Top 10 Best Golf Courses In Istanbul and Other Cities of Turkey

Playing golf in Turkey is becoming more and more accessible. Although the best courses are located in the Antalya region, Istanbul also has a first-class course offer for fans of the sport. These clubs usually operate with memberships, but they also usually open their doors to visitors or tourists, although with higher rates compared to members. For those who visit Istanbul and want to try the region’s golf courses, we present the 10 best golf courses in Istanbul and other cities of Turkey.

For beginners who want to learn without getting too deep into the sport, there are options such as clinics and beginner classes. It is also possible to rent equipment from these clubs, although access may require advance reservations, especially during the high season (April to October). Overall, although Istanbul has a limited golf offer compared to other regions of the country, its clubs are not far behind and stand out for their quality facilities and proximity to the city.

Top 10 Golf Courses in Istanbul and Other Cities of Turkey

If you are a passionate golfer who craves an extraordinary golf getaway. Whether you’re craving a serene coastal backdrop or an urban oasis intertwined with history, Istanbul’s golf courses satisfy every predilection. Immerse yourself in the green expanse of the best golf courses, selected to satiate your desire for an immaculate swing amidst breathtaking views.

01. Atasehir Golf Club

Located in the heart of the Atasehir district on the Asian side of Istanbul, the Atasehir Golf Club is a green oasis in the middle of the city. This golf course spans 50,000 m², surrounded by approximately 2,900 trees and two ponds. The club offers five par 3 holes, with lengths ranging from 100 to 150 metres, and a par 4 hole of 190 metres.

In addition, it has practice areas for both beginners and advanced players, including a 12-part outdoor and 18-part indoor driving range for juniors. Facilities also include a 700 m² putting area, a 200 m² chipping area, and golf cart rental. With high-quality lawns and well-maintained bunkers, the Atasehir Golf Club is ideal for enjoying a round of golf in a dynamic urban setting.

02. Kemer Country Club

The Kemer Country Club, in Göktürk, Istanbul, is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Turkey. Founded in 1995 and designed by Joan Dudok Van Heel, the club offers an 18-hole, par 69 golf course, stretching for 5258 meters. With Bermuda grass, it presents a unique challenge for golfers of all levels. Facilities include a driving range, pitching/chipping area, and a putting green.

Visitors can rent caddies and carts, and receive professional training at the golf academy. The club also has a bistro and a restaurant. Surrounded by the hills of the Belgrad Forest, the countryside offers breathtaking views and a relaxing natural setting. With its excellent maintenance and hospitality, the Kemer Country Club is the ideal destination for golf lovers.

03. Marmara Golf Club

The Marmara Golf Club, formerly known as Klassis Golf & Country Club, is near Silivri, an hour and a half from Istanbul. Designed by Tony Jacklin, it features 18 holes and a par 73, stretching for 6072 meters. It uses Agrostis Stolonifera grass on the greens and Festuca Poa on the fairways and tees, with 75 bunkers and 4 lakes that offer an interesting challenge. The facilities include a driving driving driving range 225 metres long and 150 metres wide, and an 800 m² putting green.

The golf academy offers private and group lessons taught by P.G.A. professionals. It also has a proshop and dining and accommodation options nearby. The Marmara Golf Club is ideal for golfers looking for a stunning natural setting and a unique challenge.

04. The Mustafa V. Koç Golf Course

The Mustafa V. Koç Golf Course is located in Beykoz, near Istanbul, in a serene green valley. This golf course, which pays tribute to Mustafa V. Koç, a prominent Turkish businessman who died in 2016, was inaugurated by his widow, Caroline Koç.

The course has 18 holes, nine of which are designed in pairs, and covers a length of 5,810 meters. In addition, it offers a short game driving range and training centre, providing top-notch facilities for golf enthusiasts. With its picturesque and serene setting, it is the perfect place to enjoy golf in a tranquil atmosphere.

The members-only club ensures a high-quality experience for those looking for a distinguished and well-maintained space to practice their favorite sport. In short, the Mustafa V. Koç Golf Course combines nature and excellence in one place.

05. Titanic Golf Club

The Titanic Golf Club, located in Belek, Antalya, 8 hours from Istanbul, stretches for 2968 meters and includes three 9-hole courses: River Course, Mediterranean Course, and Forest Course. Founded in 1997 and redesigned in 2009, it offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains.

With Bermuda turf, the course features a driving range, pitching and chipping areas, and a putting green. The most outstanding holes are the par-5 River Course and the seaside holes on the Mediterranean Course. In addition, the club offers a restaurant and bar, as well as accommodation options nearby. The Titanic Golf Club is perfect for golfers of all levels looking for a challenge in a stunning natural setting.

06. Carya Golf Club

The Carya Golf Club, in Belek, Antalya, 1 hour by plane, is the first heathland-style golf course on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Designed by Thomson Perrett & Lobb, the course spans 260 acres and is surrounded by pine trees and sandy hills. With a par 72 and a length of 6,824 yards, the course has 75 bunkers and 4 lakes that affect 7 holes.

