At the present time there are only three operating golf courses in Bulgaria, another five are under construction and several more under project.

Both of the operating golf courses are located near the capital Sofia near the towns of Elin Pelin and Ihtiman, approximately 40km from Sofia. The third was opened in 2004 and is located in the town of Sliven some 90km from the Black Sea.

The number of British, Russians, Scandinavians and Maltese that are interested in golf properties continually grows, adds Mr. Pankev whose company recently signed a partnership agreement with Malta’s Zone Real Estate. The increasing foreign interest in Bulgaria in the last few years has led to the development of five more golf courses across the country. Three of those golf courses are along the North Black Sea coast near the towns of Balchik and Kavarna, one is near the ski resort of Bansko, and the other in the town of Dolna Banya near the emerging ski resort of Borovets.

Plans for several more golf developments have recently been approved. One development will be near the town of Razgrad in the northeast, and the other on the Southern Black Sea coast near the town of Primorsko. The 53-million Euro Pomorie Golf Course will be built within the next two years. The Kuttina Golf Resort near Sofia will be another significant golf investment. Many of the golf courses have been designed by famous golf players, such as Gary Player, Ian Woosnam, and Jack Nicklaus.

The fact is that the construction of golf courses seems to be the latest fashion among tourism and property investors in Bulgaria. However, this is not enough for the country to be recognized as a golf destination. Golfers like variety and they prefer playing on different golf courses. This is why most golf courses in Bulgaria will be grouped together at a distance of no more than 30-40km from one another. One of the golf clusters will be around Sofia. The other main group of golf courses will be located on the Northern and the Southern Black Sea coast. Bansko and the region near the world famous ski resort will boast yet another group of golf courses.

Luxury amenities and facilities further enhance the appeal of golf properties to golfers. Depending on location, golf properties in Bulgaria may also offer spa, wellness, ski, modern city living, or various combinations of those.

Lower prices and the novelty factor are also additional advantages to Bulgarian golf developments.