| When you think of sunshine golf locations Spain and | | | | Kempinski The Dome, Sirene Golf-Hotel and Maritim |
| Portugal come to mind, but golf holidays in Turkey | | | | Pine Beach Resort. Serious rivals to what is offered |
| are going to be catching them up in 2009. This is in | | | | on the Algarve and Costa del Sol in terms of quality |
| part thanks to the huge investment in the country's | | | | and service. |
| tourism that has seen some splendid courses and | | | | The Climate |
| hotels pop up in recent years. But it's not just the | | | | Warm, dry weather is perfect for golf holidays and |
| golf that makes Turkey a quality holiday choice... | | | | Turkey doesn't disappoint. It can be too hot to play |
| The Golf | | | | in the summer but from February to June and |
| Golf in Turkey has received massive financial | | | | September to November, the weather is ideal and |
| investment, and it's a testament to how far the | | | | even December and January are a whole lot nicer |
| country has come in such a short time that the | | | | than the UK spring months! |
| Turkish Golf Federation - only established 12 years | | | | The Culture |
| ago - have won the rights to host the World | | | | Before you even consider the golf, Turkey has a rich |
| Amateur Golf Championship in 2012. | | | | cultural history and it's a truly amazing experience just |
| Although courses are being built around the country, I | | | | to wander the towns and cities taking in the |
| would recommend focusing on Belek with its | | | | elaborate architecture and cultural heritage. There is a |
| impressive density of quality courses. The pick of | | | | huge amount to take in and the various museums |
| these are National, Sultan and the Nick Faldo course | | | | and galleries are great for culture buffs. And for |
| at Cornelia. Gloria New and Old are lovely tracks too. | | | | those who want light culture with blissful relaxation, |
| In fact, there's not a weak one on the circuit and | | | | the legendary Turkish Baths are well worth a visit. |
| they all provide good holiday golf with the | | | | The Food |
| all-important near-guaranteed sunshine. There are | | | | Turkish cuisine is far more than a "kebab". Meze (or |
| enough courses for a fortnight's vacation and all but | | | | appetisers) is what the country is best for - a choice |
| the most serious golfer will come away very, very | | | | of hundreds of small dishes ranging from cheese with |
| satisfied. | | | | melon to a variety of stuffed vegetables. You're sure |
| The Hotels | | | | to find something to your tastes with the huge |
| The hotels around Belek really push it from a good to | | | | variety available! |
| great place for golf holidays. | | | | Turkey golf breaks are definitely on the up and the |
| The hotels offer fantastic facilities and friendly and | | | | combination of fine golf, great accommodation and |
| efficient service for a surprisingly low cost. Worthy | | | | culture means that the destination should be on |
| of special mention are the impressive six five-star | | | | everyone's lists. |
| hotels which are well placed for Belek's courses: The | | | | Take a golf holiday in Turkey... Before everyone else |
| Gloria Golf Resort, the Cornelia Deluxe Resort, Sueni, | | | | does. |