Natalie Golfing in Belek means playing on world championship courses. The days when Portugal and Spain led the way in golf tourism, satisfying every player, are long gone as Turkey’s reputation grows. Proof of the roaring success is that Turkey’s golfing industry contributes 135 million euros annually to the economy. This is much more than the average beach tourist. Indeed, golfers from the US, Asia, the Far East, and Europe, who, in addition to golfing, enjoy downtime in the five-star-plus hotels and attached clubhouses.
But golfing isn’t new to Turkey since the first club sprang into action in 1895. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the sport gained traction and organisations started to build world-class destinations. A pinnacle point in its international appeal was in 2013 when the Turkish Airlines tournament occurred in Belek. This put the town on the global map, and golfers from around the world sat up and took notice.
Where to Go Golfing in Belek
Belek – A Golfing Paradise
Of all the fantastic courses in Turkey, the Mediterranean Belek region is the king and attracts many British golfers. Part of its success is its ideal weather, which allows it to be a 12-month tourist destination. In contrast, courses in the Aegean and Istanbul regions have colder weather from November to April, the non-touristic months of the year. Out of 22 courses in Turkey, Belek is home to 16. The world-class courses of Belek are…
1: Gloria Club for Breathtaking Golf
Gloria is perfect as a fantastic practice facility. Think Michel Gayon to truly understand the brilliance and the guarantee of a good game. Gloria was Turkey’s first and only 45-hole facility, tailored for enthusiasts of all skill levels. It features three main courses: the New, the Old, and the Verde. As the only club in Europe with a TrackMan Range system, a state-of-the-art technology used in the PGA Tour and preferred by over 10,000 professional golfers globally, the driving range comprises 48 covered bays, each equipped with a 27-inch screen and TrackMan radar technology.
In addition, there are six grass tee areas, five putting greens, six bunker greens, and seven pitching and chipping greens. Gloria hosts various tournaments against the Mediterranean and majestic Taurus Mountains backdrop, including the upcoming Gloria Özaltın Championship in 2025.
2: Montgomerie Maxx Royal – An Excellent Choice for Golfers
Designed in 2008 by Colin Montgomerie, a Scottish golfing legend, this 18-hole, Par 72 course offers impeccable service, as cited in many reviews. It includes eight lakes and approximately 7 hectares of bunkers. The nearby Montgomerie Maxx Royal, a fine 5-star hotel with luxurious accommodations alongside world-class facilities, easily caters to golf enthusiasts with access to special packages. Montgomerie Maxx Course and Hotel offers elegant accommodations and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, providing unparalleled experiences and having hosted the Turkish Airlines Open.
3: Cornelia Golf Club
With a common theme of designer Nick Faldo, the Cornelia Faldo course of 7011 yards and a Par 72 boasts plenty of excellent views. Attached to the Cornelia Diamond resort, this classical club has an outstanding reputation and is ideal for an all-inclusive golf holiday. Attracting seasoned golfers and the average golfer, expect fantastic service from the 5-star, luxury, all-inclusive hotel.
The Cornelia course, which opened in 2006, features a unique layout with three loops of 9 holes: The King , Queen, and Prince. It has a total of 27 holes with a par of 72. The Cornelia Diamond Resort, a luxurious 5-star all-inclusive resort just a few hundred yards from the fantastic golfing, also offers various amenities catering to golfers and families alike. Cornelia De Luxe Resort guests benefit from exclusive tee times, discounts on green fees, and high comfort and service. It is popular among golfers due to the exceptional design, challenging layout, and the high standard of the associated resorts.
4: Sueno Golf Club
Offering the Dunes and Sueno Pines courses. The latter is said to be a pure test of championship skill. With both courses just 50 metres from the Sueno hotels golf Belek, you can enjoy prime tee times and a course by Bob Hunt. Crafted by the International Design Group, Sueno Pines offers challenging yet enjoyable playing experiences. Adorned with 128 bunkers and 19 lakes, it is visually stunning and strategic to navigate. Similar to its counterpart, this course also creates a compelling experience with beautiful views and intricate design.
