Top Golf Courses in Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide

Turkiye Golf
Feb 4
6 min read

Turkey has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, offering a blend of world-class courses, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking landscapes. The country's golf scene is predominantly centered around the Mediterranean region, particularly in Belek, Antalya, which boasts a concentration of top-tier courses designed by renowned architects and golfers.

In this guide, we present an in-depth look at some of the most distinguished golf courses across Turkey, highlighting their unique features, design intricacies, and the exceptional experiences they offer to players of all levels.

Antalya Golf Club: The Pasha and PGA Sultan Courses

Located in the heart of Belek, Antalya Golf Club offers two distinct courses that cater to a wide range of golfing abilities.

The Pasha Course

Designed in collaboration with European Golf Design and former professional golfer David Jones, the Pasha Course is characterized by its gently rolling fairways and strategic layout. While it presents a more forgiving experience suitable for mid to high-handicap golfers, it still incorporates challenges such as water hazards and bunkers that require thoughtful play.

The course's natural beauty, with mature forests and serene water features, enhances the overall experience.

The PGA Sultan Course

For those seeking a more demanding round, the PGA Sultan Course delivers a championship-level challenge. Also crafted by European Golf Design and David Jones, this course stretches over 6,477 meters and is set amidst a landscape of pine forests and crystal-clear lakes. With a par of 71, it demands precision and strategic thinking, featuring narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on several holes.

The PGA Sultan has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, cementing its reputation as one of Turkey's top courses.

Carya Golf Club

Carya Golf Club stands out as one of the few classic heathland-style courses in Turkey. Inspired by the traditional courses of the United Kingdom, Carya features heather-covered areas and a strategic layout that challenges golfers to utilize a variety of shots.

The course is renowned for its immaculate conditioning and has the distinction of being the first fully floodlit course in Europe, allowing for night play. Spanning 6,571 meters with a par of 72, Carya offers a memorable experience for golfers seeking both challenge and aesthetic appeal.

Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club

Designed by eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club is a testament to world-class golf course architecture. Opened in 2008, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 6,486 meters and is set within 104 hectares of mixed pine forest and sandy ridges.

The course features undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and water hazards that require strategic shot-making. It has hosted several European Tour events, including the Turkish Airlines Open, attracting top golfers from around the globe.

Cornelia Golf Club

Situated in Belek, Cornelia Golf Club offers a unique 27-hole layout designed by legendary golfer Sir Nick Faldo. The course is divided into three nine-hole combinations—King, Queen, and Prince—each presenting its own set of challenges and characteristics.

The design incorporates the natural terrain, with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water features that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the strategic complexity of the course.

Cornelia's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its maintenance practices, including reduced chemical usage and natural water purification methods.

Gloria Golf Club

As one of Turkey's largest golf complexes, Gloria Golf Club boasts 45 holes comprising two 18-hole championship courses—the Old and New Courses—and a nine-hole Verde Course. Designed by French architect Michel Gayon, the courses are set amidst pine forests and feature a variety of water hazards and bunkers that challenge golfers of all skill levels.

The Old Course, established in 1997, is known for its narrow fairways and strategic layout, while the New Course, opened in 2005, offers wider fairways but incorporates more water hazards. The Verde Course provides a shorter, yet challenging, option for those looking to refine their skills.

Lykia Links Golf Club

Lykia Links Golf Club holds the distinction of being Turkey's first and only true links course. Designed by renowned architect Perry Dye, this 18-hole, par-72 course stretches along the Mediterranean coast, offering stunning sea views and the unique challenges characteristic of links-style golf.

The course features rolling dunes, native vegetation, and the constant presence of coastal winds, requiring golfers to employ strategic shot-making and adaptability. With a length of 6,950 meters, Lykia Links provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking a traditional links golf adventure in a Mediterranean setting.

National Golf Club

Established in 1994, National Golf Club was the first golf club in Turkey to meet international standards. Designed by David Feherty and David Jones, the 18-hole, par-72 championship course is set within a landscape of mature pine and eucalyptus trees, with a layout that incorporates rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards.

The course measures 6,279 meters and has hosted numerous national and international tournaments, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of Turkish golf.

Kemer Country Golf Club

Located in Istanbul, Kemer Country Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience away from the Mediterranean coast.

Designed by Joan Dudok van Heel, this 18-hole, par-73 course is set within a lush forested landscape, featuring rolling hills, natural water features, and meticulously maintained fairways

Conclusion

Turkey has solidified its reputation as a premier golf destination, offering a diverse selection of world-class courses that cater to players of all skill levels.

From the championship-level challenges of PGA Sultan and Montgomerie Maxx Royal to the unique links-style experience of Lykia Links and the floodlit fairways of Carya Golf Club, each course presents a distinct and unforgettable golfing experience. Whether you're seeking a competitive round, a leisurely game amidst stunning landscapes, or a luxurious golf resort experience, Turkey’s golf courses deliver excellence in both design and service.

With its mild climate, exceptional hospitality, and continuous investment in golf tourism, Turkey remains a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the best time to play golf in Turkey?

The best time to play golf in Turkey is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and courses are in peak condition. The summer months can be hot, especially in southern regions like Belek.

Do Turkish golf courses require a handicap certificate?

Most championship courses, especially in Belek, require a valid handicap certificate (often 28 for men and 36 for women). However, some courses allow beginners to play at specific times.

Are golf courses in Turkey open year-round?

Yes, most golf courses in Turkey, particularly in Belek and Istanbul, remain open throughout the year. However, maintenance schedules and weather conditions may affect availability during certain months.

What is the average cost of a round of golf in Turkey?

Green fees vary depending on the course and season, but generally range from €80 to €200 per round at top-tier courses. Some resorts offer package deals that include multiple rounds at discounted rates.

Can I rent golf equipment in Turkey?

Yes, almost all golf clubs in Turkey offer high-quality rental equipment, including clubs, trolleys, and buggies. Rental fees typically range from €30 to €60 per day.

What are the best golf resorts in Turkey?

Some of the top golf resorts in Turkey include:

Regnum Carya Golf & Resort Hotel (Carya Golf Club)
Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort (Montgomerie Maxx Royal)
Gloria Golf Resort (Gloria Golf Club)
Kempinski Hotel The Dome (PGA Sultan & Pasha Courses)

Are there any professional golf tournaments held in Turkey?

Yes, Turkey has hosted major professional events, including the Turkish Airlines Open, which was part of the European Tour. Several courses, such as Montgomerie Maxx Royal and Carya Golf Club, have been venues for international tournaments.

Do Turkish golf courses offer lessons for beginners?

Yes, most top golf clubs in Turkey have professional golf academies with certified instructors. They offer private and group lessons for beginners and advanced players.

How can I book tee times at Turkish golf courses?

Tee times can be booked through:

Official golf club websites
Resort concierge services
Golf tour operators and travel agencies
Online booking platforms specializing in golf reservations

What is unique about golfing in Turkey compared to other destinations?

Turkey offers a combination of championship-level golf courses, luxurious resorts, stunning coastal scenery, and rich cultural heritage. The Belek region stands out as a concentrated hub of high-quality golf, while courses like Lykia Links provide a rare Mediterranean links-style experience.