GOLF DESTINATIONS
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PARADISE
The tiny town of Belek in Turkey, site of a recent DP World Tour event, may just be golf's 'ultimate hedonistic destination'
BY TIM WHITFIELD
At the recent Turkish Airlines Open in Belek, Turkey, 17 South Africans teed off in a field of 155. Providing over 10% of the field in the final leg of the Asian Swing of the DP World Tour indicates the strength and 'travelability' of SA golfers, and reflects the region's attraction as a sublime golf destination for South Africans.
While the National Golf Club provided a fitting test for the professionals, Belek, in the Antalya province of Turkey, offers golfers of more realistic ability an opportunity to experience a golfing holiday of a lifetime.
Google somewhat blandly describes Belek as a 'town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, known for its beaches, thermal spas and golf courses.' A tiny bit of research paints more of a picture of a golfing holiday destination that should be high on the bucket list of any golfer. An actual visit leaves no doubt this is one of those must-play destinations for any South African who hopes to swing a club outside our borders.
The town's permanent population is fewer than 10 000, but a massive proportion of those residents are employed in two sectors: golf and hospitality.
Belek's southern border is framed by a ribbon of luxury hotel resorts overlooking the Mediterranean, many with their own private beaches. Just a chip and a putt inland, running parallel to the ocean on the landward side of that string of hotels, is a remarkable 15km greenbelt made up entirely of 15 golf courses stacked side by side – with a 16th just a few kilometres away.
BELEK GOLF CLUBS
Cullinan Links Golf Club
36 holes across two courses, with a floodlit third layout created from the respective back nines.
National Golf Club
The first 18-hole course in Belek, established in 1994 and venue of the 2026 Turkish Airlines Open.
Antalya Golf Club
Two championship courses that hosted the 2012 Turkish Airlines World Golf Final.
Kaya Palazzo Golf Club
An 18-hole course designed by David Jones.
Carya Golf Club
The first heathland-style course on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and four-time host of the Turkish Airlines Open.
Sueno Golf Club
Two championship courses winding through forests.
Cornelia Golf Club
A 27-hole Nick Faldo design allowing for three different 18-hole combinations.
The Montgomerie Maxx Royal
Designed by Colin Montgomerie and four-time host of the Turkish Airlines Open.
Gloria Golf Club
A 45-hole complex featuring two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole layout.
Robinson Nobilis Golf Club
A scenic parkland course with a distinctive historic-style clubhouse.
The courses and the hotels means you have an incredible hub of golf, serviced by some of the most luxurious accommodation available, creating a perfect golf-specific tourist venue: Golfers have a vast choice of genuine championship quality courses, almost all within walking distance of luxury accommodation, while non-golfers can lounge away their days on stunning, sandy, blue-flag Mediterranean beaches.
The National Golf Club, venue of the Turkish Airlines Open, was established in 1994 and is the oldest 18-hole layout in the region. The National may have started the boom, and arguably still leads the way, but there is no shortage of innovation as its 15 competitive neighbours try to compete for a portion of the international golf market that is discovering Belek.
Almost all the clubs have opted for top-level course design from the likes of Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and David Jones, while there are options for night golf on fully floodlit championship courses, or mixing, matching and adding separate nine-hole layouts into a variety of 18-hole rounds.
For South Africans, brought up on a diet of international standard courses spread as far apart as Cape Town, Fancourt and Sun City, Belek offers the chance to play 15 different championship courses in 15 days – with nothing more than a short buggy ride to and from your luxury hotel each day.
And the 'getting there' part is a relatively easy direct flight to Istanbul from Johannesburg or Cape Town on Turkish Airlines, a short hop to Antalya Airport, and then a 30-minute drive to your choice of hotel offering a sea view or a golf course view. Travellers can book themselves or make use of an abundance of golf tour operators who put together packages.
One such operator recently described the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort – which includes both The National and Carya Golf Club's two courses, as well as the five-star Crown and Carya hotels – as 'the ultimate hedonistic destination.' While the Regnum is arguably the most luxurious hotel / golf complex in Belek, it is a description that golfers could use for just about any hotel and course combination in the area.
MEET THE TURKISH AIRLINES GM
Muhammed Soner Aydin
What is the connection between Turkish Airlines and South African golf?
Golf has a strong presence in South Africa, with over 400 courses and around 150,000 registered players. Recognising this, Turkish Airlines has been hosting the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup in Cape Town since 2014. Beyond that, we sponsor a local golf tournament held among local golf clubs in Cape Town, which gives us a great opportunity to network with the golf enthusiasts. As golfers are also frequent international travelers, this naturally aligns with Turkish Airlines' global network.
If there was one golfing event that you'd like to fly to anywhere in the world, what would it be and why?
Apart from The Turkish Airlines Open of course – a PGA Tour event in the United States would be of particular interest to attend as a spectator, given its global prestige and high level of competition. South Africa would also remain a top choice, offering a unique combination of world-class facilities and stunning landscapes that make it an exceptional golfing destination.
Does Turkish Airlines sponsor any SA golfers, or have any SA brand ambassadors?
We don't have any individual collaborations of that nature. However, this remains an area of interest as part of our ongoing engagement with the market. In the meantime, our focus continues to be on supporting the broader golf community through initiatives such as local tournament sponsorships in Cape Town, which provide valuable opportunities to connect with golf club members.
Where is home and what are the top three golf courses in that region?
I am originally from Istanbul. In terms of golf, Antalya, particularly the Belek region, is widely recognised as one of Europe's leading golf destinations known for its high-quality courses, well-developed facilities, and favourable climate for year-round play. Among the standout courses in the region are the National Golf Club, alongside Regnum Golf Club and Gloria Golf Resort, which have been among the selected venues for the Turkish Airlines Open.
CARL FOURIE | TYRONE WINFIELD | SUNSHINE TOUR
