Turkey is not just for Christmas....

Golf in Turkey

With 14 golf courses, over twenty 5 star hotels in the region and 300 days of sunshine per year it is easy to understand why Belek has fast become one of the most popular golfing destinations in recent times.

First Class Golf

Home to a number of challenging golf designs that weave their way through the natural pine forests you will find something for everyone.  Two of golf’s greats - Faldo and Montgomerie both saw the potential here and have been to Belek to put their stamp on the region. 

The headquarters of the Turkish PGA is based at Antalya Golf Club, host to next year’s Eisenhower Trophy (one of the leading world amateur golf tournaments) and both the Old and New courses at Gloria Golf Club have hosted previous European Tour events.

With 13 courses in Belek this is often the base for many golfers, however the 40 minute drive east down to the coastline resort of Lykia is well worth it.  Here you will find a stunning links layout on the edge of the Mediterranean.  Should you choose to stay at the Lykia World Golf Resort for the week the breeze coming off the sea will create a unique golfing experience every day.

5 Star Hotels

Excellent service, first class restaurants, spa and leisure facilities make your stay in Belek a truly memorable experience.  At Sueno Golf Resort the two island green, 18^thholes of the Dunes and the Pines are just a 50 yard pitch shot from the hotel’s veranda and make a stunning backdrop to meal times throughout your stay.  Alternatively you can choose one of the fabulous beach resorts, the brand new Maxx Royal and Cornelia Diamond spring to mind as first class venues.

All inclusive packages are the norm at nearly all the resorts.  Premium branded beers and spirits and a variety of dining options served through all hours of the day will make your week away both excellent value for money and very relaxing.

The Weather

Golf in Turkey can be played 12 months of the year however the peak of summer may be a little warm for some with temperatures soaring to the early forties in the middle of the day.  However any time from mid September through to early June is ideal for golf. 

Group Golf in Turkey

With such a variety of golf courses on your doorstep and many venues offering 1 in 8 FREE, managing a group of golfers becomes very easy and cost effective. The all inclusive package is a popular choice and makes handling the ‘kitty’ a thing of the past.  They say you can’t keep everyone happy all of the time however Golf in Turkey may just be proving this wrong.

The only piece of advice to take on board is to make your plans early.  Tee times are in high demand and if you are looking to book a number of four balls in succession then it is important to start enquiring at least 10 months in advance to get the premium times.

Travel

It is just a 4 hour flight from the UK to Anatalya airport and with ever increasing flight schedules, getting there couldn’t be easier.  There are direct flights from Stansted, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh to name a few with returns this Autumn starting from £120. 

Once you have arrived ground handlers will take care of all your transfers and golf shuttles.  With the Belek region just 25 minutes from the airport and all of the courses and resorts with the exception of Lykia within 15km of one another very little time is wasted on travel.

Summary

The combination of excellent courses, year round sunshine, 5 star all inclusive resorts and easy travel makes golf in Turkey a must for all.  Just start looking sooner rather than later to ensure you get the best tee times for your visit.

Golfbreaks.com have secured some exclusive guaranteed tee times for Autumn and Winter golf in Turkey.  Half board prices start from £419 for 7 nights and 4 rounds and from £465 for all inclusive packages.  To investigate further or make an enquiry please visit www.golfbreaks.com/europe/turkey/belek/default.aspx