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The growing propensity for British and other North European golfers to seek golf properties in sunnier climes has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of golf courses and associated real estate developments being constructed around the Mediterranean and in Portugal.

Most famous amongst these are probably the superb Vale do Lobo complex near Faro in Portugal and La Manga, just south of Alicante in spain.

But whilst there can be no denying that these two resorts, along with the opulent Sun City in South Africa, represent the cream of golf resorts in the sun, real estate in and around these venues has experienced a simply phenomenal growth in values and does come with a rather hefty price-tag attached.

These days of course, golf properties of any description represent a healthy investment potential due to the exclusive nature and scenic surroundings of most golf resorts. And so, most prospective buyers looking for a golfing investment in the sun are trooping to spain and Portugal in search of the perfect property, when other locations still offer far better value for money, as well as a much greater potential returns on invested capital.

One such location is the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

With only four fully-fledged courses currently operating on the island, the sport is still very much in its infancy in Cyprus. However, having recognised the growing demand for golf properties, the Cypriot government, in association with the CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organisation) have given the green light for the construction of a further eleven to fourteen golf courses alongside the already existing facilities in an effort to firmly establish Cyprus place on the international golfing circuit.

Whilst this construction programme of new courses is spread right across the whole Republic, its crowning glory must surely be the Secret Valley Golf Course and country Club near the fabled Rock of Aphrodite on the islands west coast.

First opened in 1996, two years after the Tsada golf course north of Paphos, Secret valley has been a favourite part of the Cypriot golfing scene for many years. In light of the forthcoming expansion plans for golf in the Republic of Cyprus however, the Secret valley resort has become the subject of a huge expansion programme which, once complete, even the likes of Vale do Lobo and La Manga will struggle to compete with.

Aside from the complete remodelling of the existing course, Secret valley will see the construction of a further two 18-hole courses, as well as a par-3 pitch & putt course, golf academy, practice greens, multiple driving ranges, football & tennis academies and a host of other associated amenities.

Accompanying Secret Valleys ambitious course expansion programme is the construction of many exclusive golf properties, ranging from hilltop villas overlooking one or more of the splendid courses to apartments set on the hillsides above the newly remodelled clubhouse.

Property prices in the resort do of course reflect its exclusive nature, but they are - as yet - far lower than their equivalents in spain, Portugal and South Africa. Most experts and analysts do however predict that real estate in and around the Secret valley golf resort is amongst the finest property investments currently to be found in the Republic of Cyprus.

As you can see, when it comes to golf properties in the Med, it does not necessarily have to be spain or Portugal. In fact, the smart money is in Cyprus.

Brian Rettendon has lived and worked in the Republic of Cyprus since 2001. As a senior investment consultant for Aphrodite Property Sales Ltd, he benefits from an intimate knowledge of the Cypriot property market and its current and future trends. Visit the Aphrodite web site for more information about golf in Cyprus and investment hotspots in the Republic.

# posted by 12152 : 6:47 PM  0 comments

A good golf swing requires a lot of work especially if you are a natural slicer. Probably more golfers have a problem with controlling their slice than any other golf swing problem. If you read any of the many golf magazines or visit golf websites you will quickly notice that a lot of articles and advice concerns correcting slice problems. Unfortunately there are many different expert opinions and methods that in some cases are opposite in application. This leads many golfers to confusion and many times frustration. Some golfers never develop a good golf swing and thereby give up the game all together.

Good golf swing instruction tips used to reduce or cure your slice include proper grip, release positions, club offset , right elbow placement, keeping the left wrist flat, proper take away, swing tempo and many more tips and theories. All are put forth by various instructors and golf professionals in an effort to cure your slice and give you a good golf swing. The question is which method or combination of tips that will work for you. In addition there are many e-books found on the internet that you can read to find the right tip that will decrease you slice and increase your draw.

golf instruction by a teaching professional is probably the most effective way of correcting your slice problems. The golf instructor will observe you as you make your swing using both irons and woods. many times you will be video taped during this process. After careful analysis your instructor will begin to correct the flaws in your swing one by one. He will prescribe exercises that will correct these problems areas. In addition he may suggest that you use various golf swing aids to help you develop a good golf swing. Your teaching professional will also examine your equipment to determine if you need to make some changes. These changes may include shaft material and flex as well as any club head offset that your clubs may have. Most pros have available several types of clubs that have various features that will help you develop a good golf swing. More than likely it will take time for you to eliminate your slice and develop a good draw on your drive and long irons. Using a teaching pro will cost you a significant amount of money but if are able to permanently correct your slice it may be worthwhile. Think about all the money you will save on lost balls and the associated embarrassment being the tall grass looking for your ball while your partners impatiently wait for you on the fairway.

Most likely you will always have to practice the fundamentals you learned from your pro to continue your golf slice correction. You play golf because it is supposed to be a fun endeavor. Playing poorly will increase the chances that you will eventually give up the game of golf altogether. Removing your slice from your game will certainly go a long way to making the game more enjoyable and will eventually give you the good golf swing that you need to play well.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good Golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, golf training aids, golf instruction and the latest and best golf ebooks.

# posted by 12152 : 6:34 AM  0 comments