort we are COVID Shield certified, this means that the staff already undergo regular testing and any volunteers on the frontline will also be required to be tested. This certification is part of our commitment to follow and exceed all safety protocols ensuring the safety of both our staff and guests. The Tour travel in their own ‘bubble’ so they will take exclusivity of both the hotel and golf course. Once players and officials are tested, only then are they allowed into the ‘bubble’ until the tournament is completed. It is strict and I can imagine very tough for the players to have done this over the past months.

How do you prepare Aphrodite Hills Resort to host some of the top names in golf?

We prepare in much the same way as we would for our regular visitors, the main difference is really on the course conditioning. We have made a few adjustments, such as adding a little length to the course on four holes, at the tournament weeks we will have slightly firmer, faster greens and we are also re-shaping a few fairways to narrow in the landing zones on a few holes. We feel the subtle changes will present a tough, yet fair test to the golfers. The other area we pride ourselves on is our level of customer service; the golf team is well rehearsed in looking after VIP clients and the entire team are looking forward to hosting them. The Aphrodite Hills Hotel, by Atlantica, will be looking after the players. Our chefs have already been working with the Tour’s nutritional experts to ensure we
meet all dietary needs, plus our front office team are trained and ready to receive all players with the wonderful and well-known local Cypriot hospitality.

What role will PGA pros play before and during the two tournaments?

Giles Johnson (Academy Director), Danny Heard (Academy Director) and Robert Reynolds (Assistant Professional) have already played an important role by assisting in the general organising and staging logistics for the event. Collectively, we have advised on course set up with input for European Tour Productions in possible camera locations. With two events of this magnitude, it is important to utilise the knowledge of our PGA pros. Between them they have a wealth of experience and I am frequently asking them for advice. During the events, they will take full responsibility for all practice area operations, which is key for the players and if run well, sets the tone for the day and a lasting impression for them all. I will be a go-between trying to juggle in satisfying our members, our property owners, the European Tour, the promoters (ISM) as well as the TV crew, data crews and not forgetting the volunteers.

How has becoming a PGA National helped in securing two European Tour events?

Our brand association with The PGA came about in 2017, at which time the course was going through a major investment program, with completely rebuilt greens and bunkers. This was one of the requirements to utilise the prestigious PGA National branding, which we launched in 2018. This alone has attracted huge interest and I believe played a crucial role to Aphrodite Hills Resort on the radar of ISM and the European Tour for such events. We have also invested in other areas such as sustainability and staff programs. To run such events we need a competent team, and in the past five years with everything that we have changed, it’s only fair to say that each employee of the golf team has developed their skillset and knowledge in their own right. This been a major factor in gaining the confidence of the decision makers, ultimately securing the event for Aphrodite Hills Resort and Cyprus. 

Giles Johnson (Aphrodite Hills Academy Director) and Robert Reynolds (Aphrodite Hills Assistant Professional) explain the role they have played in the build up to the events and discuss what it is like being a PGA Professional based at a PGA National facility.

Johnson (pictured above) commented: "I moved from a teaching professional role in Germany to Cyprus and Aphrodite Hills in 2003 to set up the golf academy and promote golf in Cyprus alongside Andrew Darker. I fell in love with the resort, the stunning views, the facilities both on and off the golf course and the warm and friendly people. 

"It has made me very proud as a PGA Member for 22 years and a member of staff at Aphrodite Hills that we have a great association with The PGA and share the same vision of strengthening golf at the resort in Cyprus and globally.

"I think every member of the golf team, the resort and every golfer in Cyprus cannot wait to showcase Aphrodite Hills, golf in Cyprus and the country itself. The thing that is most pleasing however, is the excitement shown from our junior golfers, the smiles on their faces, the tournaments, the European Tour and the players being the only topic of conversation and their willingness to be involved and see some of the world’s best golfers compete at their home course."

Reynolds (pictured above) added: "It’s a huge honour to be able to represent a PGA National. The commitment to the high standards gives me and the rest of the team, an amazing motivation and job satisfaction.

"Hosting two European Tour events is going to be fantastic, both for the resort as well as for the country. It will give Aphrodite Hills a great opportunity to be seen all around the world and will provide a significant boost for the future of golf in Cyprus. It will also give us a unique chance to see the best golfers in Europe compete live around our PGA National Golf Course.

"Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the European Tour has set strict guidelines that must be followed upon arrival on the resort. This will somehow narrow our direct interaction with the tour on a high level. I will be involved on the set up of the practice facilities for the players as well as helping the European tour committee with queries and suggestions that they may require, as part of G.D. Golf in the Sunshine LTD."

The value of the PGA Professional

George Misirlis, CEO at Aphrodite Hills, explains the importance of having PGA Professionals at the resort.

He said: "We began with a vision, a top designer, a stunning location, and the means to create one of the best golf courses in Europe. After that, building a successful team out of dedicated professionals who also find joy in their everyday work, was the greatest success of all. These are the people who made the vision a reality.

“GB&I PGA Members pursue and achieve their qualification out of a love and great knowledge of the game. Their know-how and expertise are what helps us experience the sense of progress and allows us to be creatively productive in the long run. It played a great role in attracting the European Tour.

“What an amazing opportunity they get to have now while welcoming and working for such great events."

• Categories:
• The PGA
• Commercial