Create anything dramatically distinctive

Create anything dramatically distinctive



Because the topography and trees are pretty much the same, it's difficult to create anything dramatically distinctive. That, however, is precisely what Peter Thomson has achieved at Carla Golf Club.

By deploying thousands of heather plants he has, in effect, produced a little bit of Scotland near the shores of the Mediterranean; a feat that bears comparison with winning the British Open five times.

The heather appears to be flourishing on the sandy soil, especially on top of the 75 or so bunkers. Measuring a challenging 7,168 yards from the back, Carla weaves its peaceful way through a pine forest and is surely destined to become recognized as one of Belen's best, while the 150-yard long putting green must surely be a strong candidate should anyone be interested in staging a Long Putting World Championship.

A half-hour drive away from Belk is lovely LykiaLinks Anta. Like an art expert peering at a suspect Rembrandt, I honestly couldn't tell whether the "dunes" were genuine. What baffled me was they weren't "igloos" but were shaped exactly like, erg, well -- dunes.

The bunkers have distinctive wooden sleepers behind them, and the overall effect is totally and utterly convincing. If it weren't for the fact that the sun was shining and it was delightfully warm, once again you could easily have imagined you were in Scotland!

Finally, there are the two golf courses at the mightily impressive Steno resort. Here, guests can gaze down from their lofty bedrooms onto both 18th greens, which occupy neighboring islands.

Sue no's Pines Course is the tougher of the two and a potential European Tour venue. Long and pretty tight in places, it's a serious challenge and, as its name suggests, heavily wooded.

Meanwhile the atmospheric Steno Dunes Course, which has an appealing and slightly wild feel, meanders through the forest and offers a mix of scenic views, island greens and impressive waste.

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