Best golf courses in Turkey

The handiwork of five-time Open champion Peter Thomson, multiple Turkish Airlines Open host, Carya draws its inspiration from the classic heathland layouts of the Surrey/Berkshire sandbelt. More than a million sprigs of heather were imported in order to create a wonderfully scenic course that weaves through the pine forests. Special mention of the greens is deserved too – these are some of the finest you’ll ever putt on!

Length: - Back tees: 7224 yards - Front tees: 5317 yards Par: 72 Architect: Peter Thompson, Tim Lobb and Philip Spogárd Founded: 2008 Course type: Heathland style

With three loops of nine designed by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo presenting very different challenges - there’s plenty of great golf to be found among the pine forests and sandy ridges of Cornelia. Featuring tricky doglegs and shimmering lakes, the course is a strategic masterpiece that is highly rated in the golfing jewel of Belek. Just to keep your game in tip-top condition, the practice facilities are equally superb.

Length: - Back tees: 6972 yards - Front tees: 5391 yards Par: 72 Architect: Nick Faldo Founded: 2006 Course type: Parkland style

The only links-style course in the area, Lykia is a stunning seaside layout on the very edge of the Mediterranean. and part of the Lykia World Antalya resort. Running along a two-mile stretch of golden sand, the course boasts some amazing sea views. But don’t be distracted – with sleepered bunkers and plenty of contours, this Perry Dye (son of the great Pete Dye) course is a wonderful addition to the region.

Length: - Back tees: 6925 yards - Front tees: 4768 yards Par: 72 Architect: Perry Dye Founded: 2008 Course type: Links style

Opened in 1997, Gloria Old Course is one of the oldest in Belek – it’s also still one of the very best. Plotting your way around is like negotiating a golfing minefield, with sand and water hazards lying in wait to put a big dent in your scorecard. A second 18-hole layout New Course was added in 2005 and is famed for its island green 17th that is reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass. A nine-hole practice course completes the set.

Length: - Back tees: 6869 yards - Front tees: 5607 yards Par: 72 Architect: Michel Gayon Founded: 1997 Course type: Woodland style

With two outstanding courses onsite, it’s little wonder that the Sueno resort is one of the most popular. The Pines probably edges the shorter Dunes course but in truth, both courses play through the same wonderful landscape of sand and pine, with a few sizeable water hazards thrown in for good measure. Both courses feature island green holes that will certainly live long in the memory.

Length: - Back tees: 7015 yards - Front tees: 5502 yards Par: 72 Architect: Bob Hunt Founded: 2006 Course type: Parkland style

Venue for the European Tour’s prestigious Turkish Airlines Open in 2013, 14 and 15, the Montgomerie course at the 5* MAXX Royal resort features some very special holes that have certainly impressed both professionals and amateurs alike. Made up, unusually, of six par-3s, six-par-4s and six par-5s, the course is immaculate, challenging and very playable with myriad water hazards and expanses of sandy wasteland to negotiate.

Length: - Back tees: 6522 yards - Front tees: 4922 yards Par: 72 Architect: Colin Montgomerie Founded: 2008 Course type: Championship style

The original Belek course, and still the standard by which all others are judged. The National is a wonderfully quiet and tranquil place, with the course winding through a stunning forest of eucalyptus and pine trees. It’s not easy, with narrow fairways and loads of water to be avoided, but it’s a wonderful challenge that is best capped by a lovely lunch on the terrace overlooking the 18th.

Length: - Back tees: 7055 yards - Front tees: 5445 yards Par: 72 Architect: David Feherty and David Jones Founded: 1994 Course type: Heathland style

It might be the younger of two excellent courses at Antalya, part of the Sirene Belek Hotel, but when it comes to the severity of challenge the PGA Sultan is undoubtedly the senior partner. It also has a genuine knee-knocker of an opening tee shot - right up there with Machrihanish - with water in front of the tee, trees on the left side of the fairway and water all down the right.

Length: - Back tees: 7074 yards - Front tees: 5463 yards Par: 71 Architect: European Golf Design and David Jones Founded: 2003 Course type: Links style

The Pasha is shorter and a little more forgiving than its bigger brother, but as they say at Antalya, “it is no walk in to the woods”. Both courses are great fun to play, with a wonderful variety of holes, difficult bunkering position and a natural feel throughout.

Length: - Back tees: 6258 yards - Front tees: 4721 yards Par: 72 Architect: David Jones, European Golf Design and Tim Lobb Founded: 2003 Course type: Parkland style