Facilities include a double driving driving range, a 2300 m² putting green and a golf academy with lessons taught by P.G.A. professionals. In addition, the course has golf carts with GPS and the novelty of full lighting, allowing you to play at night. The Carya Golf Club is perfect for those looking for a challenge in spectacular natural surroundings.

07. Kaya Palazzo Golf Club

The Kaya Palazzo Golf Club, in Belek, Antalya, Turkey, is known for its exclusive surroundings and high-quality design. Designed by David Jones, it offers a unique experience with 18 holes and a par 72. With a length of 6,824 yards and Bermuda grass, the course has 75 bunkers and 4 lakes that affect 7 holes. Facilities include an 80-metre-wide and 280-metre-long driving driving range, and an 800 m² putting green.

The club has a proshop for the sale and rental of equipment, as well as a restaurant and bar. There are also accommodation options nearby, including sea view suites and villas. The Kaya Palazzo Golf Club is ideal for golfers looking for a unique and challenging experience in a stunning natural setting.

08. Cornelia Golf Club

The Cornelia Golf Club in Belek, Antalya, Turkey, is known for its exclusive and high-quality design created by Nick Faldo. This course offers a unique experience with 27 holes and a par 72. With a length of 6,824 yards, it uses Bermuda grass and has 75 bunkers and 4 lakes that affect 7 holes. The facilities include an 80-metre-wide and 280-metre-long driving driving range, and an 800 m² putting green.

The club also offers a proshop for the sale and rental of golf equipment and sportswear, as well as a restaurant and bar for golfers. Nearby accommodation options include sea view suites and villas, providing a complete and luxurious stay. The Cornelia Golf Club is ideal for golfers looking for a unique and challenging experience in a stunning natural setting.

09. Lykia Links Golf Club

The Lykia Links Golf Club, in Belek, Antalya, Turkey, is the first links-style golf course in the Mediterranean region, designed by Perry Dye. This challenging course features 18 holes and a par 73, stretching over 6950 meters. It uses natural grass and has 75 bunkers and 4 lakes that affect 7 holes.

Facilities include a driving driving driving range, a putting green, and a golf academy offering professional lessons and coaching. The club also has a proshop and dining and accommodation options nearby, including suites with sea views. The Lykia Links Golf Club is ideal for golfers looking for a unique and challenging experience.

10. Sueno Hotels Golf Belek

The Sueno Hotels Golf Belek, located in Belek, Antalya, Turkey, is famous for its high-quality facilities and exclusive surroundings. The resort has two championship golf courses of 18 holes each, surrounded by a beautiful lake. With a length of 6,824 yards and Bermuda grass, the courses offer a unique challenge with 75 bunkers and 4 lakes affecting 7 holes.

Facilities include a driving range, a putting green, and a proshop for the sale and rental of golf equipment and sportswear. The resort also has dining options and a bar, plus nearby accommodation with sea-view suites and villas. The Sueno Hotels Golf Belek is ideal for golfers looking for a unique and challenging experience in a stunning natural setting. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Benefits of Golf

Playing golf has many uses and benefits, both physical and mental. Here are a few:

Physical Exercise: Although it may seem like a quiet sport, walking on the course (which can be 4 to 6 kilometers per round) and swinging the golf club exercises muscles and joints.

Cardiovascular Improvement: Walking long distances and carrying the sticks can improve your cardiovascular health.

Stress Reduction: Being outdoors and in contact with nature can reduce stress and improve your mental well-being.

Concentration and Discipline: Golf requires great concentration and precise technique, which improves your cognitive skills and personal discipline.

Socialization: It is a sport that can be enjoyed alone or in company, facilitating socialization and networking.

Low Impact: It is a low-impact sport, ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Things to keep in mind

Basic Equipment: You will need golf clubs, balls, and a suitable pair of shoes.

Classes: Consider taking classes with a professional to learn the correct technique and avoid bad habits.

Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with golf etiquette and the basic rules of the course.

Time and Patience: Golf is a sport that requires time and patience to improve.

Playing golf is not only good for your body, but also for your mind and social relationships.

Enhance your golfing experience by aligning with the crème de la crème of Istanbul golf clubs. These establishments exude sophistication and cater to your every golfing whim. Network with other enthusiasts and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people who share your passion. Not only do these prestigious clubs offer access to pristine courses, but they also cultivate an environment conducive to honing your skills and forging lasting connections.

Conclusion.

Playing golf in Istanbul, although limited compared to other areas of Turkey, offers an enriching experience for locals and visitors. The courses available stand out for their high quality and proximity to the city, facilitating access for those who wish to combine sport with the vibrant urban life of Istanbul.

As well as providing a space for physical exercise, golf encourages focus and discipline, while the green and tranquil surroundings of the courses offer a refreshing break from the fast pace of the city. Thus, playing golf in Istanbul not only allows you to enjoy the sport, but also to cultivate mental and physical well-being in a unique environment.