Staying at the Sueno Deluxe Resort or Sueno Golf Hotel enhances the experience, as guests receive preferential tee times. The club sits against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas reminiscent of Scottish Parkland, and guests can enjoy the dedicated Robinson shuttle service. Sueno Club has earned accolades, including a 5* Superior rating from “Hotels on the Golf Course” and being featured in the “Top 100 of the Best Golf Resorts 2023” by Leading Courses.
5: Carya Golf Course
This 18-hole championship course has a stellar reputation and deserves a special mention as one of the pioneers. Connected to Australian legend Peter Thomson, an internationally acclaimed architect, and inspired by traditional heathland courses in the United Kingdom, the design philosophy integrates strategic play with undulating fairways and majestic umbrella pines to accommodate all skill levels.
Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, the course winds through picturesque forests and offers breathtaking views along the coastline. Carya has excellent facilities and impeccable service, so local and international golfers often attend tournaments, highlighting the standard and appeal.
6: Kaya Palazzo Golf Club
As the product of David Jones’s brilliance, this Par 71 course, running along the breathtaking coastline, boasts luxurious facilities. With challenging holes and picturesque scenery, Kaya Palazzo Club is a must-visit to explore Turkey’s vibrant golfing scene.
The course is set in lush, well-maintained landscapes, featuring challenging holes and scenic views, making it suitable for players of all skill levels. In addition, Kaya Palazzo Golf Club offers a driving range, putting greens, and a pro shop. The club also provides golf lessons and clinics to improve their game. The clubhouse features a restaurant, bar, and lounge areas. Guests can enjoy beautiful course views while enjoying gourmet dining and drinks.
7: Antalya Golf Club
Antalya GC is perfect for a relaxing break with the backing Taurus mountain views and carving through a forest of eucalyptus. Featuring two courses, the Pasha Course is shorter than its counterpart, the PGA Sultan. Being enjoyable to play and with less water than the neighbouring course, the PGA Sultan is for discerning golfers, but designed to be played with the Pasha Course. With long and short holes and a prestigious reputation, hosting numerous tournaments, including the Turkish Open, this club won’t disappoint.
8: National Golf Club
With links to David Feherty and winding through a dense forest, the National Club was the first to open in the region in 1994. With well-maintained greens and a challenging layout for amateur and professional golfers, the National Club firmly established itself with strategically placed hazards, undulating terrain, and picturesque surroundings. In addition, amenities like a practice area, clubhouse facilities, and proximity to other courses make it a convenient choice for multiple rounds.
9: Lykia Links Golf Club
Think of golf architect Perry Dye to understand what this course offers, including those fantastic sea views. The links-style course adds to the ambiance, with the option of beaches and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Lykia Links is actually in the Manavgat area, not Belek. This 18-hole, par-72 course opened in 2008, making it Turkey’s first links-style facility. The course measures 6,924 yards from the back tees and beautifully integrates traditional Scottish links’ rugged charm with the Mediterranean’s temperate allure.
The stretch from holes 13 to 17 winds through dunes alongside the coastline, offering breathtaking views and unique challenges, including treacherous pot bunkers. The course is part of an extensive hotel complex with luxury accommodation and exceptional golfing. Golfers enjoy a well-maintained design emphasising strategic play, and with a solid reputation among golfers and high ratings based on reviews, playing at Lykia Links is a must-do.
10: Robinson Nobilis Golf Club
With a length of 6,465 yards and Par:72, the 18-hole parkland course that opened in 1998 was designed by Dave Thomas and as one of the first to open in the region gained a reputation as Belek’s premier golfing destination. The 10th signature hole requires precision in driving and approach shots to navigate the bunkers, streams, and lakes successfully. With challenging holes set amidst a beautiful parkland environment, Robinson Nobilis Club also boasts bent grass greens. It offers golf holiday packages, including options for group bookings and all-inclusive deals, hence the high rating.
