Golf in Turkey
Turkey has always been one of the most exotic and popular destinations for travellers and is widely regarded as the next European golf tourism hotspot. The relative lack of golf courses compared to "traditional" golfing destinations such as Spain and Portugal is being rectified with major expansion plans. With the construction of international class courses well underway and more planned, Turkey really is golf`s next big thing. The Turkish Golf Federation has ambitious plans for 100 courses nationwide in the next 15 years.
Traditionally, golf in Turkey has been centred on Istanbul and the resort of Belek, 20 miles east of the city of Antalya. However, the Aegean resort of Bodrum now has 3 courses open or in the final stages of construction, with 4 more planned for the area. In the Tulza area, for example, the first of two classically designed 18-hole golf courses opened in the summer of 2008 at the Vita Park Golf Club, with the second course opening in July 2009.
Big names in the world of golf design, such as Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo have already been active in the country, driving up the quality of design and facilities. The Turkish golf "explosion" began in the Belek region in 2007, with the opening of the European Golf Design "Sultan" and "Pasha" courses at Antalya Golf Club, with the nearby Nick Faldo Cornelia course having opened in 2006. The region has certainly improved from a golfing perspective, with new courses set to rival the well-established National course, which claims to be the first "and still the best." The majority of the new courses have chosen the "golf complex" route, with hotel and golf course on the same site, offering all-inclusive golf packages. These have proved extremely popular, particularly in the UK and German markets.
Carya is a brand new heathland-style course designed by 5-time Open champion Peter Thomson. A million heather sprigs have been planted around the free-flowing layout, which meanders between pine and eucalyptus trees. The par-72 course, at 7186 yards from the back tees, provides a stern test for even the best players, while at 6366 yards from the front boxes it is also suitable for the average club player. A course with many attractive holes, the par-3 7th, over water is possibly the most eye-catching.
The new Montgomerie course, at the Papillon Golf Club, also boasts an iconic par-3 over water, but the dominating feature of this 7,021 yard course is the huge sand or "waste" areas which makes accurate driving essential. There are also 7 lakes for golfers to tackle.
Lykia is a stunning golf links on the shores of the Mediterranean, opened in November 2008. A first for Turkey and the southern Mediterranean, this Perry Dye designed championship links course seems destined to become one of Turkey`s finest and is a "must visit" venue for golf enthusiasts. All 18 holes on the par-72 course have commanding views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountain peaks, where the prevailing winds challenge golfers on the 4 holes on the coastline. The course is a challenge for the most accomplished golfer, requiring Scottish-style "bump and run" shots, while numerous pot bunkers guard the greens and necessitate accurate hitting of Callaway golf clubs from tees and fairways.
