Belek Gloria New Course Feature Review

By: Kevin Paver | Thu 30 May 2019

Review by Golfshake's Kevin Paver

The Gloria New Course is part of the multi-course Gloria Golf complex in Belek, which includes two 18 holes courses, a 9-hole course and a golf academy with a 48 bay driving range, rated Highly Recommended on Golfshake. Designed by Michel Gayon and opened in 2005 it has already been host to many international competitions, including the Seniors Tour and the Turkish Airlines Challenge.

The Par 72 New Course has a nice balance of par threes, par fours and par fives and with 67 bunkers and four large lakes all framed by pine trees, there is a challenge here for every level of golfer.

PRE ROUND THOUGHTS

From the moment you arrive at the Gloria Golf complex, you can appreciate the thought that has gone into designing facility that delivers the highest quality. A wonderfully large and modern clubhouse greets you from a centred reception area. There is lots of history displayed inside the classy yet modern clubhouse and a very large golf shop for any of the essentials you may have forgotten. Also, as you’d expect, the locker rooms are in keeping with the high standard finish throughout the facility.

The outside bar area is a lovely place to relax for a pre round nibble whilst you watch players finish up on the 9th and 18th greens and wait in anticipation for your tee time to arrive.

FRONT 9

The opening few holes are a lovely introduction to a really well thought out golf course. On first glance of the planner, it all looks fairly simple, a beautiful rolling fairway with what appears to be a nice straight par four with little trouble. But don’t be fooled. The local pine trees that line most of the holes make tee shots deceptively tricky. The 4th hole is a fantastic par five from an elevated tee that really allows you soak up the wonderful views along the undulating fairway.

As you come to the end of the front loop, with a reasonable score, you reach the 9th, and it’s a stunner. Not a long par five, but with trees along the left and a huge lake that runs the distance of the fairway you will have plenty to think about as you tee it up.

BACK 9

The back nine was my favourite of the two loops. As with the front nine, you are eased in gently, with two fairly straight forward par fours.

Things start to get really interesting on the par four 13th, featuring a big dog-leg right, and water. Lots of water! A good drive will take you safely to the corner, unless you’re a big hitter. Once there, you need to choose your next shot very carefully. Water runs all the way along the right, and also surrounds the green to the right and the back. This hole really is all about that second shot.

The 15th & 17th holes are both absolute par three treats. The 15th is 168m from the back tees, with around 130m of that carry across water to the front of a tricky two tier green. The 17th is all carry to a tricky island green with no bail out at all! The wind can really play a part here too so making the right club selection is crucial if you want to walk away with a par.

Finally, the 18th, and as you’d expect, it’s as stunning as the 9th. Another par five, measuring 455 metres. It’s not a particularly long hole, but the same lake that showed it’s teeth on the right of the 9th hole is present, albeit on the left hand side this time. Keep the water out of your head, and the trees all the way up on the right and it isn’t too difficult to plot your way up the green, make par and head into the wonderful clubhouse.

POST ROUND THOUGHTS

Gloria New Course is an absolute treat to play. The condition and detailing on the course was absolutely fantastic; lush fairways, fast true greens and beautifully striped tees and approaches, and who doesn’t love standing on a nice striped tee box?

But the quality of this facility isn’t just on the course. The food is superb with a huge variety on offer, the practice facilities worthy of a tour player and the shop has something for everyone. Everything about it oozes quality and five star service.

VERDICT

If you are heading to Belek for golf, Gloria New Course is certainly one to consider adding to your list. Whilst it’s not the toughest course you will ever play, it still offers plenty of tests, regardless of your ability.

But more than that, it’s just really bloody enjoyable to play.