Top 10 Golf Courses in Turkey to consider when booking your Next Turkey Golf Holiday
If you are considering going to Turkey for your next golf break, then this article from Lewis Remington our Sales Director at Golf Holidays Direct really is for you.
Golf holidays to Turkey consist of staying in top class 5* all-inclusive hotels with unrivaled service. The all-inclusive golf hotels offer premium branded drinks and good quality food.
The golf courses in Belek are some of the best golf courses you could play anywhere in the world, they are in great condition and often have few players on them which is always a plus. Below I have listed my top 10 golf courses (in order)I hope this will help you decide what courses to play on your next Turkey golf holiday.
My tip is to try Carya night golf, it really is a fantastic experience and you can even benefit from a cheaper green fee when playing in the evenings.
A big tip before you book your next golf break to Turkey is talk to our dedicated team who will be able to advise you on the temperature, which can get very hot at certain times of year and also any dates the courses may be subject to maintenance.When booking with us we provide that extra customer service and will make sure we are not packaging up your golf holiday during Maintenance weeks.
Call any of the team here at Golf Holidays Direct to talk through your requirements for your 2021 Turkey Golf Holiday and receive a same day, competitive quote.
Carya
1st Despite being one of the more recently opened courses in the Belek region, the Carya Belek course has already won over a legion of fans and hosted a series of international tournaments. If you are looking for a demanding test of your golfing skills on a spectacular course, then look no further than the Carya Golf Course. This enthralling 7,000 metre, par 72 course offers visiting golfers the chance to test their skills on a classic, heathland style golf course, set in a Mediterranean environment. The course designers, Thomson, Perrett and Lobb (founded by five time Open winner Peter Thomson) have worked hard to transpose a little touch of classic British golf, into a very un-British climate. Despite naturally cultivated heather and rolling fairways making an appearance, players can look forward to Turkish sunshine, and good golfing weather, all year round. The course winds between natural pine and eucalyptus trees, and across undulating sand ridges, with white sand bunkers keeping players on their toes, and testing their ability to play a smarter game of golf. The mixture of terrains and hazards that players face as they complete their round will help to make for some truly unforgettable golfing experiences. The Carya Golf course is also the first lighted golf course in Europe. 18 holes of the course are fully floodlight, meaning that visitors can enjoy the course late into the warm Turkish nights. At an intensely popular course like the Carya, the added benefit of being able to continue play after the sun has started to set is that it increases the number of available tee times for players. Facilities at the Carya also include a spectacular new Club House to come home to once you have finished your round, and a world class Golf Academy, for those who are wanting to brush up on some of their skills.
Faldo
2nd The 27 hole Cornelia Faldo Golf Course has been delighting visitors of all handicaps since its opening in 2006. The course, which can be played in 3 different configurations of 18 known as the King, the Queen and the Prince, provides a variety of different challenges for golfers of all abilities who have come to play in the Belek area. Designed by professional golfer Nick Faldo, the course regularly makes it onto lists of the top 100 best course in Europe, as voted for by players. It has also played host to a number of international tournaments. Once you get out on to the course, you will certainly see why that is; varied terrain, challenging dog legs and excellent on site facilities means that this course is the whole package. The course is routed around pine forests, and the design makes use of the naturally sandy Belek terrain to produce tricky yet enjoyable hazards. As many of the holes are short, the challenges of the course come from working out where best to place your shots, rather simply than being able to drive long. However, those who are able to play a smart game of golf are sure to enjoy all of the challenges that are thrown at them by the Cornelia Faldo course. Onsite facilities at the Cornalia Faldo are second to none. Visitors are able to gain guidance and support from the David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA), which has opened its first site in Turkey at the Cornelia Faldo. The methods and philosophies which are utilised by the David Leadbetter school have revolutionised golf teaching worldwide, and when combined with state-of-the-art technologies, the Academy has proven time and time again that they are able to improve the game of all golfers, regardless of age or ability.
