Golf is one of the world’s most popular sports with millions of players worldwide. Its growth in popularity has lead to an increase in the number of courses under construction as golfers continue to demand new and challenging courses in more and more exotic locations. Turkey’s favourable year round climate and geographical location make it an ideal location for golf courses and over the last ten years the choice of courses has spread to include some spectacular destinations all over the country. In 2008, Turkey was voted ‘Best Golf Destination in Europe’ by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
Golf History in Turkey
Golf came to Turkey at the end of the 19th century, when the first golf club was opened in Istanbul. The Turks took to golf immediately and other courses were opened in Izmir in 1905 and Bornova in 1911. In 1949, the new capital Ankara Golf Club followed this in 1905, Boğaziçi Bebek Golf Club in 1911, in 1949 the new capital Ankara opened the doors to its first golf course. The first even golf club ‘Istanbul Golf Club’ is still in existence although it has changed locations on several occasions. Istanbul didn’t host its first international competition until 1977 . In the 1980’s the growth in international tourism had risen to such an extent that the Turkish Ministry of Tourism decided that the country could attract a wealthier class of tourist if they constructed more golf courses and to this end new courses were designed at Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul, whose new Klassis Golf Country became the first professional international course in the country.
Today with courses designed by famous names like Feherty, Montgomerie and Faldo, the country has become one of the leaders in golf tourism and the Mediterranean coastline near Antalya has become a golf paradise of international repute.
The Best of Turkish Golf
To play at most Turkish courses, you need to have a handicap certificates, proving a maximum of 28 for men and 36 for women. You must also wear soft spikes on the courses.
In 1994 the international course at Belek opened 30 km east of Antalya. It has proved to be one of the country’s most successful courses particularly in terms of its quality hotels, courses and on-site property. Belek has established itself on the international golf circuit with top courses that include those designed by world famous golfers Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo. Today there are eight golf courses in the Belek area alone giving golf lovers plenty of challenges and choices.
The Gloria Golf Resort Old Course opened in 1997 and soon gained a name for being one of the best courses in the country. It was designed by Michel Gayon who made it a magnet for ideal for mixed ability players, that is not to say that the course is without challenges; it has already hosted the European Senior's Tour and World Golf Championships. The course is idyllically located in the middle of a pine forest making accurate driving a must! It consists of 63 bunkers and several ponds and doglegs. The Gloria Golf Resort consists of 45 holes, which includes the 18-hole Gloria New and the 9-hole Gloria Verde.
The Cornelia Golf Deluxe Resort was according to golf ace Nick Faldo, "an exceptional piece of land," so much so that he designed the Cornelia 18-hole course. It follows the stunning pine forests and sandy beaches of Belene, which opened in 2006. It consists of a lavish open plan clubhouse with reception, golf shop, restaurant, bar and terrace. The pro shop and course are manned by a team of David Leadbetter trained professionals to give help and tips as you take a round. Most of the holes are named after a Roman theme except for the seventh, which is known as ‘Faldo’s Choice.’ In 2007 a further 9 holes were opened adding to the variety and challenges offered by the course as a whole.
Golf World Magazine rated the National Golf Course as number 43 in Europe so it comes as no surprise to learn that it twice hosted the PGA European Seniors Open. It was designed by European Ryder cup star David Faherty and some claim it is his best work. The views of the magnificent snow-capped Taurus Mountains provide an impressive backdrop. There are plenty of natural water hazards to test your ability as well as providing one of the best finishing holes in Europe.
The Antalya Golf Club is attracting much attention. It was designed by David Jones and European Golf Design consists of a 440-room golf hotel and two astounding 18-hole courses, the Pasha and the Sultan. The course covers some incredible scenery with plenty of woodland, sandy banks and crystal clear ponds. There are water features at half of the holes on each of the courses and plenty of bunkers on the fairways and around the putting greens. The first nine holes on the Sultan course ends with a classic challenge called, “The Choice.” The 12th hole is one of the toughest in the area so much so that the club maintains every golfer should be, “be proud of a par here.” The Pasha course is set to test the abilities of all high and low handicap golfers with a variety of challenges in the form of difficult dog-legs, cunningly placed bunkers and rolling greens.
Golf in Turkey offers both novices and experienced players plenty of variety and challenging courses. There are few golfing destinations in the world with so much to offer and with plenty of off course activities to boot.
Course and clubhouse pictures courtesy of the National Golf Course www.nationalturkey.com
