Antalya
In 2012, the Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club hosted the world’s
eight best golfers. The Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals was won
by Justin Rose, but Tiger Woods (+6 after Day 1) showed that the
Sultan is a true championship test.
There are two courses at Antalya, spread across a large, gently
shaped landscape that was formerly eucalyptus forest and
swampland. European Golf Design and David Jones changed
all that when the PGA Sultan and Pasha courses opened in
2003. They wrap around the big clubhouse, sharing the acres
of trees and over a dozen lakes, but it is the Sultan that quickly
established an impressive international reputation.
Despite the ever-present trees the course still manages an airy
feel, but it may best be played by lower handicap golfers. For
more scoring opportunities, guests should try the Pasha course.
www.agc.com.tr
As the home of the British PGA in Turkey, the course delivers
length, quality, intrigue and challenges, as well as exceptional
facilities. It played host to notable events such as the Eisenhower
Trophy and Turkish Airlines World Golf Final. It calls for accuracy
off the tee and intelligent shot-making to well protected greens.
The long par four 18th typifies the design, demanding a tee shot
threatened by water all along the right, followed by an approach
shot over more water that pushes in from the left. Lose your
concentration for a second and an unforgiving splash will be
the end result. The greens, though, are relatively tame, reward
perhaps for reaching these smooth, silky putting surfaces.
Destination Golf Turkey | Page 33