Lykia Links
3rd The Lykia Links golf course was the first course of its kind in the Southern Mediterranean, which means that it is a huge draw for links fans that are looking for a course in a warmer climate. As one of only 300 links courses worldwide, this course is in high demand, but booking through us will help you to get best possible tee times available. The course has been designed by Perry O. Dye to emulate some of the classic links courses which are found across Europe and North America, whilst also fitting in perfectly with Belek’s natural features. The rolling sand dunes and rumpled fairways are well-situated in a peaceful area beside a river estuary which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. At times, the course backs straight onto the sun-kissed beach. However, players are warned not to expect a gentle stroll in the sun from the Lykia Links – the course has already developed a tough and challenging reputation. Like many of Perry O. Dye’s other courses, the Lykia Links features a mischievous “risk and reward” element. If you dare to take the chance, you could see yourself making real gains on this course, but if you do not place your shots perfectly, then you may find yourself falling behind. Bunkers and areas of rough guard the greens, and golfers must consider the potential effects of the prevailing crosswinds coming in off of the sea. The combination of different course challenges means that this links course is pleasantly difficult for high and low handicappers alike. When you are not out on the course, you will be able to visit the Links’ well-stocked Proshop, or visit the highly regarded clubhouse restaurant and bar area. The adjoining Hotel and Wellness facility is also the perfect place for rest and relaxation after your round.
Sultan ( Sirene )
4th The PGA Sultan in Antalya, Belek is a true test of skill for the discerning golfer, and is an excellent choice when played in conjunction with its sister course, the Pasha. Both courses were designed by award-winning course designer and former professional golfer David Jones, and they complement each other wonderfully by offering up totally unique challenges designed to test your entire skill set. Of the two courses, the PGA Sultan is that which has been designed with lower handicap golfers in mind. The course has hosted a number of major tournaments over the last few years and this course has been selected as the home of the Turkish PGA. Most visiting golfers relish the opportunity to test their skills in such a beautiful but challenging environment. The PGA Sultan fits seamlessly into the Belek pine forest environment, and the course works well with natural features to create a tricky, albeit gratifying course. Local marshland has been transformed into beautiful, crystal-clear lakes, which act as water features on many of the holes. Well-placed bunkers have also been cut into the landscape and must be negotiated in order to find the greens. These hazards will test your golfing nerve, with demanding yet rewarding play. Although the relatively flat 6477 metre, par 71 course is easily walked, it is much harder to navigate your way around with a golf club. Each shot that is taken must be carefully considered, as many holes have classic risk/reward elements. If you can hold your nerve and display the right golf skills, then you can really succeed on the PGA Sultan. Facilities on site include a practice area, a pro-shop, and a golf academy for those who are looking for professional advice to improve their game. The associated Sirene Golf and Wellness hotel caters for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Pines ( Sueno )
5th The Sueno Pines Golf Course sits next to its sister course, the Sueno Dunes, in a stunning location along Belek’s coastal region. The two courses complement each other perfectly, and create an environment where all of your golfing skills will be challenged, no matter where your strengths lie. The Pines course is the longer of the two, and is not for the faint-hearted. As the name suggests, the Pines course winds through the area’s natural pine forests, and makes good use of Belek’s rolling, sandy terrain. The narrow fairways pick their way through the trees, and end in wickedly contoured greens which are sure to test out your short game skills. The course is also dotted with water hazards and strategically placed bunkers (both conventional and blow-out style) which must be avoided if you want to make it home with a score close to par. Only those who display true golfing talent will break par on this course. Of the two course, the Pines is undoubtedly the harder offering, and it will offer up a real challenge to even low handicappers who want to test their game. Even the short par-3 holes require careful thought and brave shot placement if you want to succeed on this championship course. The Pines and Dunes courses are complemented by the Sueno Golf Academy, where local Pros are able to offer game changing tips to improve the skills of any golfer. The ProShop offers excellent golfing accessories and clothing, in men’s women’s and junior ranges. The course bars and restaurants are also highly regarded, including a terrace area which offers visitors the chance to relax in style whilst taking in phenomenal views. Once you are away from the course, you can relax at the 5-star Sueno Resort complex.
National
6th Welcome to the National; the first International Standard golf complex to be located on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and one of the courses that helped to kick of the area’s golf tourism boom. Despite the introduction of many newer courses to the area, the National is still one of the most popular choices for visitors who want to play a great round of golf in Turkish climes. The course wends its way through a mixture of mature pine forest and peaceful eucalyptus trees, and across gently rolling terrain. A provocative backdrop is provided by the spectacular snow-capped Taurus Mountains, which frame the local bays and provide spectacular views to those out on the course. However, the almost year-round warmth and the sunshine which bathe the course are one of the main draws for golf tourists. The design of the National was finalised by European Ryder Cup player David Feherty, and many players regard it as his finest course to date. The course itself regularly makes it into lists of the top 100 course in Europe, and it regularly plays host to tournament golf. It certainly offers something special for golfers of all ages and abilities. If you are looking to warm-up at the National, or spend some time practicing your skills, then the 40 bay Driving Range, 9 hole Academy Course, and the chipping and putting greens are an excellent place to visit. The National Golf Academy is also able to provide comprehensive instruction facilities for whatever golf skills you need to work on. Back at the clubhouse, you can take a drink on the main terrace or visit one of the course restaurants. The acclaimed Meridiana restaurant serves a range of international cuisines or you can alternatively finish your game at The Park restaurant, which overlooks a picturesque lake adjacent to the 18th hole. and eucalyptus trees.