11: Titanic Golf Club – Cullinan Belek Resort
The Titanic Club, rebranded as Cullinan Belek Resort, comprises two main courses: the inland Aspendos and Olympos. The first concludes next to the luxury Cullinan Hotel. The club is part of the larger Cullinan Links Club complex, which includes amenities that cater to golfers and guests. Built with European design in mind, enthusiasts love this club simply for the golfing landscape and unforgettable experiences. Breathtaking views at each pit add ambience to the championship style, alongside the Cullinan hotel where golfers stay. Guests booking with Jet 2 Holidays automatically receive three rounds in a 5 night stay.
What are the Best Golf Courses in Belek?
The website Top 100 Golf Courses ranks Carya as the best, followed by Cornelia and Lykia Links in second and third place. Carya, a heathland style 18-hole, 7,186-yard, par 72 course, also includes an academy and a new clubhouse, but the bonus is night-time lighting, turning it into a day and night course. Meanwhile, due to its seaside location, Likya Links is rated one of Europe’s top courses. Famous architect Perry O Dye designed the 18-hole, par 73 course, covering 6950 metres of the coastline.
How many Courses does Belek have?
Turkey has 22 fantastic courses, but 16 are in the Belek region. On the Aegean coast, Kusadasi also has courses, but its reputation doesn’t match the vacation packages offered in Belek. If it is your first time golfing in Turkey, some excellent destinations include the Montgomerie, the Cullinan club, the Cornelia club Belek, or the Maxx Royal.
Which Courses in Belek Have Night Golf?
The three courses to head to for night golf in Belek include the 9-hole Montgomerie Course, the 9-hole Cullinan Links Apendos, and the 18-hole Carya Course. These courses are popular during the summer, when golfers prefer to ditch the game during the midnight heat and enjoy cooler temperatures after the sun goes down.
Where is Belek for Golf?
Belek is on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, also known as the southern coast, the Turkish Riviera, and the Turquoise Coast. It is just a 40-minute transfer ride from Antalya International Airport on the main D400 highway, making it easy to get to by road or bus from other places in Turkey.
Is there Anything Else in Belek?
Given the reputation of golfing, one could easily assume that there is nothing else the town has to offer. This couldn’t be more wrong. Belek also has a reputation for five-star spa hotels and a long beach, with watersports. It is 35 kilometers from Antalya’s city centre, earning fame for Kaleici old town and two of Turkey’s best beaches; Lara and Konyaalti.
Aspendos ancient ruins are nearby, and the city is also near the Land of Legends Theme Park, which is Turkey’s equivalent of Disney Land. Belek also sits on the Lycian way trekking route from Antalya to Fethiye and covers many ancient ruins from the Lycian empire. The town belongs to the Turkish Riviera, so you should want to sail for the day or overnight on a traditional Turkish gullet boat.
Golfing Property in Belek
Naturally, like Spain and Portugal, wherever there is decent golfing, a real estate industry springs up around it. In Belek, most properties sit near courses, adding to the lure of owning a Mediterranean home. Additionally, Belek has become a popular place to own a holiday home and retire in Turkey. You can find out more by browsing our portfolio here, or call an agent today if you want to know more about property and golfing in Belek. Alternatively, Belek belongs to the Antalya region of Turkey, so the following articles will also be of interest.
The Popularity of Antalya: This region is Turkey’s top beach destination and ranks highly for domestic and foreign house sales. Antalya welcomes roughly 16 million international travellers every year and now ranks alongside Istanbul, hence its importance. This article examines why the region is so popular and what it offers tourists and house hunters.
What is the Nicest Part of Antalya? Three areas stand out on the global stage and earn international fame for their beautiful beaches, proximity to ancient cities, theme parks, water sports and crystal-clear waters. Antalya city is nothing short of fantastic when gauging beautiful places. Whether your top priority is excellent restaurants, a rich history, nightlife or shopping hot spots, or amazing views, the following three areas will get you hooked.
