Moreover, with a mild climate and greens designed by globally renowned golf course architects, Türkiye is one of the world’s most preferred destinations for golf holidays. In particular, the Belek region of Antalya – the heart of the Turkish Riviera – features a collection of acclaimed hotels and resorts that have made Antalya synonymous with golf.
Türkiye’s golf adventure began in the 19th century.
The history of golf in Türkiye goes back further than one might expect. The İstanbul Golf Club, founded in 1895, led to the establishment of golf clubs in the famous Turkish cities of Antalya, Muğla, İzmir, Ankara, Samsun and Aydın. However, with its pleasant climate and gorgeous nature, Antalya's Belek region has emerged as a standout in this field, offering an unrivalled combination of privileged hotel services and golf facilities. Today, Belek's golf hotels, which have contributed to Antalya becoming an important sports tourism destination, function as a meeting point for amateur and professional golfers. These facilities are why the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) recognised Belek with the “Best Golf Destination of the Year in Europe” award in 2008. In addition, the region offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to play golf for most of the year, through all four seasons, in an environment where the sun shines 300 days a year, and the average temperature rarely drops below 21 degrees centigrade. Unlike its European counterparts, Belek provides a peerless golf experience even during the winter.
Other highlights of golfing in Belek
The region’s premium accommodation facilities are complemented by golf courses designed harmoniously with their surroundings. Set amid the emerald nature of the Turkish Riviera, eleven golf clubs and seventeen 18-hole championship courses serve golf lovers in the area. From classic heathland golf courses to international standard complexes with the signature of world-renowned players, golfers of all levels can enjoy a selection of high-quality courses with varying difficulty levels. In Belek, Antalya’s golf paradise, the year-round golf experience is enhanced with 24-hour access to courses, further making the region a centre of attraction. To provide a superior golf experience, some clubs feature unique lighting systems for night golfing, an incomparable way to play on Belek’s lush green courses. Hosting thousands of people from Europe, Asia, and the Americas annually, Belek welcomes guests with unique advantages, including proximity from Antalya Airport to Belek’s hotels and courses. Belek is about a 35-minute drive from the airport, while the district’s courses are within five minutes of each other.
It is a popular spot for golf tournaments, too.
Belek also wins accolades for its golf tournaments. Visitors from Türkiye and around the world gather in Belek to play golf and watch national and international tournaments. Selected in 2012 as the “Best Golf Destination” by Golf Magazine and The Golfer’s Journal, the most widely read golfing publications, Belek hosts numerous tournaments throughout the year with the participation of famous golfers, including Tiger Woods, Charl Schwartzel, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Matt Kuchar, Rory McIlroy and Webb Simpson. The most notable tournaments are the "Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup," the world's most important amateur golf tournament; the "Turkish Airlines Challenge," which brings together Europe's most talented young golfers; and the "Turkish Airlines Open Golf Tournaments," one of the eight tournaments in the PGA European Tour Series.
In addition to golf, Belek offers visitors an array of other unique holiday experiences. The region is an exceptional travel destination for its natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, renowned Turkish hospitality, and outstanding culinary tradition. Moreover, with 300 sunny days yearly, Antalya has an almost endless summer. Even as the calendar declares autumn, Antalya’s warm weather, Blue Flag beaches, luxury accommodation facilities, wonderful nature, and distinctive Turkish cuisine make this wonderful summertime city a timeless holiday destination.