Tunisia might be the hottest new golf destination, and we are not just taking temperature. If you want a location with a bit of adventure, history and exotic allure then Tunisia is your place. With ten varied courses and ideal weather conditions you will be most impressed with the quality and diversity of the golf.
Tunisia has a history of golf including hosting the Tunisian Open, part of the European Tour’s official schedule from 1982 to 1985, the European Tour’s first venture outside Europe. As well the Tunisian Seniors Open was hosted at Port El Kantaoui GC in 2001.
Within two hours of the Tunis airport you have four great courses: Kantaoui Golf Club – The Sea Course, this course borders on the Mediterranean Sea and features beautiful sea views. It is located within walking distance of the Port El Kantaoui Marina. Citrus Golf Club – Le Foret (The Forest Course), this hilly course features narrow tree lined fairways and well bunkered greens so bring the sand wedge and “Shakira”. The Residence Golf Club a Robert Trent Jones II design is Tunisia’s newest golf course located in a beautiful natural reserve with an abundance of birds and wildlife. It is also adjacent to the luxurious Residence hotel, a Leading Hotel of the World property. My personal favorite was the Yasmine Golf Club. Apart from the elevated tees and multi-tiered greens and spectacular views that test your skills, the management went above and beyond by indulging my cliché desire to ride a camel before I left Tunisia. They brought an adult camel “Shakira” and the baby to the 18th green. I had the pleasure to ride Shakira, sand wedge in hand, down the 18th fairway. Given my propensity to find sand on any course it seemed very appropriate. After a well-deserved cold Celtia, the local beer made in Tunisia, was waiting for me on the 19th hole terrace overlooking the course.
Rich in history Tunisia has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Carthage, founded in 814BC, it was the home of an extraordinary civilization and trading empire throughout the Mediterranean. In 146BC, the original Carthage was destroyed by the Romans who established a second namesake city, Roman Carthage, on the ruins of the first. You can visit these sites and so many more.
One place I am sure to visit on my next trip is on the south west part of Tunisia. The Tozeur Oasis Golf Course, Located in the Palm Oasis of Tozeur, is a truly unique 18 hole desert landscape course on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Film fans will love that Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was filmed in Chott el Gharsa and Tozeur, also a location used for The English Patient.
This trip far exceeded my expectations. Even better than the great golf I played while in Tunisia were the collection of memorable experiences. Viva Shakira !