Travel Insider Nov 2009

Golf in Turkey is becoming more and more popular. With a beautiful climate and amazing scenery it's easy to see why the country is becoming a golf break favourite. Popular tourist locations such as Istanbul provide entertainment for all visitors, and with great world class courses like the highly rated National and Antalya Golf Clubs to choose from, Turkey is a must visit for any golfing traveller. 

Tempted by Turkey? guest feature by Gill Hamilton, Golfbreaks.com

Golf in Turkey continues to go from strength to strength, having been voted IAGTO European golf destination of the year 2008. Indeed, almost everyone I’ve met who has experienced golf in Belek raves about it, and most golfers I speak to have a trip to Turkey on their wish list. So what’s the big deal?

• Well the weather for one. The Belek region of Turkey is a great travel destination all year round – even in winter the average temperature is 17°C making it perfect for that winter golf escape.
• Flights are great value and only 5 hours from the UK. My spies tell me that certain low cost airlines are flying from London to Antalya in December from as little as £80 return.
• The standard of the accommodation and golf courses are top notch – and the majority offer all inclusive packages making them great value for money. The 3 main resorts we work with in the Belek region are all 5*, have golf courses onsite and are perfect for both individuals and golfing groups -

Sueno Hotels Resort 5*

This luxury golf resort opened in November 2007 offering incredible design, functionality and class. Set up on a plateau, there are stunning panoramic views of the 18th greens and man-made lakes below. In terms of golf, choose between the signature Pines Course, destined to hold PGA European Tour events or the Dunes Course offering a great test and finishing with an 18th island green.

Offers include, 5 nights' half board and 3 rounds of golf from £395

Tempted to take a golf break here?
 

Sirene Belek Golf Hotel 5*, Belek, Turkey

This all-inclusive 5* hotel is positioned right next to the excellent Antalya Golf Club. The PGA Sultan Course is the must play of the two, offering elevated tee shots, water hazards and manicured fairways. The Pasha Course is a good test also with some tricky dog-legs to contend with.

Offers include 7 nights' all inclusive at the Sirene Golf Hotel and 4 rounds of golf from £679

Tempted to take a golf break here?
 

Cornelia Deluxe Resort 5*, Belek, Turkey

This is one of the best all inclusive resorts in Belek, directly connected to the superb Cornelia Golf Club and the Nick Faldo designed courses are just a few minutes away. Set in dense pine woodland, the design is excellent with some of the finest greens and fairways in Europe. The hotel is positioned directly on a golden sandy beach, offers 5* luxury in beautiful surroundings. The 228 standard rooms each offer space and comfort, and most have sea views.

Offers include 7 nights' all inclusive and 4 rounds of golf from £575

National Golf Club, Belek, Turkey

Also recommended is the National Golf Club. Recently voted as the 48th best course in Europe, this 18-hole championship course was designed by Ryder cup player David Feherty and is the most mature course in the Belek region.

Further information and golf breaks in Turkey click here.


Great venues and breaks in Turkey

Sueno Hotels Resort 5*	Sirene Belek Golf Hotel 5*	Cornelia Deluxe Resort 5*
Sueno Hotels Resort 5*, Belek from £395 per person for 5 nights’ half board and 3 rounds of golf. Book a group of 8 or more and 1 golfer will stay and play free	Sirene Belek Golf Hotel 5*, Belek from £485 per person for 7 nights’ all inclusive and 4 rounds of golf. Book a group of 8 or more and 1 golfer will stay and play free Contact Golfbreaks.com for further information or call 0800 279 7988	Cornelia Deluxe Resort 5*, Belek from £575 per person for 7 nights’ all inclusive and 4 rounds of golf. This offer includes transfers, plus book a group of 8 or more and 1 golfer will stay and play free

GolfClubsXpress provides golf travellers with a hassle-free, safe and cost effective way of taking their golf clubs on their golf holidays.

GolfClubsXpress is a door to door service and can't really be compared with what the airlines offer. They free you to travel with hand luggage only, and still save you money when compared to the many other charges you can incur when carrying your own clubs, such as having to hire larger cars. Visit their new, streamlined website to see how you could save up to £70 per head on your golf trip compared with taking your clubs on the plane.

Here are the October 2009 charges for 1 x minimum 15 Kilo golf bag and 1 suitcase from selected airlines

Ryanair - £80.00 for 32 Kg Golf Bag or Skis £30.00 for 15 Kg Suitcase

Easyjet - £91.00 for 15 Kg Golf Bag or Skis £16.00 for 20 Kg Suitcase

BMI Baby - £35.98 for 20Kg Golf Bag or Skis £29.96 for 20 Kg Suitcase

Further information can be found by clicking here.