A new challenge awaits the players this week as the European Tour heads to Cyprus for the first time for the 2020 Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Open.
Here is what some of them had to say about the host venue - the stunning Aphrodite Hills Resort in Paphos.
Sam Horsfield
"It’s an interesting golf course, it’s extremely hilly. But I really like it. It’s a lot like a Florida golf course – Bermuda rough and stuff like that. The greens are unbelievable and I’m looking forward to getting the week going. (On the third) I think some guys may struggle to carry it. It’s 245-250 carry over the ravine there. You better step up and hit a big drive. It’s not the widest hole ever either. You need to hit a good tee shot, and you can’t get there so you have to lay up.
"There’s a few interesting holes out there and that’s certainly one of them. I think power will be key here. It’s not too narrow so you can send it on a few holes. The greens are so pure, if you give yourself some opportunities, you’re going to make a few. I’m rolling the ball well so it should be a good week."
Aaron Cockerill
"There’s a couple of holes where you have to take five minute golf cart rides down a ravine, on the third and the seventh, which is funky. It’s very unique, I don’t know if I’ve ever played a tournament on a golf course like this. It’s cool, it’s in perfect condition, the fairways are amazing. I think it suits my game because you have to hit fairways, and avoid the rocks."
Andy Sullivan
"It’s very picturesque – some of the holes over that gorge are absolutely phenomenal. I’d love to get in touch with the architect and find out how he’s seen a golf hole on seven – it’s fantastic. I really enjoyed it.
"I walked the front nine yesterday and played the back nine today. Nothing but admiration for the place, I really like it. It’s a golf course where if the weather gets up it’ll play tough – there’s a lot of versatility to it. It’s very beautiful. It would be nice to come, bring the family and not play golf."
Thomas Detry
"It’s fantastic. We spent my second full day out here. Absolutely amazing. The weather is amazing and the golf course is immaculate. It should be a fun week. There’s going to be a lot of birdies out here.
"Different grass – Bermuda – around the greens. Players will have to get used to that. If you hit fairways and greens you can shoot a low one. On the third, don’t chunk it! It’s a brilliant hole. If there was a bridge there, nobody would talk about it. It’s a great hole."
