There's a whole world of golf out there

For a growing number of aficionados, a home near or on a golf course somewhere in the sun is the ultimate dream. And today, you can choose from Spain, Cyprus or even South Africa

It used to be the preserve of an older set but these days golf appeals to both the young and the young at heart. And, as the sport grows in popularity, overseas developments are tempting golf lovers to buy abroad and pursue their hobby in warmer climates. Christopher Flemming has been visiting the Algarve since he was a small child but admits that the area's wonderful selection of golf courses doesn't personally hold much attraction: "I play golf very badly and tend to make rather a lot of large holes in the green."

But Flemming has managed to achieve something that will warm the heart of any golf enthusiast. After spending 10 years staring over the fence of his rented villa into the almond orchard next door, he finally bought the land. And now Quinta Do Monte Funchal is a small development of 15 architect-designed luxury villas, all with views of the Funchal Ridge and within easy reach of a range of golf courses to satisfy all levels of players.

Aficionados of the game flock here, but Flemming is keen to stress that there are other pursuits besides chasing the little white ball: "You can play tennis, go parasailing and water-skiing and there are even those ghastly banana boats if that's your thing."

Nick Sadler, the manager of Hamptons International Algarve office which is marketing Quinta Do Monte Funchal near Lagos says that the area is a magnet for golf lovers. Sadler is himself a member at nearby Quinta da Boavista which is just a kilometre away from the development: "I'm a gold member there which costs me £200 and entitles me to play 18 holes for £17."

Sadler points out that while buying at Quinta Do Monte Funchal – where prices start from €1,100,000 (about £750,000) – does not give you special golf rights, he finds that many golf-loving buyers change their priorities after they've lived in the area for a time, as in the case of one buyer who recently reserved a plot: "When people first come they tend to base themselves on developments which give them everything from maid service to direct access to golf, but after a time when they realise they want more space and this is where small developments such as Quinta Do Monte Funchal are ideal," he adds.

But Pestana Golf and Resort may suit those who wish to be right where the golfing action is, as the development is centred around the acclaimed Gramacho and Pinta golf courses. Buyers here have access to golf membership, discounted green fees, and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy with prices for a quarter share of a one-bedroom apartment starting from £33,018 up to £316,129 for a three-bedroom linked villa or townhouse.

Golfers certainly have a mass of resorts and countries from which to choose: there are around 26 golf courses on the Algarve alone and, on Spain's Costa del Sol, there are believed to be more than 40 golf courses according to the chairman of Ocean Estates International Alasdair Macdonald, who adds: "There are currently a further 15 new golf courses under construction."

Buying in a golfing resort brings lovers of the sport easy access, although you pay a premium for sought-after frontline properties, but there are other advantages according to Macdonald: "These properties have extremely high rental potential for up to 10 months of the year as golfers tend to fly out over the winter months to play in the sun. Frontline golf properties, like beachfront properties, also tend to appreciate more in value and are easier to sell."

Macdonald believes there are other effects of golf's popularity: "The golf phenomenon has certainly had a strong and well-publicised effect on the property market to the extent that the BBC asked me to participate in a live radio interview during the Ryder Cup on this very subject."

Ocean are currently marketing a number of golf developments including La Rinconada de Miraflores Golf consisting of 48 one-, two- and three-bedroom frontline golf apartments starting at €174,000.

Ocean's Mike Clews advises golfing buyers to look for incentives: "Some developers offer reduced green fees to the purchaser; for example buying at Los Lagos de Santa Maria [in Marbella] entitles you to a discount on yearly golf memberships."

But Spain and Portugal don't have a monopoly on the sport and golfing resorts; Cyprus has long been a favourite with British buyers who flock there for its warm winter climate. Aphrodite Hills now boasts the island's largest course; 18 holes complete with three-hole academy and clubhouse. At Zephyros Village, the latest phase, prices range from CY£70,000 (about £82,000) for a plot up to CY£530,000 for a four- to six-bedroom villa including plot and pool.

South Africa has over 500 golf courses but Durban Country Club, which has hosted more South African Opens than any other club, is perhaps the best. Twenty minutes from the club, Ocean Estates are selling a three-bedroom apartment at Umhlanga Rocks for €490,000, with a large terrace overlooking gardens and he Indian Ocean. The complex also has floodlit tennis courts and a large swimming pool.

Hamptons Portugal: 00 351 282 789 336, www.oceanicodevelopments.com. Ocean Estates: www.oceanestates.com; Spain office 00 34 952 811 750; South Africa office 00 27 312 057 013. Aphrodite Hills & Pestana Golf and Resort: 01933 353 333.