After a short flight from the UK, we were welcomed by our transfer company at Antalya airport and driven to the nearby town of Belek; home to 14 of Turkeys 18 golf courses and currently one of Europe’s most popular golf destinations.   The gentleman who greeted us was responsible for all our golf and airport transfers for the week but was also a knowledgeable and willing source of information for the resorts and the area in general.

The first half of our stay was spent at the Maxx Royal Hotel, the newest and arguably the most impressive hotel in Belek.  We mistakenly assumed we had been given suites but in fact these were the largest and most luxurious standard rooms I have seen.  The facilities and service were impeccable throughout our stay and as a result I would have no hesitation in recommending the Maxx Royal to anyone seeking a ‘top end’ 5 star hotel for their golf break. 

We were fortunate enough to play some of Belek’s best courses during our stay.  The Faldo course was my personal favourite; not just because of the wonderfully designed golf courses More...

I have never understood the concept of the fair-weather golfer. You know the sort… those who pack the clubs away in November before re-emerging in the spring, usually around the time when thoughts turn to the Azaleas of Augusta National, and usually complaining about not having played for four months. I’d like to know exactly what they’ve been doing all this time. DIY? Christmas shopping? How could they step outside on one of those crisp, clear days and not be overwhelmed by an urge to grab the clubs and head for the tee? I just can’t understand people who can turn it off and on like a tap. You’re either a golfer or you’re not. I most certainly am a golfer. And I’m not alone. More...

So my journey to find the finest golf club bacon roll in the south and south east of England begins on a bright and very chilly Friday morning at Foxhills Golf Club and Resort. Local to my girlfriend in Virginia Water it is a golf club I have grown very familiar with over recent years and it seemed appropriate to start my exploration on friendly soil.

Having thrashed out an hour of high powered talks with golf operations guys Sean and Richard I wasted no time in marching to Bar Nineteen to appease my salivation. I have long been a fan of the pre and post golf facilities here and Bar Nineteen was once again its cosy yet vibrant self. More...

There can be little doubt that 2011 was one of the best golf seasons
in living memory for the European Tour and its members. We had
Schwartzel’s remarkable run at Augusta, Rory’s miraculous redemption at Congressional and the glorious sight of the old warhorse Darren Clarke showing players half his age how to tame the links of St George’s. And that’s saying nothing of an Englishman dominating the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic and claiming the coveted World No.1 slot. There were first-time winners, multiple winners and 40-something winners. And after a handful of events in 2012, that trend seems to be continuing again.

I love watching professional golf – especially in the flesh - but for all the heroic deeds of the players, I always think that the great courses are the real stars. 2011 was a great year for this, with the Tour taking in the stellar venues we’ve become accustomed to, as well as issuing timely reminders of places that hadn’t been visited for a while. From the pine forests of El Prat to the dunes of the Kent coastline – as well as a first look at a stunning new addition in the form of Castle Stuart – we were treated to some wonderful Tour stops last year. More...