Montgomerie
7th The Montgomerie Maxx Royal is the third European Golf Design project course in the Belek area, and it more than lives up to the hype which surrounds it. Designed in conjunction with Scottish professional golfer Colin Montgomerie, the course layout has been created to give people the opportunity to try their hand at an accessible course with a professional edge. The 104 hectare course is known for its natural beauty and its pleasing microclimate. Like many of Belek’s other courses, the fairways play through mature pine forests, and work with the area’s natural features to create an enjoyable yet challenging course. With eight lakes dotted around the course, water hazards play a prominent part of play, and clever ball placement is required if you want to make it home with a clean score card. The course represents a tough golfing challenge, even for low handicappers. In 2013, the Montgomerie Maxx Royal was pleased to be able to hold the first Turkish Airlines Open, and it played host to a number of golf’s biggest stars. If you book a tee time through us, you will get the chance to emulate some of the star performances on this wonderful course. As a championship course, you will be forced to bring your a-game if you want to make it home with par 72. If you like to play in the afternoon you will love Montgomerie Maxx Royal because even in the shortest day you can finish the course if not during daylight, under floodlight of the last 9 holes. Back at the Mongomerie Maxx Clubhouse, you will be able to enjoy 2 floors of top-class facilities, including a spectacular terrace overlooking the 18th hole. Looking in the other direction, you will be greeted with scenic views across the Mediterranean Sea and mountain ranges. The onsite Pro Shop stocks an excellent range of both men and women’s golf clothing and accessories. The adjoining Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort also provides 5-Star accommodation and leisure facilities for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Pasha ( Sirene )
8th The Pasha Golf Course in Antalya, Belek is right here, waiting for you. This 550,000 sqm course is the ideal choice for those who are looking for a bit of variety in their golf game, or those who are looking for a medium level course on which to hone their skills before they move on to some of the area’s tougher challenges, such as the associated PGA Sultan. These two courses are great to play together, as they complement each other perfectly. Designed by David Jones, the course has been entertaining visitors from all over the world since 2002.
Gloria (Old)
9th The Gloria Old course is one of Belek’s most well-established courses, and since its grand opening in 2005, the golf complex has continued to grow and expand. The Old Course is now joined by the 18-hole Gloria New course, and the 9-hole Verde short course, making this complex the ideal destination for a varied golfing vacation. Both designed by French course designer, Michel Gayon, the Old and New course complement each other perfectly. Whilst the New course is shorter, more open and more forgiving, the Old course is longer, narrower and includes a more complicated set of hazards which must be navigated if you want to come home with a good score.
Gloria (New)
10th The Gloria New is part of the multi-course Gloria Golf complex. Whilst it is not as well-established as its older sister course, the Gloria New Course has already become a firm favourite amongst those who are travelling to the region for golf. Opened in 2005, the course has already hosted a number of international competitions, including the European Senior Tour Classic in 2007. The course has been designed to test a range of different skill sets, and the pleasing balance between par-threes, par-fours and par-fives will mean that you will have the opportunity to use every club in your bag if you want to come home with a good score. Although it is not the hardest course in the Belek area, it has been designed to give most golfers the opportunity to test out their skills or warm-up before progression onto some of the harder hitters. Like many of Belek’s courses, the Gloria New course is nestled amongst the area’s natural pine trees, with beautiful rolling fairways and stunning vistas. What sets the Gloria New course apart from its contemporaries is the use of dramatic elevated tees on some holes, tricky doglegs which require careful thought and challenging water holes which call for the upmost precision. The Gloria facility includes 45 holes in total, spread across 2 18 hole courses, and the 9 hole Verde course. Visitors can also make use of the Gloria Golf Academy and Driving Range, with bays for up to 48 players to practice their driving skills at any one time. There is also an 18 hole putting course for those who are looking to work on their short game. The clubhouse includes an outdoor dining terrace for those who are wishing to make the most of the glorious Turkish climate.
