When planning a break not many travelling golfers will have North Africa marked down as a destination. But that should change, as Tunisia in the South Mediterranean, is becoming a top golf getaway. Just a two and a half hour flight and you're in a year-round temperate climate perfect for golfing. This relatively un-tapped golfing destination means the fine Tunisian fairways are congestion free so you can relax as you plot your way round one of the courses - with green fees very fairly priced. And the length of flight and the fact there is no time difference should undoubtedly appeal to golfers looking to escape the drab United Kingdom weather. Eight conveniently located golf tracks make Tunisia an ideal venue to take in some testing and challenging golf in perfect surroundings and differing cultures. Wherever you stay in Tunisia, within an hour and a half's drive you can be on the tee of one of the fine golf courses. The major French influence in Tunisia means the capital Tunis has a very cosmopolitan, Parisian feel about it. There are plenty of shops and boutiques to keep you busy and cafe bars and restaurants in which to sit and watch the world go by. Golf de Carthage, just outside of Tunis, is Tunisia's oldest course, founded in 1927. The par of 66 may make it sound easy, but narrow tree-lined fairways may persude you to leave the driver in the bag and play the percentage game. Work is needed to tidy up this course and the clubhouse exterior but the greens at Golf de Carthage are superb, and the food is not far behind! Away from the capital, basing yourself in Hammamet maybe a good idea for easy access to Tunisia's fairways. There are two courses in Hammamet - Golf Citrus and Yasmine Golf Course. Split by the main highway in Tunisia, they will provide testing golf for players of all handicaps, including the experienced single figure golfer. Golf Citrus offers two championship courses - Les Oliviers and La Foret. Les Oliviers is a good but fair test for the average golfer. At 6,144 metres it's not the longest trek and the wide fairways give you margin for error. Very few bunkers and big greens make it a good course for the high handicap. La Foret is a lot tougher proposition with tight, tree-lined fairways and the various lakes and numerous bunkers. The eighth is a particular thinking golfer's hole. A par far with a fairway bordered by a huge man-made lake. The big guys can try and cut across the lake and go for the green from the tee, but the sensible line is a mid-iron down the narrow fairway and a short second across the lake. Hammamet's other golfing complex - across the highway from Citrus - is the Yasmine Course. Natural hills and Mediterranean winds make this a tough test but the wide fairways allow a little margin for error. But the par five first is not an easy start as the hole dog legs right and there's a big lake that comes into play from the tee. This is a deceptive course and you game has to be spot on to score well round here. Hammamet, while not as lively or bustling as the capital of Tunis is still a busy place and there is plenty to keep you occupied away from the golf course. Hotel Medi Golf is a relatively large family-orientated low budget hotel and the ideal place for golfers looking to try out the majority of Tunisia's courses to base their stay. The large swimming pool is inviting for golfers looking to cool down and a comfortable bar and lounge area provide the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a post round drink. And the buffet-style restaurant makes it easier for those looking to fuell up before setting off for an early tee-time or those seeking apres-golf entertainment. White sandy beaches are less than 100 yards from the hotel, and the many bars and restaurants, will keep you occupied. The grand casino is well worth spending an evening at - provided you haven't blown all your dinhars on lake balls - but you have to take you passport along to be allowed entry. If it's history and culture you are seeking then the Medina (old walled city) is worth a visit. The Cartageland theme park in Yasmine Hammamet - which stretches the village of Hammamet unites culture and entertainment as you take one of the various water rides through the park and sail through a history of Tunisia. Further south is the lively, modern, popular seaside resort of Port El Kantaoui. The Hasbrubal Thalassa Hotel & Spa is a good base in the centre of the resort and just a few minutes walk away from the picturesque marina and a few minutes drive from the El Kantaoui Golf Course. Its 230 double rooms have satelite TV, air-conditioning,mini-bar and balcony with sea or garden views, and there is an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool and excellent restaurant and sun terrace. El Kantaoui Golf Course is located in the heart of the resort and consists of two 18-hole courses. The Panorama Course, is home to the European PGA Seniors' Tour Tunisian Open. The Sea Course is a flat track that allows you to play some interesting golf holes alongside the side of El Kantaoui beach. Once you've cracked El Kantaoui courses move on further down the coast to the town of Monastir and another two contrasting golf courses. Situated within easy reach of the town is the Palm Links course. Designed by British architect Chris Pitman, the Palm Links course is a good course for those just starting out in the game but can still test the higher level golfers. It is a flat par 72 track but the 73 bunkers and four lakes come into play and give you plenty to think about. And there's a feel good factor with two of the four par fives as they are easy reach in two. Palm Links is an enjoyable course to play. Even if you find trouble, there are plenty of opportunities to redeem yourself and it won't get you down too much. Monistir's other course is the Flamingo and is a contrast to the Palm Links. There are lots of hills to negotiate and semi-blind shots and interesting uphill approaches to many of the raised greens. The sixth is an interesting double dog-leg par five with water coming into play both left and right and there's the lingering decision of whether to fly attempt to fly the water and go for the green in two. Tunisia really is a top inexpensive golfing destination and golf packages can be tailored made to suit your needs. For a full list of golf tour operators contact the Tunisian National Tourist Office or design your own break. | 
Golfing Destinations
