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Turkey: golf hotspot?

Ten years ago you could be forgiven if Turkey didn't spring to mind when thinking about great golf destinations. Yet 2008 saw the country crowned 'Best Golf Destination of the Year in Europe' by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)...

Sitting outside the Euro-zone and only a short flight from the UK, astute players are now realising that world- class golf in the Mediterranean doesn't just mean Spain and Portugal.  

With the construction of international class courses well underway and more planned, Turkey really is golf's next big thing. The Turkish Golf Federation has ambitious plans for 100 courses nationwide in the next 15 years, up from just 17 today. Big names in the world of golf design are already active in the country, driving up the quality of design and facilities.

The challenging 18-hole Montgomerie Course, which opened at the Papillion Golf Club in Belek, Antalya in October last year, was designed by legendary Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie. A Nick Faldo signature course, the 27-hole Cornelia Faldo, has been operational since 2006 nearby.

With an estimated four million golfers in the UK and Ireland and around 60 million golfers worldwide, the Turkish Government is keen to tap into this huge market as part of its plans to diversify the country's tourist industry, which is already one of the fastest growing in the world.

Dominic Whiting, Editor of the Buying in Turkey guide, said, "Turkey has really made its mark as a global tourism destination in recent years.

"The Association of British Travel Agents reported a 20 per cent increase in holiday bookings for Turkey in 2008 compared to the previous year and it even knocked Spain off the top spot as the most popular summer holiday destination according to Co-Op Travel.

"Turkey is keen to continue in this vein, attracting even more visitors and offering world class golf courses and facilities along with excellent value real estate is a further step in that direction," added Mr Whiting.

Turkey appeals to British golfers thanks to its pleasant Mediterranean climate, with ideal playing conditions throughout the year.

Laurence Kaye of Alternative Travel, a specialist Turkish golf travel operator, said, "The country offers year-round golfing with the mild, sunny winter weather making a particularly attractive alternative to the cold, wet British weather. Even in the hottest months of July and August early-risers can get a round in and be relaxing by the pool before things get too hot."

Ease of accessibility with plenty of charter flights and flying time of only three and a half hours also recommend the country.

Traditionally golf in Turkey has been centered on Istanbul and the resort of Belek, 30 km east of the city of Antalya.

However, the cosmopolitan Aegean resort of Bodrum now has three courses open or in the final stages of construction, with four more planned for the area. This has encouraged development to meet the demand for quality accommodation from golfers, be it for rent or purchase.

In the Tulza area, for example, the first of two classically designed 18-hole golf courses opened earlier this summer at the Vita Park Golf Club, with the second course due to open in 2009. Surrounding the courses are a number of residential developments offering affordable property to purchase. 

Lavender Hills at Dream Village is just five minutes from Vita Park Golf Course and offers stunning 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, duplexes and villas with excellent facilities from £62,000-£150,000.

Dominic Whiting concludes, "Turkey is well on the way to becoming a significant player in the golf tourism industry offering courses and a climate on par with traditional destinations such as Spain or Florida, but at a fraction of the cost.

"Being located outside the Euro-zone is also a major plus to those seeking reasonably priced golf homes or buy to let investments," adds Mr Whiting.

Source: Buying in Turkey