3 October 2008 | Turkey is developing into a major golf destination, with plans for the construction of 100 golf courses in the next two decades, combined with its reasonable prices, pleasant Mediterranean climate and ideal playing conditions throughout the year, international media reported.

“Turkey is well on the way to becoming a significant player in the golf tourism industry offering courses and a climate on par with traditional destinations such as Spain or Florida, but at a fraction of the cost. Being located outside the Euro-zone is also a major plus to those seeking reasonably priced golf homes or buy to let investments,” Dominic Whiting editor of the Buying in Turkey guide told the global property news service Property Wire.

The Turkish Golf Federation has plans to built 100 international class courses nationwide in the next 15 years, up from just 17 today, the publication noted.

Traditionally golf in Turkey was centred in Istanbul and the resort of Belek, 30 km east of the city of Antalya, according to the report, but the resort of Bodrum on the Aegean Sea now has three courses open or in the final stages of construction, with four more planned for the area.

As part of its plans to diversify its tourist industry, Turkey’s golf courses are geared to the estimated 60 million golfers worldwide but they appeal especially to the roughly 4 million golfers in the UK and Ireland. What attracts the latter group to Turkey are reportedly its pleasant Mediterranean climate, “alternative to the cold, wet British weather,” the frequent charter flights affording easy access and a short travel time and the lower prices of golfing in Turkey compared to traditional golf destinations.

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