05 Dec 2011
Posted by Rory 
The terrific history, cultural diversity and climate of Turkey makes it extremely desirable as a holiday destination, but in the past decade the focus of development on Belek has made the Mediterranean coastline near Antalya a golf holiday destination of international repute. At the heart of Belek’s success is the quality of its resorts, hotels and, most importantly, the amazing golf courses that are starting to hold their own with more established layouts from other parts of the world. Here are a few photos of some of the best of the bunch.
Not only are the golf courses in Turkey stunning creations…the backdrops aren’t bad either!
Although ‘natural’ golf courses such as the classic links courses of Scotland, England, Wales & Ireland do have bundles of charm the perfectly sculpted courses in Turkey are a joy to behold.
With plenty of water and Umbrella Pines lining the fairways, the Pasha Course at the Antalya Golf Club demands precision the whole way round in order to post a good score. Target golf at its best!
Look up the Dukes Course at in Scotland and you will see a striking resemblance…it’s as if one of the holes has been transported all the way to sunny Turkey!
As you may have guessed by this point Umbrella Pines are a common feature on the golf courses in Turkey!
Some of the greens at Carya Golf Club are tucked away and demand accurate approach shots…especially with the dramatic bunkering seen here.
In places at the Carya Golf Club the course gets extremely tight so sound course management is a must…either that or pack plenty of golf balls!
Although each fairway at Carya is lined by a seemingly endless number of Umbrella Pines golfers who stray from the tee at least have the chance to ‘pull a Seve’ and get back in play!
Looking at this picture you would be forgiven for thinking I have accidently put a picture of a classic links course from Ireland or Scotland in a photo guide of Turkey but, believe it or not, this really is a course in Turkey!
Reminiscent of a traditional links course, the Lykia Links offers a test of golf that no other course in Turkey can muster.
Although the gusts of wind that roll in from the Mediterranean may not match those that batter courses such as Royal St Georges, Carnoustie and Ballybunion, you just can’t deny the pleasure found on a seaside golf course.
One of the most noticable differences between the Lykia Links and traditional links courses is the almost ever-present sunshine…but that’s not something to complain about!
Sunset reveals the real extent of the mond boggling undulations that add such character to the Lykia Links Course.
The Mongtomerie Course in Turkey provides a stark contrast to the rugged Lykia Links Course and is a great advert for the diverse selection of courses awaiting golfers in Turkey.
With the impossibly green fairways, dramatic Umbrella Pines and the vibrant colours of the flowers on the course, the Montgomerie Course is a real joy to behold.
Tight fairways call for accurate driving and clever run off areas around the greens demand precision from the fairways…Monty obviously had his strengths in mind when designing this gem of a golf course.
Missing the greens at the Montgomerie can have harsh consequences. As you can see from this shot there are not many places around the green where you would be left with a simple up and down.
For information on Turkey golf holidays please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.
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