Guide to Belek 2013
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Countries in every corner of every continent are trying to secure a slice of the golf tourism pie these days. And they must surely all be using Turkey as their template for success.
Less than 20 years ago, Turkey – and more specifically the Belek region on the south coast – did not exist as a golf destination. Yet in the year 2013, it is one of the most popular around – and growing rapidly year on year in every respect. Indeed, not satisfied with merely attracting so many golfers that the sight of a spare time on a tee sheet simply does not exist, Turkish golf is also making its mark as impressive tournament hosts.
Last year they attracted some of the world’s leading players – including the two superstars of the sport, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy (as well as the latter’s tennis star girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki, who took advantage of the myriad off-course attractions) – to Belek for the Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals. This year, the region is staging the Turkish Airlines Open on the European Tour, a $7million event from November 7-10 which is part of inaugural Final Series on The Race to Dubai and will feature Tiger Woods.
These developments further engrain Turkey as a world-class golf destination and demonstrate the country can seamlessly host high-profile events. Certainly, they have the courses to impress the watching golf world. 2012’s Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals – won in the end not by Woods or McIlroy in fact but by Justin Rose – was held at Antalya Golf Club. This first-class venue is home to two excellent courses, the PGA Sultan and the Pasha.
The former is regarded as the premier course, a European Golf Design (who were behind Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten course) creation which is as beautiful as it is challenging. Expect a stringent examination of every aspect of your game in mature woodland which is sprinkled with water hazards.
Its sister course is far from an after thought too. For those new to the game, or those simply seeking a pleasant round which isn’t quite as taxing as the PGA Sultan, the Pasha is a first-class option. The PGA Sultan appeared in sister magazine Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe in 2011 and it would be a major surprise if it did not surpass its position in this year’s refreshed list. The same can be said of LykiaLinks. It was also in Golf World’s list, due recognition for the classy links on the outskirts of Belek.
Laid out by Pete Dye’s son Perry, it offers a true seaside challenge… except for the weather. That said, while you won’t battle against the kind of thunderous rain which can fall at Lahinch, Leven or Littlestone – or for that matter the chill factor which can be felt at Deal, Dornoch or Doonbeg – you do have to take on a stiff wind. Well, it’s a links – so you should expect, or indeed wish for, nothing less. Dye is just one of many ‘big’ design names to have contributed to the Belek golf revolution. It was even started by a man who has since become extremely well known. In association with former Tour player David Jones, National GC was laid out by one-time journeyman pro (albeit also a Ryder Cup player) turned charismatic television celebrity David Feherty.
Perhaps the biggest name to have played his part in Belek golf is Feherty’s one-time European team-mate Sir Nick Faldo. Few have a more credible reputation than the six-time Major champion, who has taken the meticulous, demanding attitude he had as a player into his highly-respected course design work. Sir Nick laid out the Cornelia course and this woodland treat is among the most revered in Belek.
Sir Nick’s one-time Ryder Cup foursomes partner Colin Montgomerie has also contributed to the riches on offer with the outstanding Montgomerie Maxx Royal course. Formerly known as Papillon, it is the venue for the Turkish Airlines Open. Another multiple Open champion to have worked in Belek is Peter Thomson, who created a little piece of Surrey in southern Turkey. His Carya is a classic English heathland which, along with Lykia, PGA Sultan and Cornelia, was in Golf World’s 2011 Top 100.
So, it is clear Belek has the quality of course to satisfy even the most discerning golfer. Indeed, demand is outweighing supply. Over the page, we look at the non-golf attractions, and it is even easier to understand why Belek has the recipe for success in golf tourism.
