Golf in Türkiye

About

Golf in Türkiye is mainly associated with Belek, a resort area east of Antalya. Several of the country’s best-known golf courses are located close together here, often connected to large resorts with spas, beaches, restaurants and transport to the courses.

Belek is practical for golf travellers because distances are short. You can stay at a hotel, play golf in the morning, use the spa or beach in the afternoon and have dinner at the resort in the evening. Many hotels offer golf packages where green fees, transfers and accommodation are combined.

The courses in Belek are generally well maintained and used to international guests. Many have pine forests, water hazards, wide fairways, fast greens and good clubhouse facilities. There are courses for experienced players as well as more manageable options for holiday golfers.

Golf in Türkiye is not only about the game itself. It is also a comfortable holiday style where you can combine sport with sun, good food, hammam, shopping in Antalya or Side and short trips to historic sites.

Where it fits in

Golf works well as the main focus of a holiday in the Antalya region. Many visitors travel to Belek specifically to play several rounds during a week, often through ready-made golf packages from hotels or tour operators.

It also works well as part of a regular holiday. If one person in the group plays golf and others prefer the beach, pool or spa, Belek is practical because the hotels often have many facilities in one place.

Golf in Türkiye is especially suitable outside the hottest summer season. Spring and autumn offer better temperatures for long rounds, while also being more comfortable for excursions, shopping and restaurant visits.

What to expect

In Belek, you can play large resort courses with good clubhouses, practice areas and organised hotel transport. Many courses are set among pine trees and water hazards, giving both attractive scenery and enough challenge during the round.

You can also combine golf with relaxation at the hotel. Many golf hotels have spas, hammams, gyms, pools, beach access and restaurants, so the holiday does not depend only on golf.

For more variety, you can add a day in Antalya old town, a trip to Side, a boat tour, shopping or a visit to historic sites such as Aspendos. This makes the golf trip more interesting for travel companions who do not play as much.

The golf environment in Belek is international. You often meet players from Northern Europe, Germany, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, especially in the spring and autumn seasons. Many courses and hotels are used to foreign guests and offer English-language service.

Practical planning

• Book tee times in advance during the golf high season
• Choose a hotel close to the courses if you plan to play several rounds
• Check whether green fees, transfers and buggy are included in the package
• Bring proof of handicap if the course requires it
• Check the dress code before playing
• Consider renting clubs if you want to travel lighter
• Play early in the day during warm periods
• Bring sunscreen, a cap and a water bottle to the course
• Check cancellation rules for bad weather or illness
• Plan rest days if you play many rounds in a short period

Tips before you go

• Choose spring or autumn if golf is the main purpose of the trip
• Avoid tee times in the middle of the day during summer
• Compare hotel packages, green fees and transfers before booking
• Read course descriptions before choosing where to play
• Bring your own golf gloves and balls, as resort prices can be higher
• Check airline rules for golf bags
• Use soft spikes or shoes approved by the course
• Allow time to warm up before your first round
• Bring a light jacket in the winter months
• Combine golf with a hammam or spa after the round

Good to know

Belek is by far the most established golf area in Türkiye. There are some golf options elsewhere, but for a simple and reliable golf holiday, the Antalya region is usually the most practical choice.

Golf in Türkiye can be good value compared with some Western European golf destinations, but prices vary a lot by season, hotel standard and course. The best months for golf are also the most popular.

Summer golf can be demanding because of the heat. If you travel in July or August, choose early tee times, drink plenty of water and do not underestimate the temperature on the course.