Golf in Turkey
Merhaba and hoş geldiniz to Golf in Turkey!
Golf might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Turkey, but for us, this beautiful and diverse country was where our global golf journey began. With Menekse’s roots in Turkey, it felt like the perfect place to tee off our worldwide golfing adventure.
Istanbul: Where East Meets West—and Golf!
Istanbul. Just saying the name stirs your imagination. As the capital of three former empires, Istanbul is overflowing with history, culture, and charm. It’s a city of contrasts, where ancient mosques sit beside modern skyscrapers, and where you can sip tea on the European side while watching Asia across the Bosphorus.
And nestled among all this? Golf courses!
We were amazed to learn that Istanbul Golf Club, originally founded in 1895 as Constantinople Golf Club, is one of the 10 oldest golf clubs in continental Europe. What a way to kick off our golfing travels!
Surrounded by the soaring buildings of Istanbul’s financial district, we also played Ataşehir Golf Club, a 6-hole urban course that we found surprisingly fun and relaxed. We’d never played a 6-hole course before—and we loved it!
Golf by the Aegean: Kuşadası
From Istanbul, we made our way to Turkey’s southwestern coast for some quality time with Menekse’s family. And of course, a bit more golf!
Just outside the charming beach town of Kuşadası, we teed it up at Kuşadası International Golf Club. With rolling fairways and welcoming staff, this course gave us a glimpse into Turkey’s growing golf tourism scene.
We’ll Be Back for More
Turkey surprised us in the best way possible. While our golfing experience here was just beginning, it left us wanting so much more. There are dozens of other courses—especially in the golf hotspot of Belek on the Mediterranean coast—that we can’t wait to play.
Golf in Turkey might still be off the radar for many, but trust us—it’s absolutely worth exploring.
🇹🇷 Slow Travel & Sightseeing in Turkey
Beyond the fairways, we explored the incredible country of Türkiye slowly and deeply, wandering through ancient ruins, sipping Çay by the sea, and discovering charming villages and local traditions. From bustling bazaars to breathtaking coastlines, Turkey has always captured our hearts.
If you’re curious to see what travel looks like in this beautiful country, check out our Slow Travel in Turkey pages for more!
Golf in Turkey: Everything You Need to Know
Where is Turkey?
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey borders eight countries and has coastlines along the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas. It’s a cultural bridge between East and West, with ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes.
How Do You Get to Turkey?
Most international travelers arrive via Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the largest and busiest airports in the world.
- From Europe: There are dozens of daily flights from most European capitals.
- From North America: Direct flights are available from major cities like New York, Chicago, and Toronto.
- From Australia: While there are no direct flights, one-stop connections via the Middle East or Asia are easy and common.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Play Golf in Turkey?
The best time to play golf in Turkey is:
- Spring (March to May) – Ideal weather across the country, especially along the coasts.
- Summer (June to August) is playable, but it can be extremely hot on the coast.
- Autumn (September to November) – Warm temperatures and less crowded courses.
- Winter (December to February) offers mild play along the Mediterranean, especially in golf-friendly Belek.
What Are the Best Golf Courses in Turkey?
Turkey is home to a growing number of championship-level courses, especially around the golf capital of Belek on the Mediterranean coast. Here are five of the very best:
- Carya Golf Club – Turkey’s first and only fully floodlit course, allowing play well into the evening.
- Montgomerie Maxx Royal – Designed by Colin Montgomerie, this European Tour venue is both challenging and luxurious.
- Antalya Golf Club – PGA Sultan – A true championship course that has hosted several professional tournaments.
- Lykia Links Golf Club – One of the few true links-style courses in the region, set along the coastline with spectacular sea views.
- Gloria Golf Club – The Old Course – One of the most established courses in Belek, known for its beautiful layout and excellent conditioning.
How Much Does Golf Cost in Turkey?
Golf in Turkey is generally affordable, especially compared to Western Europe.
- Weekday green fees range from €40 to €100, with discounts often available for early bookings or resort guests.
- Weekend and holiday rates can rise slightly, especially at the top resorts.
- Most courses include buggy (cart) and caddie options for an additional fee of €15–€30.
- Many Belek resorts offer golf-inclusive packages, combining accommodations with daily tee times.
How Easy Is It to Play Golf in Turkey?
Very easy! Turkey’s golf tourism is growing rapidly, and courses—especially in Belek—are welcoming and accessible to international travelers. English is widely spoken at clubs, tee times can be booked online, and rental sets are usually available.
Even in areas like Istanbul or Kuşadası, we found the staff to be helpful and the experience seamless.
Planning Your Own Golf Trip to Turkey?
If you’re considering a golf holiday in Turkey, we would highly recommend it. Between ancient history, incredible food, warm hospitality, and stunning golf courses, Turkey offers a truly unique golf experience.
And with direct flights from around the world, it’s easier than ever to explore Turkey one fairway at a time.
We can’t wait to return and play more of the courses that we’ve missed!
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