8 reasons to book a golf holiday to Turkey

Many of the country’s championship courses are concentrated in Belek, a buzzing resort town situated along Turkey’s glorious Turquoise Coast. In fact, there are no fewer than fourteen courses in the town and surrounding alone, including the exceptional Carya Golf Club, which despite only opening in 2008 is already ranking among the continent’s finest layouts.

Reminiscent of the classic inland courses along the Berkshire/Surrey sandbelt, Carya was the first heathland course to be built along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and demonstrates the sheer depth and variety of courses in the region.

Within the space of just a few miles, golfers can also discover an authentic links layout at Lykia, and quintessential tree-lined tests such as the exceptional Nick Faldo design at Cornelia.

Situated on a stunning stretch of coastline better known as the Turkish Riviera, Antalya isn’t all about all-inclusive resorts and championship golf courses. Fringed by fabulous sandy beaches and backed by the Taurus mountain range, the region is surprisingly varied, with tumbling waterfalls, hidden caves, and picture postcard landscapes making for an unforgettable backdrop to your bucket-list golf vacation.

With roughly 300 days’ sunshine per year and mild winters, the Turkish Riviera serves up a dreamy Mediterranean climate. Notwithstanding the rainy season in February, there’s never a bad time to visit the region, and while the summer months can get intense they are offset by glorious breezy summer evenings.

Belek has been nicknamed the home of all-inclusive golf breaks, and with good reason. Almost every golf course in the region is situated on a 5* resort, which are not only surprisingly affordable but also offer exemplary service.

Hotels like the Regnum Carya tick all the right boxes, with on-site beach access, an extensive spa, a surf and wave pool, and an array of bars and restaurants.

Tear yourself away from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and you will find an abundance of historical sites. Some of the most notorious empires and civilisations in history have made Antalya their home over the centuries leaving behind a plethora of monuments and landmarks to explore. Meanwhile, in the eponymous regional capital, the cobbled streets of the wonderfully preserved old-city folds around a bustling Roman-era harbour. The perfect place to toast your stay.

Whether you're from Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle or London, there's likely to be an affordable flight years' experience to Antalya from an airport near you. Both regular and affordable, there's no reason why Turkey shouldn't be on your radar.

Golf may be the sport of choice for the majority of visitors heading to Turkey but the Turquoise Coast is also a mecca for thrill seekers. Antalya has positioned itself as one of Europe’s premier adventure sports destination and less than an hour from many of the region’s fabulous resorts guests will find Köprülü Canyon, a beautiful National Park located high in the mountains. Forget lounging on the beach, and immerse yourself in everything from canoeing and rafting to scuba diving. Whatever you fancy, this adventure paradise is likely to deliver.

Over the past decade, Turkey has welcomed some of the greatest names in the game for the Turkish Airlines Open. A Rolex Series event, the $7,000,000 tournament has been staged at a number of venues across the Antalya region, including at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal which is a four-time host of the critically acclaimed contest.

Before planning your trip make sure to browse our Turkey golf holiday FAQs.