The Golfing Boom: Antalya’s Rise to Fame

Golfing in Antalya has put the region on the map for sports tourism and golf holidays. Declared for many years, by the Turkish tourism board as the second most popular destination, after Istanbul, the variety of nationalities it attracts, flock from every corner of the Earth. When analysing its popularity, touristic attractions were the principal reasons, sandy beaches and historical ruins. However, in later years, golfing holidays, and luxury resorts and spas were the catalysts that placed Turkey in the top 10 countries list, for tourism. To be clear, it is Belek resort that deserves all the fame. Sitting an hours' drive from Antalya city centre, this golf destination can stand proud in all its glory for what it has achieved.  

Golfing in Antalya: Head to Belek

As a small holiday destination, people always admired picturesque Belek for its five-star hotels, spa packages, and plush weddings. The hotels were all-inclusive, because of the rustic and sparse facilities of Belek town centre. The future looked bleak until the Turkish government embarked on its plan to break into sports tourism and make Belek the place to play golf.

Many sceptics predicted failure because golf came to Turkey during the late 1800s but was never popular. The aim, though, was not to encourage domestic Turks to replace their love of football. Instead, the tourism board wanted the admiration of international golfers from all over the world.

By 2010, everything was in place. Developers constructed pristine greens, with a determined effort to keep the breath taking landscape of trees, lakes, and dunes. Business people renovated and modernised hotels with the latest spa facilities to accommodate families who did not want to join their partners on the golfing green.

As with any urban development, the real estate market sprang into action. New apartments and villas in Belek were not the average construction though. Architects thought of the latest in modern decor and design, to accommodate families and solo golfers. The intention was not to sell cheap property that would turn the resort into a lager lout haven. They wanted to attract the elite members of society.

With everything now in place, the only task left was promotion. Word had already spread through magazines and top travel companies specialising in the sport, but officials needed something more, in the form of top premier golf events.

The perfect promotion would be tournaments and attendance by big-name players, hence the first Turkish Airlines World Golf Final. Established in October 2012, players that took part included Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, and Lee Westwood.

The winner was Justin Rose who walked away with a cool 1,500,000 USD, followed by Lee Westwood who won 1,000,000 USD. Turkey had just received the stamp of approval and risen in the ranks of top golf resorts in the world. It is now the fourth most popular place for golf vacations, after Scotland, the Costa Del Sol and the Algarve.

Three of the Best Golf Courses in Belek

Deluxe Montgomerie Maxx Royal

Classed as one of the best in the area, the famous player Colin Montgomerie designed the course and assisted with the opening of this club. Based on European golf course designs, it opened in 2008 and covers 260 acres of seaside, pines and parkland. With seven bunkers and eight lakes, it is a breath taking course, but golf packages, affordable green fees, and lessons are available for amateur golfers. When you have finished playing golf, relax in the clubhouse, overlooking the 18th hole and with views of the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant is a formal dining experience, offering an international menu and be sure to reserve your table because the chef has an esteemed reputation. For a luxury getaway, Maxx Royal ticks all the boxes.

The Challenge of the Carya Golf Club

Also priding itself on excellence, British open championship Peter Thompson designed this top golf course, club, and a golf academy. Aimed at the tactical player, it is a par 72 course covering 7186 yards. One unique aspect of this course is that floodlights on the last nine holes offer the opportunity to get some practice in after dark. For players, with accompanying family and friends on a golf holiday, who are not enthusiasts, there is a terrace pool and clubhouse for relaxation, and an academy for wannabe golfers. For overnight stays, luxury rooms in the nearby Regnum spa hotel are also available ranging in price from 350 Euro to 820 euro a night or you can rent a golfing villa, for a cool 2,000 Euros a night.

All-inclusive Cornelia Hotel and Luxury Resorts

Associated with the esteemed Nick Faldo, Cornelia Golf Resort has thought of everything to accommodate golfers of all skill levels and their families. Kid’s clubs entertain the young ones, resort and spa centres provide the latest in beauty treatments, luxury accommodation boasts of the most modern decor and facilities, therefore leaving serious golfers to concentrate on their game. The architect of the course was Nick Faldo, who designed a 27-hole championship golf course. He insists the course is for golfers of every standard and keeps in line with the existing terrain. For the novice golfer, there is the option to join the David Leadbetter academy that offers lessons.

Golfing Properties and Reasons to Buy in Belek

Buying golf villas in Belek is a wise long-term investment. Even though golf is the principal attraction, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to see why it is a popular beach resort and an ideal holiday destination. Also foreigners, who have purchased their property as a holiday home have recognised the immense rental opportunities because of the golfing courses and championship events.

Golfing in Antalya need not break the bank either. Prices of apartments average £70,000 UK pounds while new build, luxury villas with a private pool average in price of £200,000. There is also the alternative to buy on a gated community with a shared swimming pool, therefore accommodating friends and family who do not want to hit the golf course.

Other nearby attractions for daytime outings include the tranquil beach, the scenic haven of Kursunlu waterfalls, the Hellenistic city of Perge and the extensive and awe-inspiring ruins of Aspendos, which is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. All these reasons and the courses are attracting thousands of visitors to Belek every year. Read more about why people buy property in Belek here.

Also Read

Antalya Area Guide: The golfing haven of Belek belongs to the broader Antalya region that covers a vast section of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. In this article, we look in-depth why it is a top holiday destination and why many foreigners buy property in the region. Including things to do, and individual resort information, it is a useful start for first-time visitors to the area.