Destination Golf Turkey 2015 2015 | Page 77

Klassis Golf Club Kemer Golf Club The Kemer Golf Club, close to Istanbul, winds its way up and down through the lush Belgrade Forest. Designed by Joan Dudok Van Heel, a former golf professional and President of the British Institute of Golf Course Architecture, the 18-hole course opened in 1995, and includes an extensive sports complex. Given its forest location it is no surprise that strategic golf and pinpoint accuracy will be the requirements for a successful round of golf between the trees. But the course possesses other charms: the 59 bunkers are attractively contoured; four pretty lakes increase the challenges; and the big, fast greens can prove tricky. It ensures an entertaining day’s golf. Kemer may not be a course of tremendous length, but you will need to plot your way around carefully if scoring opportunities are to present themselves. The club has hosted both national and international golf tournaments, and the sports complex also offers tennis and Klassis Golf Club Klassis Golf Club The Klassis golf course was designed by Tony Jacklin, and opened for play in 1995. It includes an 18-hole course and a nine hole par 3 course. The full course finds a gentle, rolling rhythm between the 420 acres of oak woodland. It is a charming setting, located 90 km from Istanbul. At par 73, Klassis includes five par fives of which the longest is 473 metres from the back tee. It may not be overly long, but it is a true test of golf where positioning the ball sensibly on the elegant fairways is the route to a good score. Stray too far offline and you will find plenty of trouble. equestrian facilities. The course has hosted the Turkish Challenge Tour, indicating the strength and variety of the course. Other international tournaments hosted by the club include the PGA Seniors Tour and the European Club Cup Trophy. www.kg-cc.com www.klassis.com.tr Bodrum Golf Club Vita Park Golf Club Bodrum Golf Club opened in 2006. It is a short nine hole course made up of five par threes and four par fours. The course may only be a par 31, but there is plenty to entertain the visiting golfer including the friendly welcome in the clubhouse. This 18-hole course was designed by Gürol Büyük, and opened in 2008. Covering more than 170 acres the course lies near Milas, which is surrounded by sea on three sides. This ensures that temperatures never rise too high, allowing golf to be played all year round. It also creates a stunning setting for the golf course which is set amidst rolling hills. This moderately hilly course offers attractive views over the surrounding countryside, and the many trees and water hazards add to the experience. The most notable water hazard is a creek, which slides across the course and affects several holes. The club includes five tennis courts. Vita Park is an open course, its low fairways resembling a links in many ways. Waterfalls and seven lakes add to the course’s challenges and attractiveness.The park in which the golf course is set covers 500 acres, and visitors will get to enjoy more than 260 species of different migrant birds which pass through this area annually. www.bodrumgolf.net www.vitaparkgolfresort.com Destination Golf Turkey | Page 75