Limassol Greens: A course defined by its setting

Designed to respond to its coastal setting and natural terrain, Limassol Greens is a new golf destination in Cyprus.

Developed and managed by Lanitis Golf Public – a company jointly owned by the Lanitis Group, one of Cyprus’s most established conglomerates, and a Maltese consortium led by Alf Mizzi & Sons – the project began construction in 2021 following a masterplan by American multinational infrastructure firm Aecom and includes an 18-hole golf course designed by architect Cabell Robinson.

The resort is situated on a former citrus plantation, part of the Lanitis family’s land in the Fasouri area of Limassol. It is gently rolling terrain, interspersed with mature trees, open fields and natural bodies of water. The golf course opened for play in December 2025, as residents began moving into the resort’s villas and apartments.

Robinson’s layout has been created with an emphasis on preserving key natural features. “Sustainability was a guiding principle in the course’s design,” says Andrew Darker, the resort’s general manager. “Native vegetation has been preserved wherever possible, and water management systems have been implemented to optimise irrigation efficiency and minimise environmental impact. The overall development includes the planting of more than 30,000 trees, enhancing the natural landscape, promoting biodiversity and strengthening its environmental footprint.”

Cabell Robinson’s 18-hole routing for Limassol Greens (Image: Limassol Greens)

Robinson worked closely with the team from golf construction firm ProGolf throughout the project, making in-field adjustments to finalise holes and strategic elements. “His hands-on approach allowed for modifications that responded to the natural terrain, wind patterns and strategic shot-making opportunities,” says Darker. “This collaborative process ensured that the course not only reflected his original vision but also evolved organically to create a more engaging and dynamic golfing experience.”

Limassol Greens has open playing corridors with natural, flowing landforms. “The lack of dense tree planting allows for increased air circulation, improved turf health and a more dynamic playing experience, with coastal winds playing a strategic role in shot-making,” says Darker.

“A key influence on the links holes is the course’s unique geographic setting. It borders the island’s largest salt lake and lies near the sea. This exposure creates constant airflow, salt-laden breezes and open, firm playing conditions that closely resemble traditional coastal links environments.

“The course mainly has a parkland character with a few links-inspired holes. To complement this blend, we have incorporated native xerophytic trees, grasses and plants. This promotes the local Mediterranean landscape identity, supports native wildlife habitats and ensures a natural transition into the surrounding ecosystem.

“From a management perspective, the use of drought-tolerant planting significantly reduces landscape water demand, minimises fertiliser and chemical inputs, and lowers overall maintenance intensity. The open landscape also reduces shade stress, leaf litter accumulation and disease pressure, contributing to healthier turf and more sustainable long-term maintenance practices.”

The eighth green complex and tees for the par-five ninth (Photo: Limassol Greens)

The team at Limassol Greens chose Tahoma 31 bermudagrass for tees, fairways and rough – making it the first course in Cyprus to feature this variety – and bentgrass for greens.

Read more: Course superintendent Andrew Halifax explains why Tahoma 31 bermudagrass was selected for tees, rough and fairways.

“These turf varieties were carefully selected to suit the Mediterranean climate and deliver optimal playing conditions year-round,” says Halifax. “From a maintenance perspective, both bermuda and bentgrass are manageable with modern agronomic practices. Together, these carefully chosen grasses combine durability, aesthetics and superior playability, contributing to a golf experience that is both challenging and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.”

In terms of irrigation, Toro’s Lynx LSM field controller with FLEX sprinklers have been installed.

Darkers says holes six, seven and ten are highlights of the round. “The sixth is a beautifully shaped par four that sweeps gracefully from left to right through one of the most tranquil parts of the course,” he says. “With the prevailing wind favouring a gentle fade, accuracy from the tee is key as you navigate between two natural lakes. For the big hitters, there’s a bold Tiger line between the waters, offering the reward of a short approach to the green. Once on the putting surface, subtle slopes demand a keen eye and a confident read to finish the hole well.

“Following that, and after a scenic walk along the edge of the forest, you arrive at the seventh, a charming, short par four. For the big hitters, it offers a tempting risk-reward opportunity – but with two strategically placed bunkers guarding the centre of the fairway, success depends on smart club selection and precise positioning. Play it with strategy and touch, and a birdie chance is well within reach.”

The par-four tenth requires a long and accurate tee shot to set up the opportunity to carry a large swale in front of a well-protected green. Anything slightly short off the tee may lead to a lay-up, effectively turning the hole into a par five. The green is guarded by bunkers on the left, while those going long risk finding the water beyond. A subtle ridge runs through the middle of the putting surface.

The course, clubhouse and residential units opened in November 2025 (Photo: Limassol Greens)

“From hole six through eleven, the wind turns to your back, offering scoring opportunities for those who capitalise on favourable conditions,” says Darker. “Then comes a distinctive trio – thirteen to fifteen – each offering a unique test that will require a full range of shot-making creativity to master.”

The fifteenth hole (Photo: Limassol Greens)

“The final stretch, however, is where champions are defined,” says Darker. “Hole sixteen, a tough par five plays back into the wind, leads to a small, well-defended green that rewards precise distance control. The par-three seventeenth demands pinpoint accuracy, with little margin for error left or right. Finally, the eighteenth sweeps elegantly from left to right around a natural lake before revealing a narrow, elongated green – one of the longest on the course. Selecting the right club and striking it with confidence is essential to finish strong.”